Need An Inexpensive Beginner Brush Recommendation

[Arinbjorn]

I am new to wet shaving, and trying to find an inexpensive option for a brush. I am new to the forums, but have tried to do a lot of research.

It seems a boar hair brush will work fine for me, and being tight with funds currently, is the way I will have to go.

The Omega Pro brush seems to be favorably reviewed here, but with consistant mention that it is large.

Any other options that you all could provide for me to investigate?

Thanks very much for any help. These forums are excellent.

 

[EscapeVelocity]

You might benefit from my recent thread...

Recommend inexpensive shaving brush for newb.

Coalescing information...

Omega Boar x7
Semogue Boar x6
Whipped Dog Silvertip Badger x4
Vie-Long Horsehair x3
Frank Shaving Synthetic x3
B&B Essential Boar x3 (Made by Omega)
BestShave #7 x1 Ultracheap Slow Shipping
TweezerMan Badger x0.5

Start with Boar x4
Dont buy cheap Badger x2
Synthetic not getting much love
All you need is one of these high quality inexpensive brushes and it will last a long time and perform well

Semogue = Made in Portugal
Omega = Made in Italy
Vie Long = Made in Spain
Whipped Dog = Made in USA
BestShave = Made in China - Shipped from Turkey Mostly Boar with a few Horse Hairs

Semogue 830, 1350
Omega Pro 48, Pro 49

 

[mftoms59]

Omega 1066, 10005, 80005 or 11575, Semoge 1250, 1460, 1470 or 1438 the Semogue's will have lower or equal lofts & smaller knots.

 

[Sfbagger]

I'd go for the Pro 49 for $10 at WCS, and the Semogue 1250 for about $18 delivered from Vintage Scent.

 

[Mandina]

I just purchased and received an Omega boar 10065 (Connaught Shaving, $11-12 delivered to U.S.). There's a B&B thread about it. It's listed as knot=23mm, loft=55mm--about the same size as my Muhle HJM black fibre (synthetic) brush. I'm not a big guy, and it fits me just fine. I did some standard break-in for it today (rinsed it, lathered a soap, soaked the brush in the with the lather, swirled the brush on a towel quite a few times) and used it tonight. For me it's a terrific budget brush.

 

[angelo]

Go boar or synthetic. New synthetics are much improved. Stay away from cheap badgers. Finally, keep in mind you are getting advice from a newbie...

 

[KindestCutofAll]

My first 3 brush purchases were on the bay. They are fantastic performers and among my favorites.

2 NOS Ever-Ready Badgers for about $12 shipped
1 NOS Fuller Badger (included in a larger purchase

 

[ThePatrician]

Welcome! There are a lot of threads about inexpensive brushes, but whether you are looking for boar or badger makes a huge difference. Eliminating badger really brings down the price. The B&B Essential Brush has been getting excellent reviews. Most people seem to feel that the Semogue 1250 and 1305 are two of the best boar brushes EVER, with the Omega 49 rounding out the top three. From what I have read the people who have bought the B&B brush have loved the paint off it.

 

[GarrettReid]

I'll PIF you a van der hagen badger brush if you're CONUS.

 

[Danricgro]

If it has to be a boar as a first brush I would recommend a Omega over a Semogue just because they seem to break in quite a bit faster. I prefer semogues in the long run but they can take a good bit of time to break in. I would check out the Vintage Blades 2 band badger brushes. Very reasonably priced and get good reviews. A brand new boar brush as your only one can be a bit frustrating. Some don't work well at all until they break in.

 

[Arinbjorn]

Thanks for all the help, everyone.

I'll shoot a PM for the VDH brush. I can make lather!

I'll end up with another boar brush down the road. I'll research what has been brought up here. Thanks again, everyone.

 

[Lexbomb]

Really nice pif! I would also look at the B&B essential boar, it is a really great brush!

 

[Arinbjorn]

Where can I find the B&B brush for sale?

 

[Arinbjorn]

Found it! Sorry