The best badger brushes I've had so far are the bargain Chinese ones from Frank Shaving, which are terrific for the money - I've got a Silvertip and a Finest. But I wanted to try something a bit more upmarket, and I also wanted something with a bit more backbone to it - even the Frank Finest is a little softer than I often want.
So a SOC 2-band was ordered from Vintage Scent (I already have a SOC boar, and the handle is just about perfect for me), and it arrived today. I used it with Body Shop cream, and it's exactly what I was hoping for - it's got that extra bit of density and backbone that gives me enough of an exfoliation feeling, and the softness of the tips is just right.
But it's made me realise just how good both brushes are at their price points. The Frank cost only a little more than a third the price of the SOC, is not a long way behind it in quality, and is exceptional value for money.
The SOC clearly has better hair, is better packed, and has a far superior handle - and though it would be hard to quantify it as nearly three times better, I do think it also is very good value for the money.
So, I really do like both - but the SOC is something special
So a SOC 2-band was ordered from Vintage Scent (I already have a SOC boar, and the handle is just about perfect for me), and it arrived today. I used it with Body Shop cream, and it's exactly what I was hoping for - it's got that extra bit of density and backbone that gives me enough of an exfoliation feeling, and the softness of the tips is just right.
But it's made me realise just how good both brushes are at their price points. The Frank cost only a little more than a third the price of the SOC, is not a long way behind it in quality, and is exceptional value for money.
The SOC clearly has better hair, is better packed, and has a far superior handle - and though it would be hard to quantify it as nearly three times better, I do think it also is very good value for the money.
So, I really do like both - but the SOC is something special
too: it's a wonderful brush. Give it 3-4 shaves more and you'll see 
