26mm Shavemac 2-band v 27mm Epsilon 2-band

These two brushes are a natural pair for a comparison.  I say comparison because there is no winner and loser here.  They are both outstanding brushes.  A user's liking of one over the other is a reflection of his individual subjective preferences in what he is likes in a brush, rather than any deficiency in either brush.

On the left is the Shavemac 173 in silvertip 2-band.  I ordered this brush with a 26mm knot set to a 50mm loft.  On the right is the Epsilon 2-band.  This brush is listed as having a 27mm knot set to a 50mm loft.  We thus have two 2-band knots with a similar diameter and loft.  Despite these similarities, there are clear differences between these two brushes.







First, let's look at objective differences.  All measurements are approximate.  The prices include an 8% Shavemac discount, a 10% Gifts and Care Discount, and expedited Fed Ex shipping on both brushes. 

                                      Price          Diameter          Loft

Shavemac               $192.78       27.80                 49.50

Epsilon                    $123.31      28.90                  50.30

Next, let's look at subjective differences.  Both brushes have been used enough times that the knots have relaxed and are broken in. 

1.  Appearance of knot.  The Shavemac has retained more of a compact bulb shape, and bloomed less, than the Epsilon.  This is more apparent in person than in the pictures.

2.  Density.  Both brushes are dense, but the Epsilon has slightly more density.  Once again, this is more apparent in person than in the pictures.

3.  Backbone.  Both brushes have ample backbone, but the Epsilon has more.

4.  Scrub.   Both brushes provide scrub, but the Epsilon has more.  Neither brush has scritch, which I define as "prickly."

5.  Softness.  The Shavemac is softer. 

If you're looking for a 2-band brush with backbone, firm but gentle scrub, and softness, the Shavemac would probably be your preference.  If you're looking for a 2-band brush with more backbone and scrub than softness, the Epsilon would probably be your preference.  The Epsilon has more backbone and scrub than Shavemac silvertip 2-band, but less backbone and scrub than Shavemac D01 2-band.

These two brushes appeal to different preferences, but both are excellent and I'm pleased to have them in my rotation.

Great comparison. Thanks

100% agreement in all that's been said.
 I'm swayed more towards the Epsilon in favour of the greater backbone and scrub, but could live with either one on its own.

Thanks for the comparison, I was just wondering again today how these two knots compare.

Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed review.  Since I already own a Shavemac Finest and Shavemac D01, I am leaning toward the Epsilon 2 band.

Thanks for the detailed comparison, Ricardo. I plan on owning a Shavemac down the road a bit - sometime after the CH2 Super I'm saving for. Hopefully in another month or so that will happen and then I can set my sights on the Shavemac.

Great write up.

I would like the Epsilon based on your assessment here.

Although they're both well larger than what I'm used to.

Thanks for comparing and putting it in context.

Thanks for your comparison. Softness and just enough backbone for face lathering is most important to me. For quite awhile, I only used large synthetic brushes because of their softness, and still enjoy using them. However, they've mostly been replace by Shavemac 2-Band Silvertips or Thäter 2-Bands. I've been tempted to try the Epislon as it seems to be an outstanding brush, especially for the price, but you've convinced me to stick with what has been working for me. P.S. You'd get more backbone and denseness if you'd compared a 28mm Shavemac knot with the 27mm Epsilon.