Soon-to-be first time brush user

[djr7572]

Well guys, I simply cannot deny myself any longer of a shaving brush. I'm basically a wet-shaver, minus the brush and DE razor (that probably makes me a non-wet shaver according to most of you). I've been existing with simply my Gillette Sensor3 razor and my tub of Nancy Boy shave cream (which has been just fine, but I know I can do A LOT better by simply adding a brush). I have never used a shaving brush ... ever. So this is going to take some practice and some getting used to. Up until now, I've always felt like incorporating a brush into my shaving routine would be a hassle and would only add time to my routine. After an extensive phone conversation with Charles at QED - the toiletry king - I'm pretty much convinced that introducing a brush into my shaving life will not add more than another minute, at the most, to my routine. If anything, it only adds PLEASURE!! By adding a brush into my regimen I can now enjoy all the wonderful creams and soaps that you all talk about on here. I've thought about purchasing Trumper and Taylor creams for use without a brush but then thought it would really be a waste of money if you're not going to use a brush to lather them. Why not spend a little cash and get the proper tool needed to enjoy those creams!!

So, I'm kinda dipping my feet in the pool here. I wanted to get some opinions on the brush that I'm considering before I buy it. I spoke, at length, with Charles about an appropriate first brush and we both came up with the following (see picture below). This seems like it would be a good brush at a reasonable price for someone brand new. What do you guys think? Here's the specs on this brush :

Pure Badger shaving brush 4.3"
Handmade shaving brush with 100% pure badger hair. Faux tortoise lathe-turned resin handle. 4.3" tall. $40.00

Note: In photo handle looks almost black but in actuality it is an extremely handsome semi-translucent amber shade of faux tortoise shell.

Important measurements:
• Handle height = 50mm
• Hair height = 58mm
• Overall height = 108mm
• Knot size (hair width at base) = 25mm


This brush would be considered about a step up from an entry-level brush. I think for an extra $10 it's worth having something slightly better. Any feedback about this brush would be really appreciated.

So, I'm soon-to-be off on my new adventure of brush shaving! Not quite ready for a DE razor yet, but definately ready for the brush. I think at this point the brush is more important and essential than a DE razor would be. I'm considering either a tube or pot of Trumper Limes or Rose as my first cream ....

So whaddaya think?

 

[mrob]

I think you've got it dead on right. Get the brush, and the creams and razors will follow!

Seriously, you've asked the right person (Charles) for advice, and if you follow his counsel you can't go wrong. Enjoy--we expect a review of the brush and your first English cream!

 

[McNutt]

I think 25mm is a good size for your first brush. I've heard good things about that brush, so it seems to be a safe bet.

 

[joel]

From all accounts the "super" badger version of that brush is a winner. If it were me however - I'd invest another $19 and get the "super" version of that brush and "SR-208" as it has the same size knot, and the faux tortoise handle, but has the much more luxurious "super" badger hair. Since shaving brushes will easily last 10 years of solid use... I'd do it once, and do it right.

If you are looking at a "pure" or "best" badger brush however (which is a step down for best, and 2 steps down for "pure") I'd highly recommend swinging by a Crabtree & Evelyn store and picking up a $35 C&E Best made by Edwin Jagger. It is a world class brush - quality, value and performance.

So Recommendation #1 - SR-208 fpr $59. Recommendation #2 - C&E Best for $35

 

[rtaylor61]

From all accounts the "super" badger version of that brush is a winner. If it were me however - I'd invest another $19 and get the "super" version of that brush and "SR-208" as it has the same size knot, and the faux tortoise handle, but has the much more luxurious "super" badger hair. Since shaving brushes will easily last 10 years of solid use... I'd do it once, and do it right.

If you are looking at a "pure" or "best" badger brush however (which is a step down for best, and 2 steps down for "pure") I'd highly recommend swinging by a Crabtree & Evelyn store and picking up a $35 C&E Best made by Edwin Jagger. It is a world class brush - quality, value and performance.

So Recommendation #1 - SR-208 fpr $59. Recommendation #2 - C&E Best for $35

What Joel said. I have both of these brushes....and I ain't giving up either one!

Randy

 

[roughrider]

You can't go wrong with either.

 

[djr7572]

Eh, why not spring for another $60 and do it right ... go for SUPER badger. I guess $60 is still a relatively small investment for something I will most likely end up loving anyway. Not sure I wanna spend any more than $60 though ... so this is probably a very happy medium for a new guy. So I'm up another $20 from my original plan ..... but if you guys recommend the SR-208, I gotta take your word for it ... you guys have used the brush so you should know.

Thanks for all the feedback.

Ugh, now I need to figure out what cream I want to get me going. Taylor seems to be the better value - and I don't hear too many negative reviews about Taylor shave cream ... other than the occasional inconsistency. I'm thinking either Rose or Lavender .... anyone feel the need to stear me in a different direction?

- Dave

 

[Scotto]

You won't be disappointed on the SR-208. It is a wonderful brush. As for creams, get yourself some samples to see what you like.

 

[mantic]

Here's another vote for the "Super" version of that brush. Its the closest thing to a "no-brainer" decision in the wetshaving world. In terms of "performance levels" here's my opinion:

--"Silvertip"
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-- "Super"
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-- "Pure"
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-- "Boar"
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V
//
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-- "Nothing"

--Mark

 

[Xert]

Dave, you can't do better than contact Scott himself to try out a variety of creams. As a newcomer to wetshaving as well, however, I've personally found it easier to get a more lubricating lather from D.R. Harris and Trumper's than Taylor's, so I would suggest beginning there before moving on to explore the value that Taylor's offers.

 

[Coche_y_bondhu]

Hello All,

I also have a $35 C&E "Best" badger brush by Edwin Jagger. A very good buy and a very nice brush, not too large and not too small.

But did anyone notice that the label on the back of the C&E "best" brush says "pure" badger?

C&E also has a $35 "pure" brush for travel. I wonder what it says on the handle for this one?

Irregardless of how it is labeled, the $35 C&E "Best" brush is a very good buy.

Cheers,
Richard
Plano TX

 

[djr7572]

Thanks guys. This is really a wealth of great information - I think I'm going to go with the SR-208 for $59 at QED.

And Scotto's got his own sample business so that would be the perfect source to try out some creams.


Thanks again guys, I appreciate the feedback.


- Dave

 

[rtaylor61]

Hello All,

I also have a $35 C&E "Best" badger brush by Edwin Jagger. A very good buy and a very nice brush, not too large and not too small.

But did anyone notice that the label on the back of the C&E "best" brush says "pure" badger?

C&E also has a $35 "pure" brush for travel. I wonder what it says on the handle for this one?

Irregardless of how it is labeled, the $35 C&E "Best" brush is a very good buy.

Cheers,
Richard
Plano TX

Here is a comparison of the $35 Best Badger and the Pure Travel Brush from C&E. First the front...then the back!

And the label says...

Richard, since yours is mis-labeled, maybe you could put it ebay as a collector's item that is "better than new"!

Randy

 

[JMT]

Ugh, now I need to figure out what cream I want to get me going. Taylor seems to be the better value - and I don't hear too many negative reviews about Taylor shave cream ... other than the occasional inconsistency. I'm thinking either Rose or Lavender .... anyone feel the need to stear me in a different direction?

- Dave

I would definitely try some samples first. Also you said you already had some cream, Try that with you new brush and it might just be the magic combo you are looking for.

 

[guenron]

djr,
Here's a my 208..

Just ready to beat some GFT Almond into submission!

 

[Jonnybc]

Are SR brushes made by Kent?

They look very similar to me!

 

[JMT]

djr,
Here's a my 208..

Just ready to beat some GFT Almond into submission!

Ron, do you have miniature pedestals for all of your brushes?

 

[guenron]

JB,
Simply stated by both the Kent Rep and I, "NO!"

 

[guenron]

Ron, do you have miniature pedestals for all of your brushes?

You noticed!

 

[Jonnybc]

JB,
Simply stated by both the Kent Rep and I, "NO!"

So what did the kent rep and you say when questioned regarding the remarkable similarity between the handles?

As far as I can see the name is the only difference!