I have a confession to make.....

So I had a Thater 4125/2 brush that I bought to try out several years ago thinking an expensive badger brush might be the way to go. Let's just say I wasn't all that impressed with what I got price wise for whatever reason. I have several semouge brushes 830/620 etc. and a variety of synthetics (eight of them that have all different knots) that I thought were great and just as good. I even bought the Stirling fan for $39 and thought that was great also. It is price wise and I do like it.

So last week I was surfing some BSTs and ran into a Savile Row 3824, an Aristocrat #66, and a tub of sudsy soapery almond and vanilla for $190. I have been looking for a British aristocrat for a little while. I thought the price was to good to be true and that the razor had to be a super user grade offering. It wasn't and when the goods were delivered I pulled out the brush (still in the box) and I was shocked at how great it looked and how nice the handle was. I used it and have to say this brush has the best face feel I have ever had. I like my synthetic/boar also, but this one is just different.

Long story short: If you have a shot at a great deal on one of these brushes GO FOR IT. I don't think I would pay full price, and I don't plan on getting into expensive badger brushes, but give one a shot if you have the chance.

I had a chance to try a Thäter for a while (the same model you had), and thought it was something pretty special, so the Savile Row must really be something special! Nice to hear the “extra” in your BST lot is turning out to be a star.

Brushes are very personal, both handle and knot. You just have to find what you like, regardless of price. The regular ol' Simpsons Best Badger and Super Badgers suit me fine.

Cheers, Steve

EFDan , congrats on your good fortune!

Brushes are personal preference. I had a Thater 4125/2 in 3 band that I loved the look but didn't like the knot just recently got a 4125/5 which is massive in 2 band and like it a lot. But my preference in brushes in 2 band knots.

As for Saville Row's I want to try one but I'm not a 3-band brush fan, maybe one day if I see a deal for one. But a side note Thater and Saville Row brushes use Shavemac knots.

Brushes are very personal, both handle and knot. You just have to find what you like, regardless of price. The regular ol' Simpsons Best Badger and Super Badgers suit me fine.

Cheers, Steve

I've been looking at getting a Duke 3 for a long time now.

I wasn't too happy with my Simpsons, but man, Saville Row had always piqued my interest. Congrats and enjoy it in good health, bud.

I wasn't too happy with my Simpsons, but man, Saville Row had always piqued my interest. Congrats and enjoy it in good health, bud.

I haven't forgot about the soap It's coming soon I promise.

That sounds like a great deal! I might have to look for a deal on a Saville Row brush. I am a fan of the Thater brushes but as other poster have mentioned, its a very personal choice

That sounds like a great deal!  I might have to look for a deal on a Saville Row brush.  I am a fan of the Thater brushes but as other poster have mentioned, its a very personal choice

I should mention that the Thater that I got was early on in my return to wet shaving. It might have been as good as the Savile Row, but I think I was stuck in the whole, "Is this brush $100 better than the brushes I already have?" mode. Maybe it was and I just didn't realize it at the time. It would be interesting to have another 4125/2 to try out, but chances are that won't happen. I think I just got a really good deal on this BST that I probably won't see again. I asked the seller why he sold it for so cheap and his response was, "Well shit feel free to send me more money!" Great guy and I'm glad it worked out in my favor. I think he was trying to fund some Palidin brush purchases.