We have a few handle options in metal with finishes in white metal, black pvd and gunmetal, but we reckoned it was time to add something in a brushed matte metal finish, something that would pair well with aluminium and stainless steel razors that are not polished. Brass, mild steel and stainless steel handles are all very heavy, and we do have some of those already, so aluminium seemed like a good choice for this round of procurement.
The Hive is our first 'matte' aluminium brush, from the outset we loved the look of it, and the aestetics 'made sense on paper' so we orderded a few without our usual testing beforehand. When using it for the first time we were not dissapointed, many metal brushes with chrome coatings are very slippery and if it were not for the clever use of profiles and shapes, many of us will step out of the shower with blue toenails ever other week. This brush offers more grip as the finish is not as smooth as a chromed handle, the ridges also adds grip functionality and narrower neck allows for the barrel to be 'locked in' the palm of your hand when in use, all in all one of the better metal brushes when we talk grip.
The brush is offered in four knot options and we doubt that we we will need any more as these four options cover 90% of all the knots out there on the faces of men like you and I.
Option 1; Synthetic knot. This is a fast drying, easy to travel with brush that is soft on the face, but does not hold as much water as other brushes, so you will need a bit of time to get your soap/water ratio spot on to your requirements.
Option 2; Boar knot. The backbone of the shaving industry and also my all time favourite, if we had to keep only one knot in shaving world, it would be boar for me. It is hard wearing, has great water retention, great exfoliation action and splays like a flower opening up, and with the tough bristles you can still press it down quite hard resulting in massive face coverage.
Option 3; Best badger. This is the absolute middle of the road badger, it simply does everyting well, and if you are not looking for any properties in particular and simply a solid all rounder this is a good choice.
Option 4; Silvertip badger. With very fine hair and soft spear-like tips this is the premium natural hair bristle, and favoured by many, feels great when wet and dry, builds lathers better than most other brushes. Spoil yourself!
In the first 'group photo' they 'identify as'; Silvetip, Best badger, Boar, Synthetic. (Left to right)