Definitely an upgrade for me
Bought this to replace my first brush, a cheap badger hair that did its job but was starting to show serious wear (the wood handle was starting to go at the point where it met the hairs). Definitely wanted to go with a non-wood handle after that happened!<br /><br />I spent a lot of time with the brush before writing this, because I wanted to get a serious impression of the thing before writing a real review. I like it! the bristles are definitely softer than my previous brush, which feels pleasant when I use it. I decided to use the tip given to make the hairs softer, using the soapy water and the &#34;soak&#34; in my shaving lather. Not sure in retrospect I would do it again? While I've gotten used to how it feels now, I think I preferred it being slightly more substantive?<br /><br />Also, since I did this early on I can't say whether it was the cause, but there are some sorta scraggly hairs around the peripheral that make the brush look slightly less than perfect now. Part of me wants to yank them out, but the other part of me worries if I do that other outer hairs will take their place? Anyway. Not a dealbreaker by any means.<br /><br />Going back to the handle, I definitely love the way it looks, and the slight heft of it in my hand. I would maaaaaaaybe prefer if it were slightly more hefty, but overall I like the feel. I also appreciate the it is slightly bigger than my last one.<br /><br />One final point. I've found that with this brush I have to be much more mindful of shaking out water before I begin lathering, as compared to my old brush. I see it as a good thing, as water retention seems to be a positive brush quality. Still, food for thought.<br /><br />Thanks to Latherwhip for making a sweet brush!
Rating: 5 stars