10-04-2016, 09:33 AM
I'd been following the TSN buzz about Elite Razor's brushes for some time now, and finally decided to test the water for myself. Deciding on a particular knot was the easy part. I knew it would be Manchurian fan, 26-28mm. Fwiw, deciding on a handle was way more agonizing (this however isn't a problem, as there are so many more beauties left for future purchases). I was torn between one particular resin handle and a bunch of wood handles.
One evening, during commercial breaks of our favorite weekly tv program, I scrolled through my finalists with swmbo, asking what she thought of the esthetic strengths and weaknesses of the various brushes. She identified (a different) Olivewood as her particular "favorite." A day or two later I emailed Bob with questions. He replied within a few hours. Turns out the Olivewood handle pictured on the website would not accommodate a 26mm knot. However, he just finished a new handle that would, and sent a photo by return mail. We exchanged another round of emails regarding loft, and then, boom!, an easy to remit invoice appeared in my inbox, a couple of clicks, and my new brush was in the mail the following morning. Two days later (that would be yesterday) the shipping carton - it was very well packed, btw - was in my door.
Of course, I used it last night - and likely will again, tonight. The loft is set at 52. The rule of thumb works perfectly with this knot. 26/52 is ideal. Superb backbone with (obviously treated) super soft tips. The hair shafts clump a bit - not as significantly as others, btw. Flow through was ample and easy. The balance of the brush is just right for face lathering. In my usual slow process of prep, the knot responded beautifully to increments of water. The (Strop Shoppe) lather was slick and cushioning. In all, it was a delightful experience (sidebar: last night was also my first experience with my new iKon X3. I think I could be happy with this as my only razor).
I posted the pre-bloom pics last night in the October Haul thread, but couldn't resist posting them again. Of course, the mandatory post-bloom shot is presented as well.
. Thanks for looking!
![[Image: 7bKcyHu.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/7bKcyHu.jpg)
![[Image: Q555WiK.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/Q555WiK.jpg)
![[Image: U6I7tQE.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/U6I7tQE.jpg)
![[Image: icEKYZ6.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/icEKYZ6.jpg)
One evening, during commercial breaks of our favorite weekly tv program, I scrolled through my finalists with swmbo, asking what she thought of the esthetic strengths and weaknesses of the various brushes. She identified (a different) Olivewood as her particular "favorite." A day or two later I emailed Bob with questions. He replied within a few hours. Turns out the Olivewood handle pictured on the website would not accommodate a 26mm knot. However, he just finished a new handle that would, and sent a photo by return mail. We exchanged another round of emails regarding loft, and then, boom!, an easy to remit invoice appeared in my inbox, a couple of clicks, and my new brush was in the mail the following morning. Two days later (that would be yesterday) the shipping carton - it was very well packed, btw - was in my door.
Of course, I used it last night - and likely will again, tonight. The loft is set at 52. The rule of thumb works perfectly with this knot. 26/52 is ideal. Superb backbone with (obviously treated) super soft tips. The hair shafts clump a bit - not as significantly as others, btw. Flow through was ample and easy. The balance of the brush is just right for face lathering. In my usual slow process of prep, the knot responded beautifully to increments of water. The (Strop Shoppe) lather was slick and cushioning. In all, it was a delightful experience (sidebar: last night was also my first experience with my new iKon X3. I think I could be happy with this as my only razor).
I posted the pre-bloom pics last night in the October Haul thread, but couldn't resist posting them again. Of course, the mandatory post-bloom shot is presented as well.
. Thanks for looking!
) and your pictures demonstrate exactly why. Congrats on the beautiful brush...and that knot looks incredible too 
10-04-2016, 11:38 AM
Thank you for the kind words, gents. I'm unable to address the (non) photo issue right now. With the recent upgrade to iOS 10 I've lost some key funtional ability at TSN, such as, posting photos. It's odd, quite odd. I posted in both threads from my laptop. When I get home later I'll try to delete and re-post.
10-05-2016, 08:09 AM
(10-05-2016, 06:00 AM)ARGH Wrote: Yup, now I can see the pics. This brush is FANTASTIC!!!!
(10-05-2016, 06:04 AM)Coyote Wrote: Congrats!! Great brush!! Enjoy!!
(10-05-2016, 07:48 AM)daveinsweethome Wrote: love olivewood. have two with thader hair. beautiful markings on yours
(10-05-2016, 07:54 AM)celestino Wrote: Lovely-looking brush, Charlie, and congratulations!
Thank you, fellas. The brush material is obviously a work of (nature's) art. Mr. Quinn is clearly a fantastic artisan. I'd like to buy more of his brushes, budgetary concerns aside. All in due time...
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