I made my decision to go ahead with my brushes having tested samples of a fan shaped brush. When confirming my order, I asked my manufacturer to produce a slightly flatter fan shaped head. I assumed the backbone of such a brush would be similar and since my manufacturer didn't advise me to test a sample of the new shape, assumed all would be well.
The difference in shape may be small, but it has completely altered the backbone of the brushes. I should have asked for a sample of the new brush shape to test myself. My manufacturer should have advised me to do this as well. So we have both messed up. And I have told him so. This photo shows the difference after use between the flatter fan shaped brushes I have received and the more rounded fan shape I had tested myself.
So where do I go from here? There is no doubt that the High Mountain hair is wonderfully soft, but it must be made in a shape, loft and density that will suit the modern shaving enthusiast who wants a versatile brush with adequate backbone to be a pleasure to use in a variety of ways.
So I am having more samples made using a more rounded fan shape (my earlier sample)
And I will also test a bulb shape version. So that's how things stand for now.
Meanwhile, I have some lovely brushes that will suit people who do not share the enthusiasm for today's stiffer brushes. I would describe the brushes as somewhere between an Edwin Jagger Silvertip, Edwin Jagger Super and a Kent BK4. These are all what I would describe as soft, floppy brushes.Others may more kindly call them more flexible. Take your pick. They obviously have a following.
I'll use my brush for a few days before deciding what to do. I may get to like it! At least I will learn the best way to use it.
