If I like the Semogue 1305, then...

[HarveySpecter]

I know these types of questions get asked all the time, but I just can't narrow it down and I just want some suggestions on what you guys think should be my next brush purchase.

Budget: I know this is the million dollar question, but I'm in college, so less than $60.

I'm pretty new to this so I've only been able to try out the Semogue 1305 as my first brush. I like it and think it's a good brush, but there are some other things that I'm looking for. I feel that this brush does a good job of making lather with soaps (and even creams), but I also think the loft is a little too high for my taste. I like the backbone on the 1305 alright, but I kind of want the next brush I own to be softer, floppier, and have a shorter loft. Also, I bowl lather most of the time just because I find it easier - but face lathering happens occasionally.

I'm not against getting another boar brush, but I feel like a badger brush would be much more suited to the conditions I just listed, but I'm up for anything. By the way, I really like the handle design of the 1305 and that was partly the reason I bought it.

Tl;Dr - What brush should I buy for less than $60?

 

[beginish]

A Simpson Special in Best should do the job.

 

[Den]

I don't own this brush, but it's the first that came to mind after reading your post: Vulfix 2234S

It shouldn't be much over 60$ with shipping if anything at all.

 

[HarveySpecter]

Those both seem like great options I will add to my list while I continue to search. I like the look of both of those and I'm guessing there's not too much difference between "Best" and "Super" badger hair.

I do want to mention that I don't feel that the 1305 is too scritchy or prickly, because I like the way it feels on my face, I just think I would like to try out what some would consider a "softer" brush.

Thanks for the input as always.

 

[redrako]

I'm sure that you'll get a wide variety of recommendations,

For $60 or less you could pick up a Simpson's Colonel or Commodore X1 from West Coast shaving using the B&B 10% discount. If you are online often you can get great bargains on BST.

Reknotting a vintage handle with a TGN of Whipped Dog knot would be well under your price range and give you a great brush. You would have to put in a little sweat equity in reading some of the brush restoration thread, but it's well worth it.

Best of Luck to you. Remember, if you dont particularly like the brush, once you meet the criteria, you can always sell a brush on BST.

 

[Foyle]

I second the 2234S suggestion. If you want more flop that's the brush for you. The loft may not be shorter per se but you'll be hard pressed to get more flop from a shorter lofted brush. Generally speaking, less loft equals more backbone.

 

[BigBull]

This is a hard question for me to answer...but what comes to my mind is "bird-dogging" the BST. I recently purchased a Simpson Duke 2 in Best on the BST for $65 and it is an amazing brush. Particularily for face lathering soaps. I'm a huge Semogue fan, so I'd tell ya to also consider saving up $10 and order the SOC 2-Band from vintagescent.com for what I consider to the best brush/value on the market. Either way, enjoy every day you are in college and live it to its fullest!

 

[shave~extacy]

+1 Duke 2 on the bst as they have been popping up a lot lately... Maybe a Rooney 3/1

 

[SliceOfLife]

TGN finest at a low loft in an ebay vintage handle you like and a Semogue 1470.


Simpson Special was a good rec too. It's probably the best backbone in Best of the <$60 simpsons if my memory serves.

 

[deruitem]

I would also go with a lower cost simpson or a Finest knot from TGN