The Gentle Shave: Zenith Brushes and More.

I just listed some brushes that have been out of stock. Also starting to list some new brushes.

Check them out here.

Well, I just got a Zenith 2 band Manchurian from jankdc in the mail today.

I've got to say, it's very impressive. I'm going to give it its ritual shampoo and soak, and lather it up tomorrow.

I put it side by side with my Chubby 2 Manchurian, and the knots are comparable, visually and by feel-the Simpson's is a different dimension, but the density is similar. Of course, the proof of the pudding is in the lathering, but if it lathers as well as it looks, it's going in the rotation!

I just ordered the Chromed boar B19 model. On average what is the break-in period for your boar brushes? Thank you and I am really looking forward to receiving it.

I just ordered the Chromed boar B19 model. On average what is the break-in period for your boar brushes? Thank you and I am really looking forward to receiving it.

Mine was good from the get go. I've never had an issue creating lather with it. Soft tips and no funk either!

Thanks for the reply!

Good to know. I got the last ceramic boar for now. I was eyeing it for a while now.

Well, I just got a Zenith 2 band Manchurian from jankdc in the mail today.

I've got to say, it's very impressive. I'm going to give it its ritual shampoo and soak, and lather it up tomorrow.

I put it side by side with my Chubby 2 Manchurian, and the knots are comparable, visually and by feel-the Simpson's is a different dimension, but the density is similar. Of course, the proof of the pudding is in the lathering, but if it lathers as well as it looks, it's going in the rotation!

How does it compare?

Too early in the process to make a proper evaluation: I think that it will take a few latherings to get a 'feel' for the brush.

On first use, it lathered very well, stood up to the soap very well, loaded quickly, released the lather well. I face lathered for the shave, and then did a test bowl lather.

In both cases, it produced a good lather with little effort.

As far as comparison to the Simpson Chubby Manchurian, I think the shape of the knots are different enough that it's hard to make a head-to-head comparison. A mid-sized Duke would probably be a fairer comparison. I will say that on first use, the Zenith had a bit more 'scritch' to it than my other Manchurians, but those are well broken in brushes, and this was my first use. Plenty of backbone to the Zenith, as you would expect from a two-band Manchurian knot.

I'm going to do some more testing, probably use this every other day for a week or so to see how it does.

I just ordered the Chromed boar B19 model.  On average what is the break-in period for your boar brushes?  Thank you and I am really looking forward to receiving it.

Zenith uses a fine bristle for the brushes so they feel pretty broke in when new. However, they really start to come in after about 6 months of use. I have one that was my only brush for years and it is amazing how soft and luxurious it is.

Your getting a great brush, may it give you years of pleasure.

Good to know. I got the last ceramic boar for now. I was eyeing it for a while now.

I'll be shipping it out in the morning. I bought the last of the ceramics in the order I just received. I think I have one more ceramic boar that I'll be posting.

I've been using a ceramic handle brush for the last few weeks and I think that ceramic is a fine material for handles. It certainly brings me joy to look at it in the morning.