Tell me which brush to buy

If you're interested in Thater, I'd highly recommend sticking with the bulb shape. I've tried a few Thater fans and they were just a tad underwhelming in the backbone department. I do not usually go for the bulb shape, but Thater makes them beautifully. I have a 4292/4 2-band bulb and a 4376/4 3-band bulb. Both excellent brushes in their own right. Both similarly sized, with the 2-band having slightly more backbone, and the 3-band having slightly softer tips. The 3-band is actually just as soft as the legendary Rooney gel tip batch from 2011. As far as bowl lathering goes, I think both would be suitable, though the 4292 shape is more comfortable in my hand than the 4376.

The Shavemac 944 handle is kind of similar to the persian jar if that is what you are looking for. I"m a big fan of both the 2-band Silvertip and the D-01 3-band grades. The 2-band Silvertip has very good backbone, but soft tips as well. No scritch. The D-01 3-band also has good backbone, but has a hint of scritch and scratch, very pleasing if you like more  feedback/sensation.

I got the olivewood one.  The handle is very heavy, and the knot is one of the best I've tried for me.  The tips are very soft, and I can lather my face pretty aggressively with no ill effect.  The hair type reminds me of a M&F I have from a few years ago, where the tips are so very gentle, but not gel-like.  It really is something special and different from other options on the market.

The one knock I have against the brush is that the metal ring has some sharp edges that are uncomfortable at times when holding the brush.  It is also enormous.  I like all sizes of brush, but really I only need 22mm or so!  This brush is far larger than you would think, it dwarfs my Epsilon, my 2XL, my 26mm Shavemacs.

Do you have the dimensions? How tall is the handle and overall height? I cannot find a single review online. Are they dense like a Simpson? This sound interesting to me. They look unique. 30mm doesn't bother me. I measured my Chubby it appears around 30mm.

Have you weighed it?r

I don't have calipers or anything, but it's definitely bigger than 29mm, and loft looks like 52ish, tops based on other brushes I have. It has a fairly significant glue bump (similar to Semogue and M&F brushes) that really controls it very well without making it feel springy. Handle height is around 60mm and weight according to my scale is 108 grams.

For density, it isn't quite as dense as my Simpsons 58 Manchurian. It's about on par with my M&F 2XL. I wish I were a picture guru, but alas I only have the time for a very limited number of hobbies!

Thank you all. Lots of think about!

Any other opinions are most welcome.

Send your Chubby 2 to one of the brush artisans to extract the knot and have them set it into a custom handle of your choice!

Here's mine.

[Image: 4KCEFs.jpg]

Vie Long Silvertip - ProTip = Bullgoose having a sale on the 24mm Silvertip in Faux Horn Beehive. Excellent brush and my favorite Vie Long handle to boot!

Paladen Shaveing. Their 'L' knots are as soft yet firm as a yesteryear two-band super from Simpsons. Slightly better lather releases than current two band 'SiLVERTIP' from Simpsons.

The handle on 26mm Falstaff is similar to a chubby bit slightly longer and more comfortable for me. (I totally know what you mean by the chubby being a bit too stout at times.)

Currently paladen is sold out on all styles and sizes, but a second batch is coming soon and they are working to ramp up production.

Send your Chubby 2 to one of the brush artisans to extract the knot and have them set it into a custom handle of your choice!  

Here's mine.

[Image: 4KCEFs.jpg]

+1 for an alternative. Conversely, Mark (Simpsons managing director) is always open to making a knot if you send him the handle.

Thater without hesitation.

Shavemac 2-band silvertip and a custom handle - happy days

I know you had said you don't want to wait too long, but what about a custom Doug Korn, or Rudy Vey, or Nathan Clark etc.... IMO, Doug Korn turns the absolutely most beautiful long handled brushes, and will set any knot you request or can get your hands on. You might have to wait eight weeks-ish, but.. Just saying.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thank you for all the opinions!  I don't think a custom brush is in the cards. My patience for waiting is zero. I've been living in the "instant gratification" society too long. I want my pizza now and if its late, I want it free.  

The SV brushes are really beautiful. But the bristle length is identical to a Chubby 2.
Thater had been on my short list last fall. I still need to look closer at those.  
The unicorn hair from the top two square inches of Manchurian white badgers found only above 12,000' seem interesting - just not so sure.

I appreciate all the comments and now go to do some more research. But the SV wood handles and pewter ring sure looks good. Then again, I've never read anyone say anything bad about a Thater.