Handle size/shape, while completely unrelated to how the business end of a brush works, is a major factor in terms of how the brush feels in the hand (balance, ease of grip, etc.), as well as the aesthetics of the brush.
While not a factor in terms of how well a brush lathers or feels on the face, handle shape is important, as the comfort of a handle will directly impact how often you reach for a particular brush. In this regard, personal preferences should dictate what size/shape handle is for you.
There more handle shapes on the market than can possibly be described; here is a small sample of the various handle shapes/sizes currently available:
As you can clearly, see, there is a handle size/shape out there for everyone!
View attachment 21156
In general, handle sizes break down into the following general size categories (by handle height):
Small: Under 45mm
Medium: 46mm-60mm
Large: Over 60mm
The key considerations when deciding what size of handle is best for you are (i) the size of your hands and (ii) how you hold the brush.
If you have big, meaty hands with thick fingers, a small brush handle may not be the best choice for you conversely, if you have small hands, you might want to avoid the monster handles. This is just a matter of common sense but again, there are no hard and fast rules.
In terms of shape, a small handle with a ridge or flair at the base is really designed to be gripped by the fingertips above the ridge/base and offers few grip alternatives. As you get into larger handles and different shapes, you have more grip options for example, holding the brush in a fist or so that the base of the brush rests in the palm of your hand (the Shavemac with the black handle in the picture above is specifically designed to accommodate a palm grip).
Unfortunately, the number of options is astounding and its difficult to get a sense of what works for you based on description alone in this regard, the best thing to do is to try to find a shop with a good choice and just feel a bunch of different brushes in the hand.
Often, you find that manufacturers tend to put smaller handles on smaller diameter knots which may not work for everyone, as there are guys who like a small knot with a big handle. Fortunately, there are options out there as the picture below suggests while the knots are in the same ballpark, the handles range from quite short to quite tall, with considerable shape variation:
View attachment 21157
A last point on handles handle material.
While white imitation ivory/plastic is most common, there are other colour options available primarily black/ebony or faux horn.
In addition handles can be found in a wide range of other materials, including natural horn, wood, corian, granite, among others.
Other than the weight of handle (which affects balance/feel), handle material has no impact on performance and is entirely a matter of personal taste the only caveat being that natural materials, no matter how well sealed will require additional care and maintenance.
While not a factor in terms of how well a brush lathers or feels on the face, handle shape is important, as the comfort of a handle will directly impact how often you reach for a particular brush. In this regard, personal preferences should dictate what size/shape handle is for you.
There more handle shapes on the market than can possibly be described; here is a small sample of the various handle shapes/sizes currently available:
As you can clearly, see, there is a handle size/shape out there for everyone!
View attachment 21156
In general, handle sizes break down into the following general size categories (by handle height):
Small: Under 45mm
Medium: 46mm-60mm
Large: Over 60mm
The key considerations when deciding what size of handle is best for you are (i) the size of your hands and (ii) how you hold the brush.
If you have big, meaty hands with thick fingers, a small brush handle may not be the best choice for you conversely, if you have small hands, you might want to avoid the monster handles. This is just a matter of common sense but again, there are no hard and fast rules.
In terms of shape, a small handle with a ridge or flair at the base is really designed to be gripped by the fingertips above the ridge/base and offers few grip alternatives. As you get into larger handles and different shapes, you have more grip options for example, holding the brush in a fist or so that the base of the brush rests in the palm of your hand (the Shavemac with the black handle in the picture above is specifically designed to accommodate a palm grip).
Unfortunately, the number of options is astounding and its difficult to get a sense of what works for you based on description alone in this regard, the best thing to do is to try to find a shop with a good choice and just feel a bunch of different brushes in the hand.
Often, you find that manufacturers tend to put smaller handles on smaller diameter knots which may not work for everyone, as there are guys who like a small knot with a big handle. Fortunately, there are options out there as the picture below suggests while the knots are in the same ballpark, the handles range from quite short to quite tall, with considerable shape variation:
View attachment 21157
A last point on handles handle material.
While white imitation ivory/plastic is most common, there are other colour options available primarily black/ebony or faux horn.
In addition handles can be found in a wide range of other materials, including natural horn, wood, corian, granite, among others.
Other than the weight of handle (which affects balance/feel), handle material has no impact on performance and is entirely a matter of personal taste the only caveat being that natural materials, no matter how well sealed will require additional care and maintenance.
i personally have been most satisfied visually and in usage with what i have seen described as "persian jar";
Should you like to soak your brush in hot water before applying hair to soap, metal handles can provide for an unpleasant experience.
