Thread: Is silvertip worth the price

So I'm eyeing several silvertip brushes now, (I currently have a pure bager brush and like it a lot) but I am kind of hesitating at the cost... are they really worth the premium versus my best/pure badger brushes?

Thanks

It all depends on what you want in a brush. Personally, I don't like silvertips. I like by brushes on the scritchy side so I tend to stay away from the softer tipped brushes.

Check this thread out it may prove helpful...Benefits from high end badgers?

If you're concerned about the price, do what I did. Get a silvertip plug from Golden Nib and make your own. It's much cheaper and just as good.

I like my silvertips, I like my boars, too. If you asked me if the silvertips were worth the premium over my broken-in $15 boar brush, I'd be hard-pressed to say yes. But at the same time, I don't consider my silvertip brushes a waste of money, as they are very nice and make for a very enjoyable shaving experience.

How's that for an answer?

I'd say that's a good answer

My current badger brush is pretty well broken in and comfy for me to use, I just have never used the silvertip and was thinking of splurging on one (ok so I've been splurging on a lot lately LOL) I may pass though.

If I get the plug, do I have to make a handle myself or can I buy one?

As far as I know you'll have to make your own handle. It's pretty easy, though. You don't need a lathe, since it's just a small piece. I drilled a hole for the plug in a piece of square stock, then shaped a really nice round handle with my chisels and files. Sand it, then put on a durable water-resistant finish, then add hot glue to the hole (the inside of which should be left a little rough to aid adhesion) and pop in the hair plug.
If you don't feel comfortable shaping wood by hand, you can just round the edges of a rectangular block and go from there. Why can't you have square handles too? Or you can buy a pre-made chair leg at the hardware store for a couple of dollars. Saw off the sections you want to use for a brush.
Ordering from Golden Nib is very easy, too. Great service and a huge selection of hair plugs at low prices.

I bought a handle from a vendor here at SRP and set my own black badger knot in it, which was, indeed, very easy. The black badger is a bit rough, though. I might hit Lee Valley for a turning blank and figure out how to make my own handle at some point.

Well I may have access to a Lathe, so I may give a try at making a handle.... if the handle is acceptable I'll buy a plug and see how it goes.

What glue do you use to install the plug?

I used JB Weld on mine. That knot is in there forever