Yaqi Tuxedo Brush

Welcome to Modernized Wetshaving, where we explore the ancient art of shaving with modern equipment!

Razor: Maggard V3A Aggressive
Blade: Lord Platinum Class
Brush: Yaqi "Sagrada Familia" Synthetic Tuxedo
Soap: West Coast Shaving "Denali"
Aftershave: Stirling "Barbershop" Post Shave Balm

Soap Ratings:
1. Thickness/Cushion ★★★★★
2. Slickness/Lubricity ★★★☆☆
3. Duration/Dissipation ★☆☆☆☆
4. Water Sensitivity ★★☆☆☆

I was excited to try one of these inexpensive tuxedo knots from Yaqi, and I was surprised at its performance. This brush retained water fairly well, plus the bristles were soft and luxurious feeling. The knot was slightly more floppy than I prefer (I like a lot of backbone), but the brush did lather acceptably. The knot could be denser, as I noticed that lather is often forced out the side of the knot between fibers, rather than applied to the face. This probably won't become my everyday shave brush, but for its price I feel it is a reasonable value for a travel brush.

On a side note, this is the third and final time that I have tested the West Coast Shaving Denali soap, and I won't be trying anymore of their shave soaps! They lather easily, but the lather does not last, and my face needs better care. At the price point that these retail for, there are better choices available, and I gave away the rest of the free samples they sent me. West Coast Shaving soap is barely better than Williams Mug Soap, definitely not a top tier product.