Parker has been one of the most highly respected and well regarded shaving company’s for over 40 years. They have been an industry leader in design, innovation and workmanship. There’s a reason they are a favorite among so many wet shavers: they deliver high quality products that are functional and built to last.
And while Parker has an extensive line of products, their two main areas of focus are razors and brushes. I’ve already reviewed some of their more popular safety razors, but today we are going to take a look at one of their “entry-level” brushes.
Parker offers a wide section of brushes because they know shaving brushes aren’t a one-size-fits-all. They offer brushes in different styles and bristle types to meet different users preferences and needs.
Alright, let’s take a look at what Parker says this is their best selling shaving brush -- the Parker long loft pure badger shaving brush.
Pros
- Premium pure badger hair bristles
- Top quality craftsmanship and construction
- Long loft helps retain more water for a better lather
- Comfortable and durable resin handle
Cons
- More expensive than other pure badger hair shaving brushes
Product Overview & Specs
- Pure badger hair bristles
- Loft: 51 mm
- Brush knot: 20 mm
- Weight: 6 ounces
- Comes with an acrylic brush stand
- Made in England
Key Features
“Premium” Pure Badger Bristles
You might think that all pure badger bristles are the same quality, but I can assure you they are not. Several different companies brand and market their brushes as “pure badger” but that doesn’t mean the quality of the brushes is going to be the same -- there definitely are performance and quality differences among pure badger brushes.
Why do I say all this? Because even though this shaving brush is made with “pure badger” hair like most entry-level shaving brushes, the bristles on Parker’s are significantly more premium.
And how is the pure badger hair on Parker’s better than others? Well the most noticeable difference is that the bristles are softer. In fact, I think the quality and overall feel of the bristles is much closer to other best badger or fine badger brushes rather than pure badger.
The other area where the bristles outperform other pure badger bristles is in water retention. It’s not a huge difference, but I do think the Parker pure badger hair retains water better.
Long Loft Leads To A Better Lather
The long loft on the Parker pure badger shaving brush is another premium feature that sets it apart from other entry-level pure badger brushes.
One of the biggest factors in what determines how good a shaving brush is at lathering is the length and quality of the loft. Typically, a longer loft means the hair retains more water and in turn helps turn your soap or cream into a nice lather.
And the Parker long loft pure badger brush excels in this area. It really is just another feature that makes it a premium pure badger brush when compared to other options.
Durable Resin Handle
I really like the handle on this brush. There’s nothing particularly different or innovative about it, but it just has really good size and shape. Also, the resin is very easy to grip and durable. You shouldn’t have to worry about the handle cracking or damaging if you take decent care of it.
I also like the chrome base on the handle. It adds a little weight to the handle and the ridges give it some extra texture for grip. Overall, just a nice design.
Brush Stand Included
The Parker long loft 100% pure badger shaving brush does come with a stand, but it’s just a brush stand. If you’re looking for the typical stand that will hold both your brush and razor, this won’t work.
It’s always nice having a stand included with your purchase, but I wouldn’t let that sway your decision one way or the other. Don’t get me wrong, a brush stand it is absolutely necessary if you want to properly care for your brush because only a stand will allow the bristles to properly dry out after being used.
But my recommendation is to invest in a good stand that can hold both your brush and razor. A nice stand will not only help keep your counter organized and clean, but more importantly it helps protect your brush, razor and blade between shaves.
Top Quality Construction
I can’t reiterate enough how great the materials and construction are of Parker’s pure badger brush. It’s incredibly well made and durable.
One of the most common complaints I hear about the cheaper pure badger hair brushes is that they can sometimes lose hairs pretty frequently. Well I haven’t found that to be the case with Parker’s. Yes, I lose a few every once in a while, but it’s pretty rare. This thing is as durable and well made as they come.
Who Do We Recommend The
Parker Pure Badger Shaving Brush For?
Parker’s long loft pure badger shaving brush is perfect for the wet shaver that is looking for a simple, beginners shaving brush but wants something a little higher quality than other entry-level badger brushes.
There really are no big flaws with this shaving brush. It is made with excellent pure badger hair, the knot is packed tight and the long loft really allows you to whip up a nice lather. When it comes to performance, this is probably the best pure badger shaving brush on the market.
What Are Some Other Shaving Brushes To Consider?
Escali 100% Pure Badger
The Escali pure badger shaving brush is probably the most popular shaving brush out there. Why? Because it’s a very well made and durable brush at a very cheap price.
The Escali brush is a top-quality pure badger brush, but the quality of the bristles is definitely a step down from Parker’s in my opinion. The Parker pure badger brush is just a little softer and retains water a little better. But it is not a very noticeable difference.
I have no problem recommending the Escali pure badger shaving brush to beginner wet shavers. After all, it was my first ever shaving brush and I got a lot of great shaves out of it. It really just comes down to whether or not you want to spend a little more money for slightly better performance.
Vikings Blade Synthetic Shaving Brush
I think the Vikings Blade synthetic shaving brush is one of the most underrated shaving brushes. It’s bristles might be synthetic, but they are very comparable to those in a silvertip brush. They are incredibly soft and retain water really well.
I think this is one of the best bang for your buck brushes. If you’re willing to increase your budget a little from the entry-level price range, this is a great deal.
Parker Silvertip Shaving Brush
If you’re wanting to buy the best of the best, then take a closer look at Parker’s silvertip shaving brush. If you didn’t know, silvertip is definitely the premium bristle. It’s just softer and retains water better than anything else.
But that performance comes at a significantly higher price though. And in all honesty, not everyone needs a silvertip. Most guys just need a good, durable and dependable brush that’s capable of whipping up a good lather.
Personally, I think it’s a mistake to jump straight to a silvertip when you start wet shaving. Take your time and learn the ropes with a pure badger brush and then later upgrade to a silvertip. Not only will you appreciate its performance more bu you will also better understand how to use and take care of a silvertip.
Want to take a look at some other shaving brush options before buying? Then go read my comprehensive review guide of what I think are the best shaving brushes on the market. It will answer any questions you have and help you find the best shaving brush in your budget.
