I'm a Cream Shaver, and I'm wondering 1.) What does a larger knot size really do for me? 2.) At what size am I past the point of diminishing returns (especialy when $expense$ is consdiered)? my next brush is probably going to be a shavemac or savile row.
Beats me, Jeff. It really does. I think it has more to do with density than knot size. Most folks seem to think that a smaller, more dense knot it best for soaps while a larger, perhaps less dense one is better for creams. I have brushes ranging from a 22mm Simpson Tulip T2 to a 27mm (I think) Kent BK8. The Tulip is quite dense, the BK is not. As far as I can tell, the only reason the T2 is better suited for soaps is that it fits the soap tub better (the Kent's kinda large). Both do a superb job lathering either creams or soaps. Just my opinion, but I think it's a matter of personal preference. The smaller ones will give you a bit better control (if that even matters), but in my experience, either will lather anything you choose to throw at them. If you prefer a smaller knot, you'll still be able to lather creams quite well...at least I can. You may well hear others with differing opinions chime in later, but that's how I feel about it.
I think it just comes down to personal preference. You can make more lather quicker with a big one, but for me personally, they're just too messy. I like a knot around low 20's myself. To me, the quality that makes a brush more suited for soaps would be how firm those bristles are. Firmer can work better with a soap, but it doesn't really matter for cream. The difference here is very subtle, although I do think my omega boar works better making lather with soaps, but it doesn't feel quite as soft on the face. For me, i'm not a fan of job specific brushes.
As Bobby said, a larger knot size will make lather faster. A larger brush can also be viewed (to some?) to be more luxurious. I do find this to be the case.....something about smothering your face in a giant brush. But, for me a giant brush isn't something to use everyday. For daily use, I wouldn't recommend anything bigger than 24mm. As far as expense, the perceived value is in the eye of the beholder.....and I feel that if you find a brush that suits your tastes, go for it. If you can afford it, its worth it to you. With few exceptions, brushes aren't assigned arbitrary price tags.
Ahhh... the price/value option. Well, it depends on which brand you buy. A 30mm Plisson will tear a deep hole in your budget, if you get a German Bock brush of the same size you pay just a quarter of the prize of a Plisson and get the same quality. The same goes for those Simpsons - overprized by FAR. But, of course, different people have different opinions of value. I have a 29mm Bock Silvertip brush. It's a real beauty and at just 70€ a steal. It lathers everything in an instant and is pure luxure to the face. But, ya know, some like 'em big, some like 'em small - everyone has to find out for themselves.
Jeff, I find my bigger knot brushes hold a bit more water and make a longer lasting lather.. I prefer the dense and large knots as a result.
My favorite brush has a 24 mm knot. I can use that brush for about anything. I have a 26 mm brush that I like quite a bit too but its really bigger than I need and I do think that if I add to my brushes I will look for something in the 20-22 mm size for my next one.
I was given a brush for my birthday a couple of years back that I'm guessing is around 28 or 30 mm. You all probably know it. Its the large Caswell Massey brush. Any way I hardly use it any more. It makes to much of a mess while I'm lathering up. It holds a gallon of water and suds are flying all around the bathroom while I am using it. It also feels like I am getting hit in the face with a wet mop. I bought an Omega 24mm knot brush and know I feel I am getting the best of both worlds. I have a brush for both hard soaps and for the occasional cream I pick up. The 24mm seemed to be a more practical size to go with in my humble opinion. I have found that a brush that is more densely packed will sometimes perform as well or better than a larger brush.
I believe that a brush preference is like EVERYTHING else in wetshaving....SO very particular to each face and nose. I may hate a brush that you really enjoy. I have to try many different things. I like bigger knots..BUT knot always hahahaha I like small vintage badger knots..vintage is usually smaller. I'd like to find some big vintage badger knots... YET I like the Kent BK8 that is a fairly big knot. Ya gotta try em out..Badger and boar, big and small The inconsistancies of all things wetshaving is pretty cool, I feel
Of what I have I like a 24~25 mm size. But when I got my BK8, I thought I should have got the BK12 instead. Needless to say I would like to try and even Bigger brush than the BK8 that I have.
I thought I was a fan of a smaller brush/knot. Then I got a Simpson's Duke 1. No matter how densely I pack that brush, it's always weak by the final (3rd) pass. Love the brush otherwise, but in hind site I should have gone with a 2 or even a 3. Oh well, I have plenty of other brushes to play with.
You can also purchase from Plisson direct, though I don't think they will offer you a 20% discount if you tell them you're a shaving forum member (Atkinson's will).
I am not enamored with a really large knot, as, I have never really ascribed to the urban theory about knot size being directly related to pleasure. I find a smaller knot is just so much easier to handle and comfortable in my hand. More than a handful is really a waste. Wait, I think I am confused about the topic!!!! Hmmmm. :happy102
