#11
(09-18-2017, 05:08 PM)McNulty Wrote: I’ve been wet shaving for 6 months and now I am looking for a new brush  Huh


Welcome.

What brush are you currently using?

Why do you need a new brush?

What is your budget?



A few brushes I have that I like a lot.

Omega S brush ( not the Pro model) Excellent synthetic. Nice backbone, lathers fast and easily, very easy to clean. About $10. Easily my favorite synthetic.

Several variations of the synthetic Plisson type knot. Also nice performers. A little softer, less backbone. Prices vary a little depending on the handle, but generally in the $10-$30 range.

Maggards Black synthetic knot. I don't recall exactly but under $20.

Thater 4125/3 three band silver tip Badger. Excellent brush. Ridiculously soft. Nice backbone, but not as much as the S brush. My current favorite brush. $140.

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#12

Member
Detroit
Welcome to DFS! Hang out here for very long and you'll find yourself buying a lot of new things. All pertaining to shaving of course! We've got all the ADs here waiting for you. SSAD, ASAD, RAD, SBAD, you name it. Enjoy all of your new acquisitions and above all, have fun!

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- Jeff
#13

Lurker
Texas
I've found that to get the most bang for your buck and have it just the way you want it without compromising you must roll your own.
#14
(This post was last modified: 09-20-2017, 09:43 AM by McNulty.)
You gotcha me! I’m a fan of The Wire Big Grin
I already have a synthetic, boar and finest badger (virgina sheng) brushes. But I want to try a new badger brush, maybe a manchurian one.
I can’t decide between Zenith Manchurian, Shavemac silvertip 2-band or Thater 2-band. I need a brush for face lathering with soft tips. I don’t do circular motions but I do paint strokes.
Thank you all very much for the warm welcome and the help and sorry for my bad english.

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#15

Super Moderator
San Diego, Cal., USA
McNulty, your English is fine and the help with shaving products and techniques are why we are here.  Enjoy DFS. Smile

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#16

Vintage Razor Fan
Southwestern NY
McNulty, the Shavemac 2-Band Silvertip is an excellent brush! If you are willing to spend the $$$, then that is a great choice. There are several of us that have the Maseto Shaving 30mm 2-Band Finest purchased off of eBay. This is a really nice brush at a very reasonable price.

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-Rob
#17
(This post was last modified: 09-20-2017, 11:29 AM by McNulty.)
Thanks, but I don’t like big brushes. I am wondering if there are big differences between an high end brush (like shavemac or thater) and cheaper brushes (zenith, maseto shaving, etc...)
#18
I've been thinking seriously about a 26mm Shave Mac 2 band for my next brush.
#19

Posting Freak
(09-20-2017, 11:28 AM)McNulty Wrote: Thanks, but I don’t like big brushes. I am wondering if there are big differences between an high end brush (like shavemac or thater) and cheaper brushes (zenith, maseto shaving, etc...)

I think there are differences, primarily in the knot quality and construction. I'm a big fan of Thater brushes and have several - both in bulb shape and fan and ranging in size from #2 to #6 (Thater's system) which translates to 26 mm diameter knot to 28-33 mm depending on the model. Lofts vary as well (height of bristle from handle to bristle tips) which will affect the stiffness/backbone of the brush. I've found the Thater knots to be of excellent quality with virtually no shedding of bristles.

I have one Shavemac brush, in the silver tip D01 2 band knot. Its very stiff. If you're considering a Shavemac, I recommend that you go to their website and learn about the knots they offer https://www.shavemac.com/badger_qualities.html When they say that the D01 2 band knot has the highest strength and density, they mean it. You could scrub pots with that knot. Some people like that and some don't.

At the end of the day, however, you don't have to spend huge money to get decent brushes. Plenty of boar brushes in the $20-$40 range will give excellent service provided you handle them properly - always pre-soak and be aware of the break-in period. And there are many badger brushes in the <$100 range that will also provide great service. I have a Fendrihan house "Thater for Fendrihan" badger brush that cost around CDN$70 that is really nice. The knot is softer and not as dense as the Thater brands brushes but it really does a good job.

I haven't mention synthetic brushes because I don't really like them, however, there are plenty of men who swear by them so if you're interested in synthetics I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding someone on DFS who can advise you in that regard.

Cheers,

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