best face lathering brush for under $40

[Sig84]

Like the question says fellas, what are your opinions? I've only ever used an Edwin Jagger Best Badger brush, and while it is a decent brush, I'd like something that I won't have to load as long to get a quality face lather. From what I understand, the more backbone a brush has, the more soap it will pick up therefore, cutting the load time down.

Thanks

 

[ShaveYourSoul]

Under $40? IMO your best bet would be to go to TGN, pick out a Penworks handle and a finest knot. You could also look into some boars as there are a ton out there that are great for face lathering.

http://thegoldennib.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=65_66

 

[jpakstis]

I would look first for dimensions then see if it's less than $40. For me the Semogue 1438 stacks up against any other brush. 21mm knot, 48mm loft. I actually sold off my Rooney Heritage Emilion because the 1438 performed the same at 15% of the price.

 

[Starkicker]

I have a Vie-Long 13061 which I love; it's a great brush now that I've broken it in. It's a nice small knot with a nice small handle; I found that larger knot sizes were very hard for me to face lather with properly, as were badger hair which flair'ed outwards once wet.

Failing that, I'd go with a 20-22mm WD silvertip, deep mounted. Nice and soft and the deep mounted knot gives it some backbone.

 

[Chevyguy]

I facelather daily with a Semogue 1520. It's a great little boar brush and it'll cost you under $20.

Clayton

 

[Sig84]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I may want to try something with a handle a little on the larger side.

 

[ShaveYourSoul]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I may want to try something with a handle a little on the larger side.

Do you prefer badger?

 

[oldtrout]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I may want to try something with a handle a little on the larger side.

The Semogue SOC is five dollars above your budget. Skip a lunch.

Edit: the Semogue 610 is a fantastic brush for around 20 bucks. I use mine quite often, today in fact. The handle might be smaller what you are looking for. The B&B Omega is another great brush.

 

[SteveWY]

Another vote for the B&B Boar for $20. Heck, you can get two for your $40! Also, about any Semogue can be had for under $40.

 

[NCJack]

Semogue 830 is a great one in boar. As for badger, the 24x48 finest badger is, IMO, an excellent face lathering knot: softness, backbone, flow-through, the whole works.

 

[Sig84]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I may want to try something with a handle a little on the larger side.

Badger is the only brush I've ever used, but I want a boar because of its face lathering characteristics.

 

[Sig84]

Do you prefer badger?

I have read that the Semogue SOC is an excellent brush, I think it may be the number one possibility right now, even though its a hair over budget.

 

[coolbus18]

B&B Essentials boar (by Omega) is $20 from WCS (you may need to wait for the next batch to come in). It is absolutely one of the very best shaving brushes on the planet at any price. Perfect for face lathering (that's what I do). Will need to be broken in before it devours soaps, but once it's broken in, the thing is absolutely outstanding. If you have not tried a boar brush, the Omega boars in general and the B&B Essentials are amazing.

If you do not want to go to boar, then Whipped Dog sells very inexpensive badger brushes and will set the loft a bit lower for an extra $5, which will still keep the price well under $40. I would also keep an eye on the BST. Often you can pick up a Simpson Case for about $40 there. It is an amazing face lathering brush. It's small, but excellent.

Still on a budget, Omega boars are the best way to go.

Good advice imo. Also the Semogue1305 boar A TGN 22 mm Finest fan knot. I face lather and I also use Silvertip . Whipped Dog is a great way to go too! Good luck and enjoy!

 

[jbaca]

Another is the Vulfix 404 Grosvenor in mixed badger boar handle is meaty diamond edge in England sells them they require some break-in but soap eaters dream..

 

[jiaconianni]

I am new to boar brushes and usually hand lather, but inspired by this thread I tried to face lather with my just purchased omega pro 20102. What a ridiculously awesome brush (at 14.95 its worth the purchase). Big loft, not floppy at all. Soft tips even without a break in period and the lather literally blew up when lathered on my face. 27mm knot and 64mm loft. I think this may get more use than my silvertip. I am a convert. Bought this just after I received my B and B boar brush in yellow (also a great brush). Happy shaving, gents.

 

[gus1942]

The Semogue SOC is five dollars above your budget. Skip a lunch.

I agree but that is still $5 over budget. Let's drop down to the Semogue 830.

 

[Mad Man]

No ones mentioned it yet so I'll throw down for a 620.

Otherwise it's a TGN for this humble narrator...

 

[Battou62]

Deep set Whipped Dog Silvertip - $31 before shipping.

 

[Jerry4roo]

Semogue 830 and 620 hits just above 40 and you will be rich in face lathering brushes!

 

[takeshi]

I've only ever used an Edwin Jagger Best Badger brush, and while it is a decent brush, I'd like something that I won't have to load as long to get a quality face lather.

That's not just a matter of the brush but the soap and water as well.

From what I understand, the more backbone a brush has, the more soap it will pick up therefore, cutting the load time down.

It can help but I wouldn't just assume a simple causal relationship like that. My preferred brush doesn't have a lot of backbone (less than a boar certainly) but loads quickly. It is, however, way out of your budget range.