I never see anyone mention Black Badger when it comes to brushes, I know it is cheaper compared to the other grades so there must be a reason, but on the other hand it would make some pretty brushes. How does it compare?
It depends on what you want to compare? It is cheaper than so called higher grades of hair, but it will allow you to make a lather. It won't be as soft, and I don't think it will perform as well as higher grade hair. If you only have the budget for Black Badger then it will be perfect.
If you want Black Badger for looks then it's cheap enough and can look very good in some brushes.
Are you buying some?
A number of years ago I was placing an order for knots with Larry at whipped dog, he said "I'm sending you a black badger, if you like it pay for it" or something along those lines. Well he had never been wrong before so I paid for it with my order. They are a bit scratchy and I love if I haven't used anything else since, and the thing is I have it in a crappy handle. If you looked at all my brushes you might ask what is that ugly brush doing there? Well it is the one I use every day.