Help me buy one brush to last

[Steve-O]

Hi gents,

Please don't laugh, but I really don't want to buy another brush; I'd rather buy a decent one and get on with the rest of my life without wanting to try another brush. I've made it this far without buying a single DE item online, but I really need to get a sampler pack before repeating this exercise on blades and would like to get a good brush as well (preferably from the same vendor, I like the blade packs from bullgooseshaving).

As far as likes/dislikes I prefer a "bang for the buck," "all around performer" over almost anything else too fancy. Think, "grassroots wetshaving." I prefer a solid feel, nothing plasticky or cheap feeling.

Here's my rundown of stats as per the sticky:

Previous brushes: I started on a VDH Boar from local pharmacy. It shed pretty bad, was rough, and the handle is plastic and cheap. Loved it, but felt too cheap. I now use a synthetic brush from The Body Shop, it gets the job done but is not very soft, the handle is starting to de-laminate and the knot seems too small. Still feels too cheap.
Hair Type: Would like to have pure or super badger or something nice that won't make me wonder "what if?" a year from now.
Handle: ??? need some help here.
Soap/Cream: I don't use anything but VDH Deluxe soap. I use it to load up my brush then hit a wet latte mug just like the tutorial says. Lathers for days, costs a buck and tastes great too.
Face/Bowl: Bowl lather in a latte mug
Budget: $50, flexible. I don't think one should have to break the bank for a good quality badger brush, maybe I'm wrong.
Caveat: I hate shopping online, will only do it if necessary. The local C&E did not have their best badger brush, hence this call for help...

 

[Archerfire]

It took me forever to decide on my first brush. I wanted something of good quality that wouldn't break the bank and would last. I finally custom ordered a Shavemac in finest. I think the handle is simply a matter of personal preference. I looked at what was available and picked the one I liked best. It was a difficult choice because they all look nice! I ordered the brush on Feb. 4 and it arrived in Oklahoma on the 12th. That's a great turn-around in my book.

I must say that I totally LOVE it. I have nothing else to compare it to, but I think it's great! It is soft and has a good backbone. It works wonderfully with soaps and with creams in the 3 times I've used it thus far! Plus, there is just something about ordering a 'custom' brush... almost like it has your own little personal touch. Unfortunately, mine did cost more than the 50.00 limit you wish to stick with. I also wanted to stick with around 50.00, but I'm honestly glad that I didn't! It WAS less than 100.00, though.

I feel I totally got a great 'bang for the buck' value and all around performer.

Unfortunately, you would have to buy it online.. from Germany. But it is sooooo worth it!

It really is the only brush I could see me ever needing. Unfortunately, SBAD kicked in before I even GOT the brush and I purchased another off the board! It has yet to arrive. Addiction.... yes... addiction.

 

[HIT]

Try the VULFIX site!!!

You will find a VAST variety of brushes at this price. I bought my brush from there and I am very satisfied. (VULFIX 375 SuperBadger)

 

[Loner16]

If you're dealing with Phil from BullGoose (an excellent choice, BTW), you might look into the Simpson's "Ehsan"... Alot of the folks who have tried it are very high on it, and I'm ordering one myself. Phil just told me that he only has three left. sooo...

But, why do you want to limit yourself to one brush, when there are so many others, including very reasonably priced boars to try?

 

[Sueto]

For the $50 budget:
Perhaps a Simpsons Special or a Rooney in Pure. The Vulfix line is full of brushes in various handles at that price. Omega as well. You can get a lot of brush for $50. Size and handle shape might be the thing limiting you here. Those are personal preferences. For comparison, did you want something similar ot the VDH handle or less than that?

You did state that you didn't want a cheap plastic feel, so I think I would go with the Simpsons or the Rooney for myself.

Phil is a great vendor, the two band colonel looks be out of the budget range of the OP.

 

[Steve-O]

For comparison, did you want something similar ot the VDH handle or less than that?

The VDH handle felt pretty big around compared to its height. It also was not a very sexy or flattering shape.

But, why do you want to limit yourself to one brush, when there are so many others, including very reasonably priced boars to try?

A couple of reasons, such as space, and my wife's perception as it relates to me going overboard with shaving gear. But mostly because I'd rather have one semi-nice brush than three brushes that are "meh." Also, without the benefit of feeling a brush in person, I imagine it would be hard to find "the one" without buying or trading lots of brushes, which can get expensive or time consuming.

Also, like many other guys here I'm sure, I have lots of other hobbies/interests. Cars, guitars, photography, audio, shaving, etc. Applying a very disciplined approach toward frugality seems to be the best way to satisfy my interest in a variety of things without upsetting budget or the wife

 

[Loner16]

The VDH handle felt pretty big around compared to its height. It also was not a very sexy or flattering shape.



A couple of reasons, such as space, and my wife's perception as it relates to me going overboard with shaving gear. But mostly because I'd rather have one semi-nice brush than three brushes that are "meh." Also, without the benefit of feeling a brush in person, I imagine it would be hard to find "the one" without buying or trading lots of brushes, which can get expensive or time consuming.

Also, like many other guys here I'm sure, I have lots of other hobbies/interests. Cars, guitars, photography, audio, shaving, etc. Applying a very disciplined approach toward frugality seems to be the best way to satisfy my interest in a variety of things without upsetting budget or the wife

I understand completely!

As I said earlier.. don't overlook the Boar! My current go-to brush is an Omega #31064, and it cost me all of 22 bucks. It's become the brush I just reach for. BullGoose has some of the omega Professionals, and the Vulfix #404 Grosvenor mixed Boar and Badger has gotten some great reports..

Phil will steer you the right way!

 

[Sueto]

Steve-O,
Please don't judge boars based on that VDH. There are some nice ones out there. I only have experience lately with a Semogue 1305. It was nice, was softening up well and great with soap or cream. It was recently sent to another member mostly because I like my other brushes more. Brand new it was $18. A few bucks more and you get a nice handle.

Sticking the badgers: I think the Simpsons Special is a good classic shape. Something a little more curvy, Rooney 2/1 in Pure at $55(http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/2053630/2184488.htm) will probably be a nice one. Vulfix 660 perhaps would also meet that criteria.

 

[letsdisinfect]

I'm going to second the Shavemac sentiment. A great friend bought me a Shavemac for Christmas and I must say it's the best thing since sliced bread!

After a little sleuthing, I realized just how great a present it was -- definitely costs more than $50, but totally makes each morning's shave something to look forward to.

 

[DFrancis]

+1 on boar, I have an Omega an while I may add a badger later on, i feel the boar is a great brush, It's not inferior to badger, just different.

 

[DanOK]

If your looking for a brush with some back bone and mainly use soaps I would suggest a Saville Row at qedusa.com or a Shavemac at westcoastshaving.com in pure badger. Its all personal preference, but I believe a quality badger brush is the way to go if your committed to DE shaving. If you going to purchase a blade sampler pack at the same time then I would lean towards West Coast Shaving.

Don't forget the importance of knot size. My pure brush is a 24mm, but my new Shavemac in silvertip is 26mm and they both feel right in my hand. I have never put a gauge on a VDH brush but I would guess they come in around 18 to 20mm. I am told, by folks who's opinion I respect, that the most poplar knot size is a 24mm and I have found that 23 to 28mm is the range I like in brushes. .

 

[cvac]

For "one nice brush in $50 range" I definitely don't recommend a boar or a pure badger.

Try to find something in your budget in at least midgrade badger. Omega and Vulfix make some affordable brushes in your budget and you won't be stuck with a super scratchy brush. Check West Coast Shaving. Actually, call or email them and see what they suggest for your needs in your budget. On here you're just going to get a ton of different suggestions from a ton of different people whose preferences might not fit yours. Good vendors are knowledgeable and shouldn't steer you wrong.

If you want to try a decent boar brush, get a $10 Omega as a second brush. But I would definitely not recommend boar as your main brush if scratchiness bothers you. A decent boar will soften, but it will take a long time and will still be quite stiff.

 

[Nuclearbuddy]

Honestly been shaving daily with this brush and have been more than pleased with the performance. I've lost a few hairs but no more than 4-5 and you can offer under 20. Matter of fact since you'd be under budget buy a brush stand from the man and get it all under 30. Oh and check out the reviews..

Brush here