So...I have determined that I really like brushes. I seem to have issues saying no to the badger, kinda like my Pug, but thats another story! I do have one lonely boar that I'll throw into the rotation every once in a while, but this is mainly a badger party. I have been spending time trying to determine what kind of badger brushes I enjoy the most. What qualities or characteristics I find most appealing about the hair, the handle styles and even the size. I have been on a mission to find a 7-day rotation that has the characteristics I enjoy, with a bit of variety thrown in for good measure. I have 6 of the 7 brushes for the current rotation in hand, with the 7th in the mail (thanks G.C.). At some point over the next few months, I will get around to posting some of the distinctive elements of each of these brushes. Of course much of this information will be subjective opinion, but may help provoke some interesting discussion on the most prized characteristics in badger brushes. I'm not sure what shape this will take yet, but I hope for it to be a fun journey with lots of interaction. Here are just a couple teaser pics as I think this through. Top View - Left to right Rooney Heritage Stubby 3 26/50, WSP Manchurian 26/50, WSP Superfine Stubby 26/52 WSP Manchurian 26/48, WSP HMW 26/50, Simpsons LE Best 24/48
That Rooney looks interesting to me. I've been thinking about a fan shaped knot Time to go looking at brushes.
I really like your handles, the colors and handle shapes are so very eclectic and diverse....A really nice collection you have there....
Nice collection, Chris! The question is: blindfolded, could you tell one from another? Not by the handle, but by the bristle feel?
Absolutely! The knots are actually fairly distinct. Even the duplicate I have is unique due to the noticeable difference in loft.
The Rooney Heritage Stubby 3 isn't the first one, it's the fourth. It is very interesting. I have one, I prefer fans myself....
The first thing that struck me in looking at your line up of brushes is that they appear to be roughly the same size, shape and length. I would think you would enjoy more physical variation besides the colors of the handles.
apologies, and I agree with shave7 above. and try doing something like a four days with each brush rotation. It gives you enough consecutive shaves with a brush to get to know it better. Do something like two days with soap, two with creams, a bowl and a face lather with each...
Work an ol' VDH brush into the rotation and then you'll really come to appreciate your other brushes!
You're right, as far as knot size goes, they are pretty close (all between 24mm-27mm). There are (3) different shapes included; (bulb, fan/bulb hybrid, fan). There is some differential in loft with some being under a 2/1 ratio (loft/knot), some right at 2/1 and some under 2/1. It is true that the variations in these types of specifications are quite limited within a certain range. This is mainly due to the fact that I have found that I don't like lofts that go much beyond a 2/1 ratio, because I don't like floppy brushes at all. As far as knot size goes, anything above 28mm is definitely bigger than I would like. I have tried a 30mm knot and just couldn't do much with it. With the knot shapes, I have really only tried these (3), though I would like to try a flat top at some point. So, I would call this more of a variety within certain boundaries . I totally agree. Thanks for the recommendation. I will probably use each with a cream and soap, then bowl and face lather to get a picture of their overall performance.
I hear ya...actually, I have a few more brushes, but they are not rotation worthy with these guys. These are the leaders of the pack! I feel like if I had 30, I wouldn't get to enjoy each one as much though... Thanks...I do see one particular handle style missing though. Don't have one of your beauties in here yet! Maybe when I can fund another brush...
