Looking for a CHEAP brush :

[Darkbulb]

Ok, you guys have convinced me to give it a try...I'm getting my first ever DE razor this coming week and I THOUGHT I'd be fine with just slapping some canned foam on my face and do all the other steps...but..maybe there IS something about the exfoliation, softening the beard, etc...SO...I'm on a rather limited budget but would like to try this out.

Anyone have any links/sources/brand recommendations for a cheap beginner brush? I don't anything fancy or pretty..just functional so that I can 'tell' if it's a worthy part of this shaving process

Reply here or PM with suggestions.

Thanks guys

 

[wheelhouse]

For $9, the Omega 10049 punches WAY above its class.

http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Omega-10049-Professional-Boar-Shaving-Brush-Red-Handle_p_211.html

 

[rotto66]

I agree the Omega 10049 is a great brush , but it is huge. There are also several smaller Omega brushes that are also great values.

 

[Redzone]

I bought several "Frank Shaving" brushes off Ebay and most expensive badger brush was $9.99 and I also have an Omega too.

 

[SystemaCid]

Franks Shaving Co. (Ian tang on ebay) Brushes are very good. I've only used the Synthetic and Mixed Badger though. Both are reasonably priced. The Tweezer man Badger has a lot of review on Amazon you could look up. I haven't used it but it's only like 15$ and it has rep for being a good starter brush.

 

[morcoffee]

i started with the omega 49, and it is still in my rotation even after getting much more expensive badgers... may be a little bit on the big side, but you won't know till you try it!! besides, for $9 you can't go wrong...

 

[Darkbulb]

Thanks for the great suggestions.

 

[Parjay]

Can't go wrong with omega, semouge, or the B&B essential. All can be had in the less than 20 dollars range, and IMHO all will outperform the tweezerman out of the box and continue to get better with use. I don't mind my tweezerman, but it is very scritchy.

 

[rand77]

If you want to go badger, I'd recommend whipped dog silver-tip which is $26 if you are CONUS ($28 outside). Chinese made badger brushes on eBay are also pretty good and can be found < $30.

Also boar brushes are perfectly viable as mentioned before.

 

[PFP_Dad]

I may get dissed for saying this, but the AOS travel kit lured me in. Don't skimp on prep or you may misjudge the experience. To me the prep makes a far bigger difference than the razor. VDH soap, a brush of some type, and a bottle of clubman can be found at Walgreens, but personally I'd try the Art of Shaving travel kit and then get better items if you like it.

 

[Snargle]

I may get dissed for saying this, but the AOS travel kit lured me in. Don't skimp on prep or you may misjudge the experience. To me the prep makes a far bigger difference than the razor. VDH soap, a brush of some type, and a bottle of clubman can be found at Walgreens, but personally I'd try the Art of Shaving travel kit and then get better items if you like it.

I'm not sure that the AOS Travel Kit (~ $80) would meet the OP's request for a cheap brush. I'd recommend any of the boars mentioned above, a Frank Shaving badger, or a Whipped Dog badger as good choices that may end up being not just starter brushes, but part of a regular, long-term shave kit.

 

[Nomad1600]

btw, if getting a kit from AOS, make sure its not one of "samples" where the brush is intended for limited use/life. I received one of those as a gift and the brush was a disappointment, to say the least. I understand their normal brushes are nice brushes, but IMO fairly expensive for what else is out there.

To your question: the Frank Shaving pure badger for around $10 (ebay) is a very good deal. For a good boar brush, try the already mentioned Omegas, or the Semogue 1305 ($19) is a great brush that will will be as good as any you may need. I even like my CVS purchased VDH boar brush.

 

[cpacamper]

Started with an Omega Pro 49 and after a few months, I found it too big. I now use an Omega 10066, its smaller and works much much better for me.

 

[Acmemfg]

At somewhere in the price range of $18-$25 (varies with vendor; here is one of them) http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Omega-11126-Boar-Shaving-Brush-Ovangkol-Wooden-Handle_p_1992.html

The Omega 11126 is a spectacular addition to anyone's quiver. Another cool thing about it is not every swinging Harry has one (it's nice to be a tad different)
View attachment 360867

 

[PFP_Dad]

I'm not sure that the AOS Travel Kit (~ $80) would meet the OP's request for a cheap brush. I'd recommend any of the boars mentioned above, a Frank Shaving badger, or a Whipped Dog badger as good choices that may end up being not just starter brushes, but part of a regular, long-term shave kit.

Oops, meant the cheap $25 one. The brush will need to be replaced eventually, but its a cheap intro to preshave, brush, cream, and aftershave.

 

[wimbouman]

The B&B essential!



At 20 dollar a steal.

 

[GencoOliveOilCompany]

YMMV, but I think the Tweezerman and Escali brushes (available on Amazon) make great lather. Also, Colonel Conk has some very functional brushes at very affordable prices.

 

[SteveWY]

The B&B essential!

View attachment 360902

At 20 dollar a steal.

YEA!!!!! I don't like the connotation of "cheap" but if you want a brush that is inexpensive and has quality well beyond its price point this is THE BRUSH! I used my B&B Red this morning and my B&B Blue last week. Go online, http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Bad...-Boar-Shaving-Brush-Yellow-Handle_p_1707.html. Currently out of stock but get on the waiting list for the next release and you will be notified.

And as said, you can get a good Omega for about $10.

 

[aar0n]

I want the B&B brush! -- WCS currently has a yellow version. That might have to be my next purchase.

As far as value goes, nothing beats the VDH kit -- $10 for a puck, bowl and boar brush (got mine at walmart)

EDIT: I shouldn't say VDH is the best value, maybe I should say it's the cheapest value.

 

[SteveWY]

The Yellow is out of stock so get on the waiting list for the next version.