Why use a brush?

[Daven]

I see that many people use a brush to apply their shaving lotion. What is the advantage to  using a brush instead of just using your hand?

[Mikekoz13]

Well besides the fact that it feels great!!!...........  a brush is a natural exfoliator and you will use less product with a brush. Additionally you get a nice even layer of your shaving cream, soap, etc. with a brush.

[warhawk]

I see that many people use a brush to apply their shaving lotion. What is the advantage to  using a brush instead of just using your hand?

Hi Daven:  All I gotta say is that a shaving brush will boost up your face and head shaving routine big time.  I always use a shaving brush when I use my shave soaps or creams.  It generates thick lather and consistent lather that will provide excellent protection when you shave.

Most especially if you use quality shave soap such as Mike's Natural Soaps, Cella, RazoRock, Mystic Water Soap.  Or shaving creams such as Taylor of Old Bond Street, AoS, or Nancy Boy.

Here is a link on more information.  You might also want to check out www.badgerandblade.com.  It is an excellent site for the wet shaving community.

http://www.getholistichealth.com/2698/why-use-a-shaving-brush/

WARHAWK

[-Doug-]

I'll second both of Mike's point. I've found that I use much less product when I use a brush.  I usually have enough left ton my brush after head shaving that I can use it to shave my face.

[mrzed]

I use a brush because I can lather up the head slick/shave secret combo nicely.  Then re-apply, then re-apply if I want. Just add a dab more water to the brush.  i.e. spreads the shave cream out further without having to get more out of the dispenser.

I think the lather goes further with a brush.  And it does feel good.

[xabydaddy]

All of the below!!!

[Sir Harry]

I agree with all of the posts above.....but ever since using a brush, I get a BBS shave that lasts 36 hours or more depending on what razor I use....Most importantly, I think I have nicked myself only once since using a shaving brush....Further, it's harder  to miss spots with a brush as opposed to a hand...my 0.02

[Dmac]

You guys sold me! Just ordered a brush and soap based on the recommendations here and your glowing reviews

[pjm789]

Been using both boar and badger brushes for some years now.  There's nothing quite like the results you get.  Even an inexpensive brush will give you a new shaving experience.  I highly recommend using one.

[Roger]

Question.  What price would you guys say is reasonable to pay for a brush?  I went to the Art of Shaving website (we have a store near my home) and saw prices from $50 bucks up to several hundred bucks!  YIKES!  I then busted out the Google Fu and saw badger brushes starting at around $13 bucks.

[Goatee]

I only started to use a brush when I shaved my head and now use it for around my beard. Wouldn't do it any other way now. Mine was a very cheap brush.

[Mike E. P.]

Question.  What price would you guys say is reasonable to pay for a brush?  I went to the Art of Shaving website (we have a store near my home) and saw prices from $50 bucks up to several hundred bucks!  YIKES!  I then busted out the Google Fu and saw badger brushes starting at around $13 bucks.

I went into an Art of Shaving store recently and ran right out of that after seeing that a "royal" shave was $55!

[Cave Dweller]

Art of Shaving is an enigma to me. Does any man REALLY need a $200 silver handle for his Gillette razor?

The best brush I bought was a $9 boar with a plastic handle from a grocery store. It has firm but not prickly bristles that feel good on the skin. My kids gave me a much more expensive, wood-handled badger for Fathers' Day. I use it because of them, but keep the boar close by.

[Roger]

After I posted my question above I did some more searching on the forum. 

I think the phrase I'm looking for is that "The Art of Shaving store is whack, yo."   

[Mikekoz13]

I bought a Vulfix brush from italianbarber.com a while back. I think it was about $22.... and it's very nice.