Crown King Switchback 400 synthetic brush/ Two Thumbs up

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I recently picked up the Crown King Switchback 400 brush just because I loved the way it looked. It also came with two quality synthetic knots (see quote below from Phoenix/Crown Kings web page about the knots). The cost was $49.95. This was my first synthetic brush and to my surprise I just love it. This brush feels great on the face as well as in the hand. The cast metal handle is great and the balance and weight is just right (feels hefty). It also whips up some pretty darn good lather with soaps and creams. This brush has become my favorite to date over my current Bore and my mid quality mid priced Badger brushes (I personally don't own any real high end Badgers).

Happy Shaves To All,
Bill G

(Quote from manufactures web page concerning knots)

Two Knots Are Better Than One!
Included is our Teddy Bear Hair DURO and Suave Synthetic Knots so you may customize the brush to your shave, be it in feel or depending on the soap you use. These are two of the most sought after synthetic knots currently out there and you get them both...for the cost of one...win!
The DURO Synthetic Teddy Bear Hair knot has more back bone than it's cousin, the Suave. It's a tad punchier and rather than a synthetic version of a Badger, this would be the synthetic version of a Boar.
The Suave Synthetic Teddy Bear Hair knot will be reminiscent of a certain other brush on the market currently but quite denser, larger, and more tightly packed, plus set deeper to provide more back bone.
Have your own knot of choice? Then pick up a "Blank" to mount your own!

 

I just can't see myself ever buying anything that will benefit that man - but to each his own and happy you like your brush

 

What did Erik do to you?

 

Ok,

So you have a problem with I am guessing here Douglas for what ever the reason. I don't know what that reason is, nor should I.. What I say next is not meant to offend. (Quote), you say to each his own as if I acutely new what your issue was with him and decided to do business with him anyway. Well, that issue what ever it may be is your issue. It does not change the performance of the product I reviewed and my like for it or maybe someone else's interest in the brush. (It's a pretty cool shave brush).

Best Regards,
Bill G

 

It's a beautiful brush all around Bill, i'm glad it's working nicely. I have two synthetics myself and have yet to find something they can't do.

 

Why can't a member post a new piece of shaving gear that they are proud to own without the choir chiming in on?! Why?! Let it go!

Here's what my wife and I told our kids when they were young.

If you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all.

 

Bill,
I have the same brush, you're absolutely correct!! It's a fantastic brush. Great quality, price, two brushes in one. I took off the colored o-ring and used Teflon tape.
Enjoy your brush.
Kerry

 

Kerry,

I am glad to hear you like your brush too. I am just curious was there an issue with the O ring? Teflon tape would for sure do the job sealing and protecting the threads.

Happy Shaves,
Bill G

 

Oh no issues with the o ring, I just didn't like it.
Kerry

 

Nice brush Bill. Crown King has some great products at very reasonable prices.

 

What kind of metal is the handle made of? Is it solid, or hollow?

 

Glad to hear you like the synthetic Brush Bill. They really are great! Haven't tried this particular one, but it is modeled after Everready, which are good brushes as well.

 

I am not sure about the metal material used but it is a plated cast metal handle and it is hollow. It is a very well done piece and seems to be of a decent quality. I do love the length of the handle and also the feel and weight of it. It would have been really nice if it was a solid machined billet handle but that would have driven the cost up by two to three times what this brush cost..

Happy Shaves,
Bill G

 

Solid aluminum would be nice.

 

Agreed....Would have been real nice.

Happy Shaves,
Bill G

 

You got me curious about this so I did a little checking. What I found out is, Crown Kings web page says the handle is made out of Zink Alloy.

Happy Shaving,
Bill G

 

Zinc alloy? What's it plated with?

 

Description from Crown King web page states,

Zinc Alloy/Rustic/Antique Style Chrome Plating.

Shave On,
Bill G

 

Kerry,

Thank's for the Teflon tape idea. I just did the same thing to my Switck Back 400 brush. I just removed the O ring and put a few layers of the Teflon tape on the threads to seal them. I found the O ring to leak a little and found water inside the hollow cast metal handle after removing the Knot.This pretty much told me the O ring was not sealing correctly. I had originally tightened the Knot down with a little crush on the O ring to seal it. Like you, I also like the look of the brush better without the O ring. Also the Knots will now go on a tread more without the O ring installed and seat flush against the handle.

See pic without O ring installed between Knot and handle..

Take Care & Happy Shaves,
Bill G

 

Excellent! Yes, a much better fit and seals so much better.