Inexpensive Badger for a first

[jzuzphreek]

I've been doing a bit of research for the past few weeks, and as soon as the funds allow, I'd like to buy my first badger brush. I love my Semogue 620 (Boar), but after trying the Tweezerman in the Neverending Travel Box, I've come to the conclusion that my life NEEDS a badger. I'm hoping to not spend more than $50, so that rules out most Simpsons (I was kind of interested in the Eagle or 50 series). I'm a face latherer, and use mostly sticks, but I'm thinking of acquiring some creams and a few hard pucks as well. I also may bowl lather occasionally, if I feel like it.

I've looked at a few different makers and want to put this to the Shaving Brush Acquisition Disorderlies. Below is my tentative list of options:

• Whipped Dog
  [*]Vintage Blades LLC
• New Forest

Are there any other brushes I should be considering in this price range? What loft/knot should I be looking for? I don't want something stubby like the Semogue 620, because, in the event I want to bowl lather... it clinks, and my knuckles suffer.

 

[branford]

Whipped Dog is an excellent choice. Call or email Larry for his advice. For a face latherer like myself, I would recommend you spend the extra $5 and drill down the hole for a shorter loft and firmer brush. I personally own a 22mm silvertip, 50mm loft (drilled down an additional 5mm) with an ivory resin handle ($31 delivered). Vintage Blades and New Forest have good reputations, but as I do not own a brush from either company, I'll defer to the opinions of other members. Also note the Vintage blades house brand brushes only come in two-band and synthetic, not silvertip.

BTW, if you liked the Tweezerman, a brush from any of your listed vendors will be exponentially better. The only reason I haven't discarded my old Tweezerman is that it was my first brush and I'm hopelessly sentimental. It will likely only be used again if all my other brushes were lost or stolen or I suffered serious brain trauma.

My WD brush:

 

[John Von Wuggz]

EJ best, medium.

 

[The Dean]

I'd add Frank Shaving Finest to the list. Very similar to Vintage Blades, it seems. Anyway, the one I have is simply awesome, IMO:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009EHT8LW/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you want to try a decent badger (far, far better than the Tweezerman, IMO) starting at about $15-shipped, try one of the "defective handle" specials on Ebay. there is a thread about them here:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...handle-brush-on-ebay-but-it-had-a-funny-label

And here is the one I recently received. I am stunned by the quality and the value:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...ut-it-had-a-funny-label?p=5182836#post5182836

 

[brucered]

I would definitely consider a TGN finest and handle.

20 for handle. 24 for knot. Shipping and a bit of assembly and you can have a sweet brush.

and for premade, don't forget about the VintageBlades brushes that many have had great results with

 

[beginish]

The Vintage Blades brushes are freakin' steals at their prices.

 

[Porp]

I would definitely consider a TGN finest and handle.

20 for handle. 24 for knot. Shipping and a bit of assembly and you can have a sweet brush.

and for premade, don't forget about the VintageBlades brushes that many have had great results with

Bruce lead me into my first Badger brush and was dead on. I can also attest to this recommendation from him as well, I restored a brush using a TGN Finest XH 22mm and it, along with the Rooney Bruce helped me pick, are my two favorites BY FAR. He really knows his stuff.

 

[hawklet00]

I would recommend a whipped dog silvertip. Great seller and great customer service!

 

[jzuzphreek]

Thanks guys, for all your advice. Hasn't helped me narrow down my options. But it's valuable, nonetheless. I WILL be buying a TGN knot for the restore that I haven't finished (won several months ago). It's just a matter of when. I'd really like to get that handle looking a little less... war-torn. With that in mind, I'd still like to buy a badger that is whole and without defect. I'm thinking the Vintage Blades brushes are gonna be my best option. The New Forest brushes are a little more expensive, but there are prettier handle options. I've just got to decide if that's important to me.

 

[blindmouse]

I was in your shoes a year ago and was considering all the same options, but went with the Simpsons Berkeley in best. It's a small brush, but works like a champ for sticks, soaps and creams. I'm a face latherer as well. It may be on the upper end of $50 though.

 

[jzuzphreek]

I was in your shoes a year ago and was considering all the same options, but went with the Simpsons Berkeley in best. It's a small brush, but works like a champ for sticks, soaps and creams. I'm a face latherer as well. It may be on the upper end of $50 though.

That handle looks to be close to the same size as my Semogue. I think I want something a little longer.

 

[Mick]

That handle looks to be close to the same size as my Semogue. I think I want something a little longer.

Colonel 2xl has a larger handle and still a reasoably priced brush @ $65

http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Simpson-Colonel-X2L-Best-Badger-Shaving-Brush-X2L_p_390.html

If you can stretch to $81 you can pick up the 293 Da Vinci using their 30% off coupon.

Easily could be the last brush you ever buy.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/297253-Da-Vinci-293-Bead-Handle-Brush-Review

 

[jzuzphreek]

Colonel 2xl has a larger handle and still a reasoably priced brush @ $65

http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Simpson-Colonel-X2L-Best-Badger-Shaving-Brush-X2L_p_390.html

If you can stretch to $81 you can pick up the 293 Da Vinci using their 30% off coupon.

Easily could be the last brush you ever buy.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/297253-Da-Vinci-293-Bead-Handle-Brush-Review

All those links, and not one with the source. Unfortunately, $80 is out of the question at the moment.

 

[TheVez2]

I have a Parker and I love it. For right around $30, it is a great starter badger brush. I have higher end brushes, but my Parker gets lot more use.

 

[Galhatz]

Another vote for a TGN 2-band finest knot, bulb shape 22mm is ideal in my opinion.
You could get an even cheaper handle from WD. Allow 2mm extra over the knot size.
Btw, I find that a handle is also very important for the experience as a poorly shaped handle causes fatigue, at least in my hand, which has an averse effect on the razor grip.

 

[The Dean]

Another vote for a TGN 2-band finest knot, bulb shape 22mm is ideal in my opinion.
You could get an even cheaper handle from WD. Allow 2mm extra over the knot size.
Btw, I find that a handle is also very important for the experience as a poorly shaped handle causes fatigue, at least in my hand, which has an averse effect on the razor grip.

Fatigue? How many faces are you shaving?

Just kidding, of course. I take it you use a bowl/scuttle and build a bit of beautiful lather porn. I can't relate to any fatigue issues as I face lather.

 

[Yuritau]

You should consider the Simpsons Wee Scot. I exclusively face lather and use mostly shave sticks (Arko and La Toja) with one hard soap (Tabac) for good measure, and the Wee Scot is the only brush I use. I have a green B&B Essential boar brush, but it just can't keep up with my Wee Scot, so it stays in the cabinet. I also have a Duke 1 in best, but it can't even keep up with the boar brush.