best value quality brush under $50 bucks

[marcovgv]

what is the best value brush one can get for around 50 bucks.

i have heard of the new forest, savile row, shavemac etc..

any others that you think should be mentioned in... and what would you pick?

i like smaller brushes.. under a 21 knot...

thanks

 

[Loric]

If you can find one the New Forest has a great reputation, though I have never tried one.

For my money thought I would pick up a TGN Finest. They are great brushes, soft with good backbone. Though they are only of medium density, so I would advise going with a slightly shorter loft than you might otherwise pick. You could also pick out a knot and handle and have it custom set for you at the real TGN sight. They dont advertise custom work, but if you ask they will help you out. I have 2 customs and for the pice you cant beat them.

 

[Shavely Manden]

If you can find one the New Forest has a great reputation, though I have never tried one.

Funny you should mention New Forest -- they just came out with their new brush, a silvertip, for $55 or so (depending on the exchange rate -- it's 35GBP including international shipping). I've ordered one myself, so hopefully it's good. Obviously, nobody's tried them except Fido, the vendor, and he's been banned from B&B (but not filtered, so we can still discuss his products). It's a little more than the OP's budget, but, if the reports of the finest are anything to judge by, it'll probably be a good deal.

 

[Greybeard]

+1 on the TGN 2 band finest knots. They're very good for the price.
Shavemacs and Saville Rows are fine brushes, but they're over your budget.
I've never tried a New Forest but it does have a good reputation.

If you like a soft silvertip, then the Omega 636 is a real bargain. It's better for bowl lathering than face lathering, but the tips are very soft and it's not floppy. It's a 21mm knot with a 51mm loft and an overall height of 95mm.

http://www.amazon.com/Omega-Brownie-Junior-Silver-Shaving/dp/B000K7GP3Y/ref=pd_sbs_hpc_5\

The Simpson Wee Scot and Simpson Special are in your price range. The Wee Scot is a tiny brush but search B&B and you'll find that many people love it for face lathering. There's also the Simpson Commodore X1 at $54.

http://thesuperiorshave.com/Simpsons_Brushes.html

 

[JPDyson]

Edwin Jagger Best Badger Brush, size Small or Medium (19mm knot x 44mm loft and 21mm knot x 53mm loft, respectively)

TheEnglishShavingCompany.com

 

[Loric]

Funny you should mention New Forest -- they just came out with their new brush, a silvertip, for $55 or so (depending on the exchange rate -- it's 35GBP including international shipping). I've ordered one myself, so hopefully it's good. Obviously, nobody's tried them except Fido, the vendor, and he's been banned from B&B (but not filtered, so we can still discuss his products). It's a little more than the OP's budget, but, if the reports of the finest are anything to judge by, it'll probably be a good deal.

Thanks for the heads up on the new New Forrest. That had slipped under my radar. To bad the handle looks a bit cheap. The two band New Forest looked simple and elegant. This looks more like they stole the handle from the cheap Ebay brushes.

 

[Greybeard]

If you like small brushes, there's a Saville Row 3118 on the BST right now at just slightly over your budget.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=170291

 

[Shavely Manden]

The Simpson Wee Scot and Simpson Special are in your price range. The Wee Scot is a tiny brush but search B&B and you'll find that many people love it for face lathering. There's also the Simpson Commodore X1 at $54.

http://thesuperiorshave.com/Simpsons_Brushes.html

Also, the Simpson's Case (with accompanying travel case) clocks in at $51 from The Superior Shave, which price is definitely in line with the spirit of the OP's request, if not exactly the letter.

 

[Timber Wolf]

I also recommend the omega 636. Its not floppy but not overly scrubby and boy is it soft. It competes well with my rooney 3/1 and Shavemac D01. It really is a great value.

 

[marcovgv]

thanks picked up the Saville Row 3118 on bst

 

[paules]

I am also looking for a new brush in the same price range (around $50) and have narrowed my choices to the Omega 636 or the Edwin Jagger Medium Best Badger.

I mainly use creams but do use soaps every now and again. I prefer to bowl lather.

Which of these brushes would you recommend? Also happy to be persuaded to look at others.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Greybeard]

I am also looking for a new brush in the same price range (around $50) and have narrowed my choices to the Omega 636 or the Edwin Jagger Medium Best Badger.

I mainly use creams but do use soaps every now and again. I prefer to bowl lather.

Which of these brushes would you recommend? Also happy to be persuaded to look at others.

Thanks in advance.

I think either of those 2 would work well. The Omega would feel softer on the face. The EJ would pick up soaps a little better and feel a little scrubbier.

If you could find a used Kent BK4 at $60. or under, that would be ideal.

 

[marcovgv]

all i can say is wow about the savile row 3118. i know its over your budget but man its a really nice soft brush.. and id did very well on my AOS sandalwood soap last night. see if you can find one for sale on the BST threads. i found a use one for 53.00 dollars. maybe i just got lucky but i like it enought to have justified spending 75 on a new one.

 

[du212]

New Forest 2210 in silvertip badger, without doubt, I have the 2201 and it's a great performer, better than other more expensive brushes

 

[marcovgv]

hoe dose the new forest compare to the savile row?

 

[paules]

Gents

Thanks for the advice and recommendations.

I am almost sold on the EJ given its consistently good reviews and price (less than $40 delivered to Australia) but will check out some of the other recommendations made here before making the final decision.

Thanks again
Paul