I've been using my 50107 for a couple of weeks now, bowl-lathering soap. For me, the brush is excellent for this purpose. It is a pretty darn large brush, but the hair has a nice backbone so it does not flop around my face very much. An intial soak w/ diluted white vinegar and a couple of practice lathers were enough to dispel the funk. A wonderful value for the price. My only personal reservations/things to consider for a next brush: 1. a wooden handle rather than a plastic, 2. an embossed logo rather than a sticker, 3. a slightly smaller knot size and thinner handle.
I've used the brush a few times, and I have to say I like it alot. The funky smell is still hanging around, but I'm in no hurry. It did lose a few hairs, maybe about 7 or 8, but after the first 2 shaves hair loss has stopped completely. All in all, I'm glad I bought it.