H L Thater 4125/0 (Chubby 1)

[Fido]

A German shaving enthusiast suggested that my Shaving Brush Blog was incomplete without an example of a Thater brush. These brushes are discussed enthusiastically on other forums. I found only two sellers:

The Different Scent <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.thedifferentscent.de/index.php?manufacturers_id=92" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.thedifferentscent.de/index.p ... rers_id=92</a><!-- m -->

Straight Razor Designs <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.straightrazordesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=53_87" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.straightrazordesigns.com/ind ... Path=53_87</a><!-- m -->

H L Thater has been hand making shaving brushes in Nuremberg since 1913. That's about all I can find out about them. They have a website - very little is available in English.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://badger-shavingbrush.com/1.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://badger-shavingbrush.com/1.html</a><!-- m -->

The 4125/0 is a small high quality silvertip that was around £87. Handle just 42mm, 22mm knot and 48mm loft. Not a lot of brush for the price. The knot is dense and soft with more than adequate backbone. So this is an excellent silvertip that will handle creams and soaps alike. A pleasant size for face lathering. At first, I found the handle uncomfortably small. But as always, once you get used to a brush, it will generally serve you well. I'm pleased to have this in my collection. Once again - not available in the UK. So why make the effort to buy if a brand is not easily available? It's really not that good, and it's expensive. But it's now in my blog so at least one German is happy.

Just two final points. I was told before ordering this brush that the loft was 52mm. It's 4mm difference is a lot. It's a different brush to my expectation. I was later told that it should have been 50mm. That just doesn't tie in with the website data (Straight Razor Designs) The handle also had two specs of white paint which should have been spotted by someone at the factory before shipment. When you pay a high price for something you don't expect this. But it's still a fun brush to use.

 

[fozz77]

Interesting review Fido.

That handle looks very similar to a Shavemac handle.

 

[SiR-ed8]

Peter,

Nice review! I too have been reading about this it's unfortunate only one section was translated in English. Apart from that, I would personally go with Different Scent. I reckon you did the same save fees and what you.

That handle's so reminiscent of Omega 31064-well the 49125 anyway. Since you touched on the base the Omega is at 54 mm along with the 310xx series. That would probably be more fitting. Some though have said that the loft is a bit long at 59-60 thereabouts. Mine is 61 mm.

How's the knot? Is it scrubby? Does it retain its shape apart from splaying just enough to provide good scrubby feel?

-Edit

So I stand corrected and you opted for SRD. Is it much much cheaper shipped to UK? I reckon shipping from Europe would be cheaper than US. That and you don't have to deal with the VAT. Am I sorely mistaken? Thanks

 

[Fido]

I didn't really consider The Different Scent because I found SRD easier to navigate. The quality of the knot is excellent. Not the best face latherer, it works best with swift to and fro scrubbing. I'm sure with more practice it would be just fine. As most brushes are.

 

[SiR-ed8]

Peter,

How does it compare to your dense brushes? Is it flaccid? Is the spring rate good when it comes to piston loading from puck? This more suited to cream users?

Just two final points. I was told before ordering this brush that the loft was 52mm. It's 4mm difference is a lot. It's a different brush to my expectation. I was later told that it should have been 50mm. That just doesn't tie in with the website data (Straight Razor Designs) The handle also had two specs of white paint which should have been spotted by someone at the factory before shipment. When you pay a high price for something you don't expect this. But it's still a fun brush to use.

BTW if that would've been me I would seriously contact the vendor and tell them to reimburse you for shipping back to them for the deception. Unfortunately you used the brush. I reckon it won't be accepted for returns.

I've ordered many a time with Gary at Shoebox as well as Tony at TGN and at least with their description it's + or - 1. If asked I'm sure either would take the time to measure a particular loft. See that's the difference with vendors like Gary/Tony and the one you dealt with.

 

[NatJag]

A German shaving enthusiast suggested that my Shaving Brush Blog was incomplete without an example of a Thater brush. These brushes are discussed enthusiastically on other forums. I found only two sellers:

Was it Robin (or BeBerlin?)

 

[Fido]

It was!

 

[SiR-ed8]

A German shaving enthusiast suggested that my Shaving Brush Blog was incomplete without an example of a Thater brush. These brushes are discussed enthusiastically on other forums. I found only two sellers:

Was it Robin (or BeBerlin?)

It was!

For shame. For someone who has 9000 soaps and creams he doesn't know what he's talking about and I have measly 100. This is why I never listen to anyone. Even when reviewing my brushes I mention my experience is different from anyone elses for no two brushes are ever alike.

Case in point everyone's got a boner over the Semogue LE. I couldn't judge how dense the brush was from pics alone and luckily I managed to obtain one after being sold out. Once I saw it in person, I didn't even bother using it. Is it a bad brush? Nope does not fit my specifications.