Graduation brush, for me

[desmoface]

Hey Gang, just received my degree from the local community college at the ripe ole age of 42 LOL. So, this gives me an excuse to give my self a present.

I have a Rooney Heritage Stubby 2 which is my soap brush, and an awesome one at that. The brush that I have been using for my creams (bowl lathering) is the C&E BBB; I have to say that this brush is great, I loves it. I guess what I'm looking for is a better version of the C&E BBB, stepping up a rung or 2 on the ladder of luxury, for cream use, bowl lathering.

Here's what I'm considering, but please feel free to make recommendations:

Kent BLK4: This is one beautiful brush, the ebony handle just does it for me..I love the shape of it..From what I've read, this is a soft brush and sounds a lot like the C&E BBB with better quality hair. Dunno if it may be too floppy for my liking?

Simpson Polo 8: The allure of a Simpson is strong and I've seen this one recommended as a great brush for creams. Of course, I'm concerned about all the QC issues I've read about. I've convinced myself that if I purchase through Lee or Em, I'll probably be safe if I get a bad specimen. That said, is there another Simpson that I should be looking at? Maybe a PJ3?

Rooney Style 3 Size 1: I love my Stubby, I have to assume that I would be happy with this one too. I must admit though, I would like to try other brands as I'm fairly new to this sport of wet shaving - I'd like to experience all that it has to offer. That said, this brush in ebony looks mighty nice.

Savile Row 3124: This brush did very well in the B&B brush wars, which earned it's place on this list. Upon further research, this is apparently a heck of a value. Are there other Savile Row brushes that would be better as a cream brush?

B&B Essential Brush: Definitely unique, but it's only seen limited use, albeit by a handful of very knowledgeable shaving connoiseurs. Seems to be a very good brush.

I sincerely value the knowledge and wisdom of the shavaholics on this board and welcome any advice. Thanks in advance.

Steve

[msandoval858]

When in doubt...

Buy the Simpsons.

You'll love it.

[Baloosh]

Cream brush, bowl lathering:

My vote goes for the Savile Row. I own the 3124, and like it so much I ordered another SR -- the 3330. The 3124 is the perfect combination of size, density, softness and performance.

[desmoface]

Hey gang, thanks for the replies...I notice that the Simpson has a fan shape and the SR has a bulb shape. I'm still learning, what would be the difference between the two shapes in actual usage? Would it be something that I would notice? Both of my current brushes have a fan shape.

Does Savile Row manufacture their own brushes or are they made for them by another manufacturer?

Thanks again for all the advice.

Steve

[IsaacRN]

Simpson.....Simpson.....

Did i say Simpson?

Grats on the Degree

[Michael]

B&B Essential Brush: Definitely unique, but it's only seen limited use, albeit by a handful of very knowledgeable shaving connoiseurs. Seems to be a very good brush.

But it's so UGLY!! (Just my opinion of course). Actually, I believe it's a Kent. I understand that Kent was making a brush for B&B so I assume (though I don't know) this is the one. Some say Kents are floppy. I say they're soft and luxurious - and can make lather from ANYTHING! But the B&B Essential? Not for me. BK/BLK any day.

As for Simpson? I have a Tulip T2 2-band that I love. Scrubby yet soft. Lathers soaps and creams equally well. An awesome brush. The PJ2 Best on the other hand, is a totally different brush. Perhaps not as flexible as a Kent...but close. Which means I like it...but don't buy one if you're looking for a stiff, dense, scrubby brush. It ain't.

[Padron]

Congrats Steve!! :D :cool:

Those are all great choices, I think the Savile Row or BK4 would probably work best for creams out of those you have listed due to their longer lofts.....The Savile Row would be a bit firmer with less bloom than the BK4....


Whatever you choose they will all be great brushes :D

Congrats again on your graduation :cool:

[Queen of Blades]

Congratulations on the degree, Steve! ::

I really like the BLK4 myself. It's my #1 brush at the moment, followed by the C&E BBB. Sorry, I'm not very good with comparing brushes though.

And of course, I have a Savile Row (http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4181) I'm trying to sell. If you are a thrifty kind of person it's not a bad way to try a SR without paying full price. Great brush, in my ex's opinion.

As for the B&B brush, well I don't know, after last year's brush I'm not so sure if I'd buy another B&B brush. I know, I know, different company, different brush this year, still................

[Baloosh]

Agreed, JoAnna. This year's B&B brush will only be a 19mm knot. Much too small for my tastes.

And that's a good idea for the OP to try out a Savile Row brush at a great bargain. I can't believe that your 3324 hasn't sold yet! :confused:

[Padron]

I think the one JoAnna is selling is a 3324 with a 24mm knot :drool:drool:drool

http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1056

[Baloosh]

Whoops -- my bad. Corrected my post above.

[drP]

FWIW: Polo 8 in best, a wetshaving icon....

[greendyk]

I vote for the BK4 or the Savile Row, not because the others are not fine brushes, but because they are more similar to what you already have in the Stubby 2 than are the Kent or Savile. (I refer to the bristles, not the handles).

John

[IsaacRN]

FWIW: Polo 8 in best, a wetshaving icon....

+1

[desmoface]

Hey gang, thanks for all the advice/replies. I've also been reading about the Simpson PJ3's. These look awful big but look to be good cream brushes..Decisions, decisions...Actually, this is the fun part LOL...Thanks again.

Steve

[IsaacRN]

I did just pick up a PJ2 super....its a nice size...about the size of my BK4. ITs a bit stiffer than the BK4 but not scratchy. If anything maybe that would be the brush for you.

[moviemaniac]

Just get a Kent, can't go wrong with those :)

[desmoface]

Ok gang, I've come to the conclusion that most of the brushes I'm looking at are not far off from my Rooney Stubby 2, so I'm thinking the Kent blk4 would be a nice contrast. Now, where to order? Has anyone used the Gentlemans Shop in the UK? http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/BLK4_Black_Shaving_Brush.html#a274

Thanks again for all the replies/advice.

Steve

[Padron]

Hi Steve,

I'd get it here:
http://www.kentbrushes.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=52&cat=Shaving+brushes

Check with Michael to see if they have a new discount code :D

[desmoface]

Hi Padron, you know, I bit the bullet and ordered from The Gentlemans Shop..Hopefully it's a smooth transaction..Thanks again for the reply.

Steve

[Jack Bauer]

Congrats on graduating!!!

[rick]

but
my vote is also for the BLK4.
If you like the C&E BBB, you will love the Kent.
Very, very similar but mo bettah :D

[Churchill]

Congrats on the degree and the new brush.
Hope you get great use out of both!

[desmoface]

Hey gang, thanks for all the replies and advice. Got the brush in 4 days from the UK. That's fast.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/Desmoface/Kent4.jpg

After it's maiden voyage
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/Desmoface/KentBloom1.jpg

Lost 4 hairs in 2 uses but I don't consider that to be out of the ordinary for a new brush. The second shave was with Tabac, just to test her on a soap, it worked surprisingly well considering it's a not a stiff brush. Worked like a charm with my TOBS Rose..

Thanks again, everyone.

Steve

[IsaacRN]

Glad it worked out for you.

[Michael]

Glad you like it, Steve. Interesting about the hair loss. I have four Kent brushes and the only one that has ever lost a hair is the BLK2. Don’t imagine 3-4 is out of line though, for most new brushes. I’ve just been lucky.

Different than your Rooney…isn't it? :rofl

[desmoface]

Thanks Isaac. Micheal, that rooney is dense with a capital 'D'. Works great for soaps, but like has been said, tis stingy with the lather. I find a painting motion is the ticket...The rooney has only lost a hair or 2..tis one solid brush. You have a few Rooneys yourself, don't you?

The BLK4 really seams like a C&E BBB with a bigger loft.

Steve

[IsaacRN]

I really like that Rooney....I mean...its not Simpson....but it sure is nice :)

[desmoface]

Hi Isaac, you know, I seriously considered a Simpson but was kind of scared off by the shedding issues. I would like to get one at some point, but can't really justify the expense now that I have the Rooney. The Rooney has been absolutely flawless. If I could criticize one thing with the Rooney, it would be it's density; sometimes I think it may be too dense.

Steve

[IsaacRN]

I said I woudlnt get another brush after my Simpson CHubby 2.....as its a PERFECT brush. That was 3 brushes ago :P

[desmoface]

Hi Isaac, it appears that your Chubby 2 and my Stubby 2 are quite similar in design, right down to the name. Quite a nice looking brush. I have to assume they are also similar in density?

Steve

[IsaacRN]

Ive never had the opportunity to use a Rooney..but the Chubby is really dense.

[Belegnole]

I just recieved a BLK4 as well and have lost 4 hairs in the first two shaves too. In my case I'm doing Proraso testing... ;)

[desmoface]

Wow, the same person must have made our brushes LOL..How do you like it so far, Belegnole?

Steve

[Padron]

Great looking brush Steve & Dave, Congrats!!

[mastermute]

Wow! That is a nice brush!

[desmoface]

Hi Padron & mastermute, thanks for the replies.

Steve

[Belegnole]

Wow, the same person must have made our brushes LOL..How do you like it so far, Belegnole?

Steve

I do believe i may have found my new creme brush. Up till now I have only had a SR 3118 and I like the little bambino quite a bit. The size is quite nice, as I can put the lather where I want it...not up my nose. While the SR is great with cremes something about the blk4 is even better with the cremes. Maybe its just the fun of lathering my forehead at the same time as my chin (j/k). It is a different brush with a different feel though the shedding better stop or I'll be making a badger coat....