I'm looking at getting a new brush, specifically for hard soap. Something very soft, but with backbone. The Omega 636 and 637 both caught my attention over at WCS, and I was wondering if anybody here has words of wisdom about either.
I would buy the one that fancies your eye. Here's why - First, if you like it, you'll use it and not regret getting it. B) Personally I don't believe there are "cream" brushes or "soap" brushes. I have numerous brushes of different sizes of badger, boar and badger/boar mix. No problems with any of them used for soaps or creams. Yeah, each one performs differently, but it's a matter of learning how to use the tool. 3) Take the above as just my opinion.
I agree with the first part. However, I haven't found any description of the extensive properties of the knots. What I meant by soap brush was "a brush that has lots of backbone, and very soft tips". My current brush only fulfills the latter criterion (it's a C&E super, big fluffy paintbrush knot).
I'm no pro, but my thoughts are that a smaller knot, shorter loft (636) is a bit stiffer than a bigger knot, longer loft (637). I have heard of people putting a band of some sort (rubber band, o-ring, hair band) around the base of a knot to stiffen the brush. In effect this just shortens the loft. Beautiful choices to be made, by the way. Which ever one you get, enjoy it in good health.
My suggestion would be to find a nice looking vintage handle, or perhaps a new handle from one of the many brush artists on our board and slap a 24mm TGN Over-stuffed Finest Badger knot in it, set with a shortish loft. The cost is about the same, maybe a bit cheaper, and you will have a one-of-a-kind little treasure to call your own.
Well, frankly, the 636 is $50 shipped, and it's a really cool looking amber handle with gold hardware. That being said, who here does wood or horn handles? A custom brush would be a major shaving geek bonus.
I dunno about horn, but for sure on the wood side is Mycarver, RudyVey, Thecopperhat, Cooncatbob, and I have seen references to Rodd, but I have not seen any threads other than the brush he did for QOB awhile back. There are probably others that I am missing, but these that I have listed seem to be regular posters. The only one that I have personally dealt with is Rudy Vey.
I have a Omega silvertip but not the models you are looking at. The knot of my silvertip is extremely soft , the softest brush I own. Not much in the way of backbone, my impression is that its a cream brush with a kick of luxury. My own view is that boar brushes are tough enough for hard soaps and as you use them and break them in , they become as soft as silvertips. Omega Professional brushes are my favorites for soaps and really are huge bargains. This is just intuition but I think quite a few shavers buy into badger brush hype then later come to feel that Omega boars are their first choice for daily shaving. With high end badgers you have to be careful in soap lathering , you can damage the bristles, with Omega boars you can cowboy that inexpensive brush , its tough enough and then soft to the face.
You've got my attention There's definitely a good argument for boar brushes when it comes to soap. Especially the price point. Top of the line omega for under $20 shipped. Boar is definitely a candidate now. As far as silvertips go, what can I get that's going to give me good backbone for soap?
I can't answer that one. My only silvertips are a Shavemac and the Omega. However I read 100 times that the Rooney style 3, size 1 in Best, the 3-1 was a good soap brush. I got one and found it is nice, very dense, comfortalble and with good backbone. It really works with soaps more than creams. Its not really a expensive brush either. Because of a thread on the Den I am trying out a Vie Long horsehair brush. Its said its between a badger and boar and although I have just begun using that does seem to be the case. Soft to the face and more backbone than some of the other badger brushes I have in that $40 price range.
