The London Lounge

Gentlemen,

Does anyone of you has experience with these brushes? Are they worth their prices?

Regards,

Paul

http://www.emsplace.com/simpsons_shaving_brushes.asp

Compare Simpsons prices with these:
http://shavemac.com/

Any forumites try those pricey "high mountain" badger brushes? As a general thing, badgers prefer pastureland and plains to mountains although a few hardy badgers do venture to higher elevations. Presumably the colder environment causes them to grow longer thicker guard hairs in response. Anyway, if you have, do you think they are worth the extra money over, say, a "standard" silvertip badger brush?

The American Badger (Taxidea taxus) produces fur that is better for shaving brushes than the Eurasian badgers (genus Meles). Happily, American badgers are abundant over much of their range and seem to be extend their range eastwards. The decline in the popularity of shaving brushes had aided the revival of badger populations. The revival of interest in them may change this. I note that one state wildlife agency noted that the price of badger pelts had doubled in the past two years. If this trend shows signs of enduring, it might be wise to stockpile a couple of brushes for future use before the price goes out of sight.

http://www.classicshaving.com/page/page/800550.htm

The link above will lead you to the Vulfix page at Classic Shaving, where you will find an extensive range of high-quality shaving brushes made by the reputable firm of Progress Vulfix, which is located on the Isle of Man. One can spend a great deal of money on a fine shaving brush, but I know from experience that a Vulfix #2233 that retails for $55.00 does a swell job you may depend upon. I own both Kent and Vulfix brushes, and each brand has its own style (Kent is softer, Vulfix a bit stiffer, though very soft at the tip). Simpsons makes a terrific brush, but their prices are high. My advice: aquire a Vulfix brush and some elegant shaving cream--Salter makes fine creams, as does Taylor's--and use the stuff on your mug to find out if you enjoy the experience. Like bespoke clothes, shaving the distinctly old-fashioned way is rewarding, but it is best to start affordably, in case you should find it impractical.

I find the products sold on this site, http://www.qedusa.com are the best from a price/quality standpoint. The Saville Row appears to be a re-badging of brushes made for other shops, but I could be totally wrong about this. I've never seen them sold elsewhere, though. I can attest to the quality of the brushes though, as I own two myself and find they beat everything else I've used (including a pricey one mentioned in an earlier post). They lather very well and are buttery soft to the face. QED also offers some interesting "down memory lane" products so the site is worth a browse.

Savile Row brushes are manufactured by Vulfix.

Oh, okay, thanks

And that classic shaving site is great too.

I have one of the Merkur razors but use it only occasionally because I find it can be a bit harsh. It's great when I've taken a day off from shaving, though (this usually has something to do with a major home improvement project).

Phil wrote:Oh, okay, thanks

And that classic shaving site is great too.

I have one of the Merkur razors but use it only occasionally because I find it can be a bit harsh. It's great when I've taken a day off from shaving, though (this usually has something to do with a major home improvement project).

I agree wholeheartedly about the Merkur razors--I've finally settled on the Mach3 Turbo in combination with a good super badger brush, which seems to best integrate the old with the new. I do, however, use the Gillette blades with a properly weighted English razor handle. Again, Vulfix and Trumper make terrific razor handles from metal or simulated bone that are properly weighted, and therefore help to keep a fellow from pressing too hard against the skin, which, as you know, often causes shaving rash....

I use a Mach 3 for day-to-day shaving as I find it's most comfortable. I will look into the better razor handles as the weighting is certainly an issue. Thanks for the tip.

My pleasure, Phil. I think you will enjoy using the Mach3 with an elegant, old world-style handle--it adds a welcome dimension to shaving.

I have come to the conclusion that I must possess singularly sensitive skin. The Merkur that I tried for several months was too harsh but I also find the Mach 3 overly strident. After experimentation I have reverted to the Gillette SensorExcel, which has the added benefit of longer durability. Combined with a badger brush and Trumper Rose shaving cream I achieve a most satisfying daily shave.

whittaker wrote:I have come to the conclusion that I must possess singularly sensitive skin. The Merkur that I tried for several months was too harsh but I also find the Mach 3 overly strident. After experimentation I have reverted to the Gillette SensorExcel, which has the added benefit of longer durability. Combined with a badger brush and Trumper Rose shaving cream I achieve a most satisfying daily shave.

Interesting comments, Whittaker: I, too, suffered a period of Mach3 Turbo abuse, during which I fell back on the basic Mach3, and finally on the Sensor Excel, as you have done. Facial skin is so reactive to diet, exercise, and, most of all, sleeping patterns, that one must be flexible in the choice of blades.... I'm happy to know that you have found a winning combination!

I used a badger brush but found it superfluous. I stick to the Mach 3 after a warm shower, which is enough for me.

pemazel wrote:Gentlemen,

Does anyone of you has experience with these brushes? Are they worth their prices?

Regards,

Paul

http://www.emsplace.com/simpsons_shaving_brushes.asp

I did not really see the question addressed above.

Although I've yet to turn 40, I can report to having shaved with Simpson brushes for more than 20 years. During that time I've replaced one brush because a border collie puppy ate the handle and have bought two or three travel brushes because they seem to get lost. There is no question in my mind that, although expensive, the brushes are well worth it.

Whether you buy a Simpson or a re-badged (re-badgered?) brush, if is it badger, it will last.

Two pieces of advice that my father gave me are to stroke up and down like a paint brush rather than swirling 'round the face and to hang the brush bristle-down on one of the plastic stands. This treatment could account for the brushes longevity.

As to vendors, its a London thing. I'm very partial to Trumpers on Jermyn street and have also bought from Harris's on St. James.

Speaking of Harris's, they prepare a rather soothing "morning after tonic" that I can fully recommend if one is so in need

DDM

DD MacDonald wrote: Two pieces of advice that my father gave me are to stroke up and down like a paint brush rather than swirling 'round the face and to hang the brush bristle-down on one of the plastic stands. This treatment could account for the brushes longevity.DDM

I would think the paint-brush style mitigates the ability of the bush to work the lather into the whiskers. Arguably it will increase the longevity of the brush but at the cost of the best possible shave.