Newbie Choosing a brush

[royal314]

This is my first post here on B&B. I, like others, got tired of cartridge razors, and made the switch to a DE razor.

I have wetshaving for about a month now, but have been using the brush that comes with the AoS trial pack. I am now planning to buy a better brush, and have done extensive research, but am stuck between two options. I can't decide whether to go for the B&B Essential Boar, or to get a Silvertip from Whipped Dog (I would get the loft set to 49mm). What input do you have? Or do you have suggestions for something else to consider?

 

[August West]

I would say the B&B boar because I am pushing supporting the site.

 

[Teppanyaki]

I really like my B&B boar and have a Semogue SOC on order. I have not tried a badger, but I have a synthetic silvertip from Muhle that feels great as well.

I gravitate towards my boar (unless travelling, as the synthetic dries very quickly) as it gives me a combination of soft tips with good backbone for soaps and brushing on my face. I do not like "scratchy" at all, but there is something nice about a brush with some backbone.

The standard B&B response - "Get both!" Or get the boar and a Muhle synthetic silvertip fiber from Connaught or Shaving.ie to avoid Muhle's North American distributor markup and pretend the synthetic is a badger.

 

[mblakele]

Welcome to B&B!

Put both on your Christmas list, and see what happens. Maybe you unwrap one, or maybe both.

 

[royal314]

One other thing, I am in college and on a limited budget, so I hope stay under $40 for the brush. I will likely buy more in the future, but I am primarily interested in a "daily driver" for now. One other brush that I have considered is a whipped dog synthetic.

As for the Christmas list... good idea!

 

[Teppanyaki]

Under $40 - I would go with B&B Essential or Semogue SOC ordered from VintageScents with the coupon (you'll have to search or Google badgerandblade for the exact code). Under $30 for either, I think.

 

[jazzguy]

Welcome aboard! Generally I prefer badger to boar. I haven't tried the WD but do like the Omega.

 

[ddown]

I think you would love the Whipped Dog. Much nicer than a boar

 

[royal314]

Here is a related question. From what I can tell, it is recommended that boar brushes dry for 48 hours between uses, is the same thing recommended for badger?

 

[deruitem]

If you want very soft tips go with a whipped dog with a low loft. I have to admit I have not tried the B&B Boar and it is on my Christmas list

 

[Jarick]

What soap/cream are you using? Do you bowl or face lather?

 

[JPodL16]

I have both of those brushes and I prefer the whipped dog to the B&B. I also have a semogue SOC boar (similar price to the B&B from the site above, if you are patient), and prefer that to the B&B as well. However, they're all great brushes.

 

[royal314]

What soap/cream are you using? Do you bowl or face lather?

I both AoS sandalwood shave cream, and VDH soap. They are different, but both work fairly well. I have also been meaning to try proraso but haven't yet. I generally bowl lather, but I am not too set in my ways

 

[RobW]

The current iteration of the B&B Essential benefits both the B&B site and the National Breast Cancer Foundation...doesn't get much better than that!

 

[SteveWY]

Welcome aboard mate! What a great first post! I must say that the obvious and only answer to your question is: BOTH!

Yes, you won't stop with one brush any way. Both are excellent choices and many consider top picks in both boar and badger categories. Just get both. If $$ is limited now go for the B&B Essential. As a card-carrying member you gotta have at least one! This brush breaks in nicely and can handle any soap or cream.

If a little more luxury is the order of the day than there is no better recommendation that the WD. I have mainly boars but the WD is on my lsts (waiting for someone to ask me what I want for Christmas!).

If

 

[SteveWY]

Here is a related question. From what I can tell, it is recommended that boar brushes dry for 48 hours between uses, is the same thing recommended for badger?

No. Badger hair holds water and doesn't absorb it like boar bristle so badger dries fast. The drying time for boar allows the hairs to completely dry and the tips to split over time. that is where the magic is.

 

[musicman1951]

If you face lather you should probably get the B&B Essential.

If you bowl lather you should probably get the badger - or maybe even better, an SOC.

 

[Icebear]

Under $40 - I would go with B&B Essential or Semogue SOC ordered from VintageScents with the coupon (you'll have to search or Google badgerandblade for the exact code). Under $30 for either, I think.

+1 on the SOC, it comes to about $27 shipped from Spain, takes about two weeks to get to US.
For me this is the best value for under 30 you will find anywhere. I face lather with this brush and after a proper break in time it gets amazingly soft. A the beginning though . But once you get there .

 

[SilentTuba]

I have both of those brushes. They are both excellent, and I'm glad to have them, but if I could only keep one, I'd keep the WD silvertip.

 

[Teppanyaki]

I shave with my boar daily. I did the "rapid break in" (search for the thread, I soaked the brush for a few hours daily and let it sit in lather overnight for a few nights) and the split tips feel very nice.

I also really like my Muhle synthetic for those mornings where I forget to soak my brush before the shower!