Suggestions for a newbie to wet shaving
Best first brush
- Thread starter Aesch37
- Start date
I bought my first brush about 12 years ago. It was a boar bristle brush that was part of a Van der Hagen bowl/brush/soap set they were selling at Walmart. Bought on a whim and used for a few months with my Mach 3, it's what got me into traditional shaving. I haven't bought a can of goo for home use since.
Since that time, I've acquired two badger brushes and a synthetic. But I almost always reach for that cheap old boar.
I'll probably be an outlier when I say start with a cheap boar brush, then "upgrade" until you find what you like.
Since that time, I've acquired two badger brushes and a synthetic. But I almost always reach for that cheap old boar.
I'll probably be an outlier when I say start with a cheap boar brush, then "upgrade" until you find what you like.
I would say either a good synthetic (I really like APShaveCo's SynBad and Cashmere brushes), or as noted above a good boar brush (boar brushes do need to be soaked for a few minutes before using, and it takes time for the tips to split so it softens up, but it's easy to turn it upside down in a mug of water while you shower so it's ready when you get out). Both should be roughly $20 or less; Omega/Semogue are good boar brands (I have a Semogue Owner's Club for mine).
With the break in period of boars i wouldn't recommend them as a first brush, Iit could be frustrating for someone who has never used a brush before. I would recommend a synthetic from Yaqi, PAA or Ds cosmetics or where ever. These brushes work from right out of the gate with no break in period IMHO.
There is not really one best. People like different things. Which brush you use also depends on whether you want something for face lathering or bowl lathering, creams or soaps, etc.
Historically, boars were the most common because they're less expensive and do the job. Synthetics have gotten much better in recent years. Badgers come in different grades and usually cost more, so it might be good to get one after you have learned more about your personal preferences.
I'd suggest something inexpensive like an Omega 10081 boar or a Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo synthetic. There's plenty of good choices out there, though.
Historically, boars were the most common because they're less expensive and do the job. Synthetics have gotten much better in recent years. Badgers come in different grades and usually cost more, so it might be good to get one after you have learned more about your personal preferences.
I'd suggest something inexpensive like an Omega 10081 boar or a Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo synthetic. There's plenty of good choices out there, though.
I believe this is the most brilliant suggestion. That is exactly what I started out with
(although I chose the less expensive Omega 49 with the plain black plastic handle). I gave away my Sagrada Familia to get someone started, missed it so much I replaced it a few months later.
As I am a fan of badger brushes, I will recommend one of those. I'd
recommend a Simpson Duke 3 in Best Badger. It is a good all around brush for both bowl and face lathering. It will lather easily from the start, and if you take care of it, it will last you many years.
Proper care in this instance would be don't put it in water that is too hot for you to comfortably dip your hand in. I would suggest slightly warm water. If you face lather, do not mash the brush into your face, since it can damage the bristles. After shaving, rinse out the brush with cold water, gently squeeze out the water, and then lightly strop the brush on a hand towel. Every few months you can also use a gentle brush cleanser to clean the brush to make sure there is no soap build up at the base of the brush.
If interested, you'll find several shaving vendors online who sell the Duke 3. Hope this helps and happy shaves to you.
recommend a Simpson Duke 3 in Best Badger. It is a good all around brush for both bowl and face lathering. It will lather easily from the start, and if you take care of it, it will last you many years.
Proper care in this instance would be don't put it in water that is too hot for you to comfortably dip your hand in. I would suggest slightly warm water. If you face lather, do not mash the brush into your face, since it can damage the bristles. After shaving, rinse out the brush with cold water, gently squeeze out the water, and then lightly strop the brush on a hand towel. Every few months you can also use a gentle brush cleanser to clean the brush to make sure there is no soap build up at the base of the brush.
If interested, you'll find several shaving vendors online who sell the Duke 3. Hope this helps and happy shaves to you.
When I came back to traditional shaving, the big recommendation was the Edwin Jagger best badger. I got one and it was very nice. I've since spent way too much on a variety. There are tons of great synthetics for not very much money, lots of boar brushes very cheap (they're fantastic once they're broken in) and a lot of very good badgers, but they cost money. My personal preference is the badger.
+1 on the Yaqi. Well made, takes lather well, great knot fibres and very inexpensive.
For ‘value’ I agree with the suggestions for synthetic or a boar.
For me, I would spend a bit more and find an attractive badger.
For me, I would spend a bit more and find an attractive badger.
The Yaqi Timberwolf is a cheap but synthetic excellent option.
Ron R
I survived a lathey foreman
Starting out, I suggest a 24-26mm synthetic, I started with Razorock synthetic Plissoft brushes(excellent) and Yaqi synthetic brushes (great also). Stay with synthetic at first because they are less maintenance, just rinse well + towel dry then store upright or bristles downward with a brush holder stand in open air(2-3 hours to dry). Synthetic brushes dry quicker + work great, the natural hair brushes are excellent also in boar or badger but take a little longer to dry + boar brush should soak in warm water for 2-3 minutes before use when prepping for shave is strongly suggested. Badger and boar brushes also have a different face feel and have been around for Century's of use and have been proven very worthy and folks get very attached to them I have noticed over the years.
I have all three different types of brushes(boar, synthetics & badgers) in different variant sizes and handles and I'm satisfied with them all.
I have all three different types of brushes(boar, synthetics & badgers) in different variant sizes and handles and I'm satisfied with them all.
This right here. Go on Aliexpress and get a cheap synthetic Yaqi. Brushes don't have to be complicated or expensive to be useful.
I'd recommend a lower end Omega or Semogue boar brush and a cheap synthetic like Maggard or Stirling.
The boars will be good from the start, but will take 10-30 use/dry cycles to reach their peak. It take a bit more than 24 hours to fully dry and develop split ends. Once they're fully broken in, they're as soft as anything out there.
The Synthetics are the vinyl siding of the shaving world, low maintainance. They dry fast, so they're the best choice for travel.
The boars will be good from the start, but will take 10-30 use/dry cycles to reach their peak. It take a bit more than 24 hours to fully dry and develop split ends. Once they're fully broken in, they're as soft as anything out there.
The Synthetics are the vinyl siding of the shaving world, low maintainance. They dry fast, so they're the best choice for travel.
I started a few months ago with a badger brush in a Viking Revolution brush, bowl, and soap set (about $20 on 'zon).
Since then, I've purchased a $10 Omega 10049 boar, a $30 Simpsons Special badger, and a $7 Yaqi Sagrada Familia synthetic.
My favorite is the original VR badger ($9.88 by itself). I used the synthetic twice and quickly determined it's not for me. The Omega is too floppy for my taste. So, I alternate between the VR and Simpsons brushes.
It's all about personal preference. I'd suggest buying on the inexpensive side, learn what you like, and pursue that.
My personal opinion: There's too much that is affordable that is good to invest in a higher quality (but more expensive) product that might not be right for you. You'll form your opinions and find what makes sense for the long-term investment.
Since then, I've purchased a $10 Omega 10049 boar, a $30 Simpsons Special badger, and a $7 Yaqi Sagrada Familia synthetic.
My favorite is the original VR badger ($9.88 by itself). I used the synthetic twice and quickly determined it's not for me. The Omega is too floppy for my taste. So, I alternate between the VR and Simpsons brushes.
It's all about personal preference. I'd suggest buying on the inexpensive side, learn what you like, and pursue that.
My personal opinion: There's too much that is affordable that is good to invest in a higher quality (but more expensive) product that might not be right for you. You'll form your opinions and find what makes sense for the long-term investment.
Hi Aesch, welcom to B&B. Recommend that you get two brushes you can alternate to allow full drying between uses. Great brushes don't need to cost a lot. Recommend that at least one of these be a synthetic given the quality available for a reasonable price. For the second perhaps a boar so you can determine if prefer the different lathering experience from the additional brush backbone. In my case I've settled on three Razorock brushes from Italian Barber since returning to DE shaving four years ago.
These include two synthetics and one boar (ideal for my hardest soaps to speed loading). These Razorock brushes are:
- Monster 26mm plissoft synthetic
- Big Bruce 26 mm plissoft synthetic (same know as Monster, different handle)
- Blondie 26mm boar (rebranded Zenith 80N). Bleached so it does not require much break-in - works great out of the box.
- Thread starter
- #18
Thanks, Lane for taking the time to give such great advice. I appreciate it!
I started with a cheap $5 Wilkinson Sword synthetic from Wal-Mart. It got me into brushes and DE shaving. It's a bit floppy so I picked up a 26mm APShave Co. that I like, but I find that its a tad too large for me. I would have been happier with a 22mm or a 24mm max.
I've since picked up a cheap Omega 10005 from Shoppers Drug Mart for $16CAD. I went through the 3 day break in period, but I messed it up by soaking part of the wooden handle. It expanded around the knot. I removed the knot and have put it in a scratch and dent handle that I picked up for $7 CAD from AP Shave Co. I haven't reached for my synthetic since I got the omega. I really like the scritch you get from boar.
While boar brushes feel great once you break them in (and there are ways to speed it up), don't take that as 'boar brushes feel terrible until you break them in'. In fact, you don't NEED any special break in procedure at all. Just use it and it'll happen on its own over time.
I've since picked up a cheap Omega 10005 from Shoppers Drug Mart for $16CAD. I went through the 3 day break in period, but I messed it up by soaking part of the wooden handle. It expanded around the knot. I removed the knot and have put it in a scratch and dent handle that I picked up for $7 CAD from AP Shave Co. I haven't reached for my synthetic since I got the omega. I really like the scritch you get from boar.
While boar brushes feel great once you break them in (and there are ways to speed it up), don't take that as 'boar brushes feel terrible until you break them in'. In fact, you don't NEED any special break in procedure at all. Just use it and it'll happen on its own over time.
I second the recommendation of the Omega 10081 boar (or similar proportions boar, like the Omega 10066, great handle). For one reason mainly: it's a damned good brush..! It's one I am sticking with in a very limited rotation, after have gone through quite a number of much more expensive ones.
Boars generally grow on you, as they get better and better, as more hair split. I do not know that badgers or synthetics share in this quality. The natural bristle ones just seem to last longer (I find) than the bleached and colored boars.
Cheap boars does not mean bad boars. The Omega 10081 boar can be found for less that ten bucks. But you can also find cheap boars that are not very good quality. Wilkinson Sword for example, make cheap boar brushes that are quite flimsy. I'd avoid those.
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