About New Forest Brushes

During my research for Fido's Shaving Brush Blog I learnt a lot about shaving brushes. I collected and tested brushes across price ranges and makes. I discovered how they are made and who makes them. And all about prices, and the costs of production. And a lot about who buys them.
I had been thinking for some time about setting up a small business. But it had to be something I would enjoy. For some inexplicable reason, I love shaving brushes. They are delightful objects to look at. And many are a pleasure to use. The best ones are very expensive. And that's where New Forest Brushes comes in. I aim to offer a very limited number of good quality popular sized brushes at a price that the enthusiast can afford and irresistible to the collector who wants examples of different brands of shaving brushes.

I will build the business step by step and review as I proceed. Initially I will launch a brush, aim to sell out, then take a break before launching the next one. In this way, I can assess and react to feedback. My first brush is described below.

In the pipeline I have plans to introduce a Finest Silvertip, a shorter lofted fan shape two band, and possibly, a high mountain badger grade.

New Forest 2201 Two band Superior Badger

NOW SOLD OUT

The first New Forest brush

Unused

Used sample to show 'bloom'

It has a superb two band badger knot of 22 mm, and it's the first New Forest brush. So it's the 2201.The loft of about 50 mm makes it an excellent all round brush that will handle both soaps and creams and your preferred method of lathering. The head is made of redressed and resorted long best badger hair. This hair is a bit stiffer than silvertip but has soft tips. The length of the hair enables brushes to be made with only black and white bands showing above the handle. So it is commonly known as two band. Short or twisted hairs are removed, leaving the hair feeling soft and giving the brush a light appearance. The brush is firm at the base with good backbone but not stiff like some shorter lofted two bands, yet delightfully soft at the tips. The knot is hand made and the handle is lathe turned and hand polished.This is a fine example of the increasingly popular two band brush. At £25 it is simply the best value high quality brush you can buy. And just £2.00 for worldwide delivery. It's the brush you just have to try.

Approximate dimensions. (As each brush is hand made there may be small variations)

Knot 22mm

Loft 50mm

Handle 50mm

Height 100mm

New Forest 2201 Reviews

Some early comments on shaving forums:

"Fido,

Just got one of your twin band brushes and I have to say it is fantastic.

This one of the best brushes I have owned. No it isn’t a Rooney “Finest”. But it is damn close.

Fantastic quality for a stupidly low price.

Anybody who needs a good soap brush at a bargain basement price....you just found it"

" It is a very good face latherer and an all round brilliant brush for the price."


" This 2201 is absolutely the best bang for the buck...get one!"


" This is a sweet brush, very nicely done and a steal for the money one pays for it."


" Superb little brush with genuinely strong backbone and soft tips."


And a review on The Shaving Room Forum:


New Forest 2201

And Badger and Blade

New Forest 2201

These threads contain some really constructive feedback which I will assess fully before introducing new brushes. Indeed when I have sold out my stocks of the 2201 I will consider modifying my specification in the light of comments made. New Forest Brushes will listen to customers! And learn fast.

How to buy

Just paypal £27 to NFB@padh.co.uk

Quote New Forest 2201 and provide a shipping address.

It will be sent promptly, no fancy packaging, just a great brush. Lather it up a couple of times and it will soften up and be ready for use.

If you have any concerns about the brush, let me know. Return it unused within 7 days of receipt and I'll give a full refund of your original payment.