Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Hard shaving soaps

I sometimes wonder why I bother with hard shaving soaps. They seem to require too much effort and take just too long to use compared with creams. When I face lather, perhaps I lack the patience to build a satisfactory lather. I sometimes lather hard soaps in a bowl with success but it is much simpler and more effective to put a decent portion of cream in the bowl instead. These days I prefer the softer soaps like Martin de Candre, Palmolive and Arko. Much easier to lather with. And the latter two are remarkable value.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Feedback!

I get many messages from satisfied buyers of New Forest shaving brushes. But here's an original!



Peter, I would say I'm disappointed but it's stronger than that - I'm disgusted.

I wanted a gift for my brother-in-law who's had a tough time through no fault of his own.  He's a nice guy and spends a lot of time in the New Forest.

You sent me a tortoiseshell chubby.

I used it.  Twice.

IT IS THE BEST BLOODY BRUSH I HAVE EVER HANDLED.

Perfect in every way.

And now I have to give it away.

You bastard.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Bowl lathering with creams



Much as I enjoy some of my soaps, I love the ease of bowl lathering with creams. A good size dollop scooped out with my little spatula smeared around the bowl followed by a brief swirl with a brush with a generous amount of water and the lather explodes with ease.
Today, an old favourite - Trumpers Coconut. Great stuff.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

New Forest Super Badger Two Band "Seconds"



SORRY!  ALL MY SECONDS ARE NOW SOLD OUT



Super Badger Badger brushes at about half the normal price? New Forest Brushes have a few "Chunky" brushes like these with tiny imperfections on the handle surface which don't in any way affect the performance of the brush. Price £22 delivered in Europe and £24 rest of the world. Interested?

Email NFB@padh.co.uk for details.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

New Forest Tubby 1 and 2


Where can you get a great quality Two Band for less than £50? This 26 mm Tubby 2 with a 26 mm knot is still just £45 plus £3 for worldwide shipping. The Tubby 1 is £5 less.

A few comments at The Shaving Room.

Details here:  New Forest Brushes.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Shaving Forums

When actively participating in shaving forums it is often difficult to avoid giving the impression that you are there to promote your business, directly or indirectly. I was  an enthusiastic member of shaving forums before I established New Forest Brushes and I have noted some negativity since. Perhaps based on the assumption that I had been pursuing a commercial interest all along. It's a shame and completely without foundation.
There are many small businesses that have started after the internet has made it possible for enthusiasts to discuss shaving as a hobby. There are soap makers, after shave producers and many custom brush makers, many of whom are active participants on the forums. I noted that most shaving brush brands have been around for a very long time and it seemed to me that there was scope for a new brand aimed at enthusiasts by a fellow enthusiast. I guess that to continue as an enthusiastic contributor will be seen by some as self promotion - a point of view I can understand.

I have seen many of the big names in shaving registering on the shaving forums and participating as vendors. Conflicts of interest seem often to be mentioned. Sometimes it seems inevitable that someone will interpret something in a way not intended. It's not something I want to expose myself to if I can now avoid it.

I was an early member of my "home" forum, the UK based "The Shaving Room" From now on, that's where I will spend most of my time browsing and contributing as best I can. I'll keep an eye on other forums but mainly as an observer. They are such interesting places!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Innovation!



The guy's knot fell out. So he popped it in to a rubber chair tip. He thinks he might glue it in, it works so well! An innovative travel brush?