Item Description
First of all, credit where credit is due - The Community here at Badger and Blade has done a great job of kicking the tires on this thing, and even making it easier to locate (or ship to those who can't find one locally). The discovery thread (and discussion thread) is here. Thank you, B&B! 
Secondly, the photo as it stands now was taken by luvmysuper - I will likely add my own soon.
Onto the explanation of ratings.
Price: At $9, you can't beat this with a stick. Period.
Quality: It might seem unlikely, but save for one or two shedders out there, this is a well built brush. You get that from Simpson, so it's hard for me to deduct for that. The handle even seems to have a decent heft to it. The couple of little dings here would be some uneven shaping on some knots, and the cheaply-applied logo which likely won't last long.
Density: Dense, it is not - but it's not unusably sparse either. I put it in the middle - this isn't a better or worse kind of rating - it's a preference.
Stiffness of Tips: They're pretty stiff and springy considering the density. It's compounded a bit by the scritchiness...
Softness of Tips: Look, it's black badger - this ain't no silvertip, gents. But it softens a bit with use, and some might enjoy the sensation. It's not very bad - I'd certainly had worse in higher-end brushes.
Ergonomic: You know, it's just a great handle design. I find it works really well for a lot of grips. I have bigger hands, which makes most smaller handles feel unwieldy, but not this one.
Latherability: Makes quick work of most any soap or cream. I had it lathering MWF pretty handily, and it certainly gets Proraso or ToBS creams going fast. The loft and fan lend to good whipping, and the scritch and spring aid in pick-up.
So that's pretty much my thoughts on this brush. Is it my daily driver? No, but I've invested in some very high end brushes that get jealous when a $9 budget-saver comes in and gets a turn or two. I think it's a great bowl/palm lather brush, especially for creams but certainly competent with soaps. Oh, and while you're at Target - the only place you can find this bad boy for now - please remember NOT to buy the shaving cream of the same brand. It smells bad, and doesn't lather.
Secondly, the photo as it stands now was taken by luvmysuper - I will likely add my own soon.
Onto the explanation of ratings.
Price: At $9, you can't beat this with a stick. Period.
Quality: It might seem unlikely, but save for one or two shedders out there, this is a well built brush. You get that from Simpson, so it's hard for me to deduct for that. The handle even seems to have a decent heft to it. The couple of little dings here would be some uneven shaping on some knots, and the cheaply-applied logo which likely won't last long.
Density: Dense, it is not - but it's not unusably sparse either. I put it in the middle - this isn't a better or worse kind of rating - it's a preference.
Stiffness of Tips: They're pretty stiff and springy considering the density. It's compounded a bit by the scritchiness...
Softness of Tips: Look, it's black badger - this ain't no silvertip, gents. But it softens a bit with use, and some might enjoy the sensation. It's not very bad - I'd certainly had worse in higher-end brushes.
Ergonomic: You know, it's just a great handle design. I find it works really well for a lot of grips. I have bigger hands, which makes most smaller handles feel unwieldy, but not this one.
Latherability: Makes quick work of most any soap or cream. I had it lathering MWF pretty handily, and it certainly gets Proraso or ToBS creams going fast. The loft and fan lend to good whipping, and the scritch and spring aid in pick-up.
So that's pretty much my thoughts on this brush. Is it my daily driver? No, but I've invested in some very high end brushes that get jealous when a $9 budget-saver comes in and gets a turn or two. I think it's a great bowl/palm lather brush, especially for creams but certainly competent with soaps. Oh, and while you're at Target - the only place you can find this bad boy for now - please remember NOT to buy the shaving cream of the same brand. It smells bad, and doesn't lather.
