I'm basically cheap but want good

[mkevenson]

So I have 2 Golden Nib restos that I really like. I also have a B&B contributors special that I like. Recently I have seen posts from folks who have spent $300+ on a shaving brush. I mean I really like quality products, but I like the best price available. My question is, is there a significant difference in shaving brushes ? Based on retail pricing.

 

[drumana]

In my experience, not really. With badger brushes, once you get to about $100 (maybe even less) and above, you're paying more for aesthetics.

 

[Timmy Dee]

And it depends what you use to shave with.....cream or soap?
I have a very soft brush if I'm going with a cream, but a stiffer pure badger (or super) is better for soaps.....soaps therefore work out to be more economical on more than one front. The pucks last for ages, and you don't need a brush that feels like you're lathering with a cloud (but good lord it's comfy when you're using cream).

 

[HIT]

Why dont you try the BODY SHOP brush?

I bought it for 12 euros and it is my first brush. At the moment it is very decent. Also it is synthetic

 

[Bristlingbeardofodin]

Buy a Vulfix if you want a good price for a badger or an Omega if you want a cheap but good boar.

 

[dpmtherrien]

I'll second this on the Vulfix. I have two, both are excellent brushes, good quality and they didn't break the bank.

 

[Mr. Igg]

In my experience, not really. With badger brushes, once you get to about $100 (maybe even less) and above, you're paying more for aesthetics.

+1. Somewhere around $100 seems to be an agreed-upon breakpoint at which you're not paying so much for performance, but for intangibles (aesthetics, etc).

 

[Timmy Dee]

I'll second this on the Vulfix. I have two, both are excellent brushes, good quality and they didn't break the bank.

+1 - yep. My first (and still goto) brush was a Vulfix (#849, I think) basic entry level pure badger.
It's terrific - and incredible value. I think I paid around $AUD40-50, and it's going to be with me for quite some time.

Having said that, I've been looking longingly @ Don McIvor's work, and am giving serious consideration to a custom bowl and brush set.

 

[El Comanche]

Semogue 1305 for $18 at shaving essentials will give your soaps and creams an *** kicking! After a few weeks the tips were softer than my badger but still had plenty of backbone-

 

[Loner16]

I have a Large Vulfix #660 that I've been very pleased with... $50 well spent!

 

[jkh]

As other have mentioned, $100ish seems to be the point of diminishing returns for performance.

This is the same as paying a premium for an out of production minty razor vs the out of production "daily shaver" razor.

 

[shavervinnie]

I'll second this on the Vulfix. I have two, both are excellent brushes, good quality and they didn't break the bank.

I agree. I've been happy with my Vulfix, although SWMBO got me an Edwin Jagger silvertip to keep it company

 

[markb]

In my experience, not really. With badger brushes, once you get to about $100 (maybe even less) and above, you're paying more for aesthetics.

+1... My $40 Penworks works as good as my $100+ Shavemacs.

 

[Darjeeling Express]

Tweezerman - $15 for a decent badger brush. Can't beat it.

 

[john parker]

I started with a C&E BBB for about $35 and got a BBEv2 for about $60ish as I recall. I keep thinking I need to get a Rooney 3/1, a Shavemac or a Savile Row. Then I shave with one of the brushes I have now and ask myself why do I need another? Think it is acquisition disorder kicking in and I manage to talk myself out of it. What I have does the job well enough!

 

[winkydink]

tweezerman - $15 for a decent badger brush. Can't beat it.

+1

 

[ChrisG]

http://www.truefittandhill.com/detail_00272__19.html

Use BB10 when you check out and you have the only brush you will ever need for a face latherer.

 

[mdunn]

imho theres a big difference between golden nib knots and 'real' knots. Theyre certainly very good brushes, and amazing value, but theyre not on the same level.

 

[Leche]

Boar!

 

[timmy]

Boar!

Semogue Boar!