Horse Hair (Vie-Long) Good for a begginer?

[LoveThatBurn]

I've been using the VGH Deluxe Boar brush and it isn't bad, but I want to try something softer. I wanted to try a horse hair brush (specifically the Vie-Long 13061M). I use both soaps and creams, but have had trouble making a nice rich lather. I have hard water and am impatient.
Was wondering if this would be a good brush to try?

 

[mblakele]

If hard water is the problem, distilled water would be cheaper than a new brush.

But if this is really about buying a new brush, I can help. Back in 1900 or so, many gents used horse hair as their first and only brush. The Vie-Long brushes are fine examples of the type, and I always enjoy using my BGS2012.

 

[LoveThatBurn]

If hard water is the problem, distilled water would be cheaper than a new brush.

But if this is really about buying a new brush, I can help. Back in 1900 or so, many gents used horse hair as their first and only brush. The Vie-Long brushes are fine examples of the type, and I always enjoy using my BGS2012.

It's a mix of both. I love softer things (I still love boar) and well horse hair seemed awesome.

 

[oakeshott]

Horse hair is great and right now bullgoose has some on clearance. My favorite though is their beehive LE if its still available.

 

[Quigg]

I have hard water and have success using a couple of inexpensive boar brushes. They are definitely more comfortable than a cheap badger brush. One is a Semogue 1605, and the other is a Semogue SOC boar. I tried a Vie-Long horsehair brush, but don't like the feel - too scritchy.

 

[Mick]

I have had a 13061 for a while. Mine is a very soft brush about equal to my Kent BK8 in softness.

If you are looking for a very good bowl lathering brush to use with creams this is a good choice for you.

 

[LoveThatBurn]

Thanks guys! Looking forward to pulling the money together for this!