Recommendations for a First Badger Brush

[Pipe Novelist]

So I mentioned when I joined the forum that I am a complete and total noob. I do not own a shave brush, soap, safety razor, anything. I am thinking of piecing together a proper shave kit one piece at a time, and I would like to start with the brush and a couple of soaps. I was looking at a couple of different badger brushes on the internet, and I want something that is of decent quality but won't break the bank. Here were two that I was considering, both made by Parker Safety Razor:

http://www.amazon.com/Badger-Handle-Parker-Safety-Razor/dp/B002ET10S6/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1

http://www.amazon.com/Parker-Safety-Razor-Bristle-Shaving/dp/B002ET1ATU/ref=pd_sbs_hpc_2

Anybody have any experience with these? Are they pretty good brushes? I am trying to keep it in and around the $30 area but preferably under that number if I can. If anyone has any other recommendations for a brush in this range I would love to hear it. Thanks guys!

 

[Face&Head]

Those black badgers are likely to be very prickly, what we call "scritchy". Badger doesn't change much with use so they'll stay that way with maybe very modest softening. If you want to stay under $30 you can buy a very good boar brush for between $15 to $25. Unlike badger, boar does break-in, so after 20 to 30 shaves you'll have a very comfortable brush. The preferred brands around here are Omega & Semogue. You can find a nice selection at one of the B&B vendors like Bull Goose or West Coast Shaving. You can also buy a synthetic bristle brush for around $30. Personally, I'd stay away from very inexpensive black badger.

 

[JRobinhood]

You could always buy a silvertip knot and handle from Whipped Dog. Larry is such a nice person and the knot's seem to get pretty great reviews. I haven't used one personally, but I have one on the way . For $20 all together I don't think you'll find a better badger brush.

http://whippeddog.com/products/view/silvertip-badger

As Face&Head said, you could also go with a boar brush. I have a Semogue 830 (about $24) and it is a very soft brush. The brush is a little floppy around the outside of the knot, but overall it works well.

 

[mblakele]

Yes, or horse might be a good option in that price range: try http://www.google.com/cse?cx=012484...oc&ie=UTF-8&q=horse#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=horsehair

 

[Pipe Novelist]

Yes, or horse might be a good option in that price range: try http://www.google.com/cse?cx=012484...oc&ie=UTF-8&q=horse#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=horsehair

Im afraid that horse hair is going to be out of the question for me. When I was about 13 I had to see an allergy specialist and their tests determined that I am wildly allergic to horse hair.

 

[Pipe Novelist]

On the note of badger vs. boar, can anyone here tell me if there is one or the other that is preferable for mug shaving? I think mug shaving is where I would like to start out.

 

[Face&Head]

On the note of badger vs. boar, can anyone here tell me if there is one or the other that is preferable for mug shaving? I think mug shaving is where I would like to start out.

Both work fine.

 

[Triad]

Check out the Semogue Boars great brushes for under $30
West coast shaving and Bullgoose both stock them

 

[Krona Kruiser]

Classy move, jdjones.

 

[lt114]

Send me a PM with address info and I will PIF the two Omega's (a boar and a badger, both new) in the below link for free if you want them. I did okay on my minor den clearout, and don't have any use for them, so I'd like to see them get a good home. If you are interested, they are the first item listed at http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/300323-FS-Fatboy-20-s-OC-Creams-(some-new)-Brushes-(new). Just PM me a shipping address and I will get them out to you this week. I can probably send you a shaving bowl too if you need it. Just let me know.

That's a very nice gesture jdjones. The great people here on these forums never fail to impress me.

 

[nrv216]

That's a very nice gesture jdjones. The great people here on these forums never fail to impress me.

+1

nrv216

 

[windycityshaver]

+2. A true genletman.

 

[Pipe Novelist]

Send me a PM with address info and I will PIF the two Omega's (a boar and a badger, both new) in the below link for free if you want them. I did okay on my minor den clearout, and don't have any use for them, so I'd like to see them get a good home. If you are interested, they are the first item listed at http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/300323-FS-Fatboy-20-s-OC-Creams-(some-new)-Brushes-(new). Just PM me a shipping address and I will get them out to you this week. I can probably send you a shaving bowl too if you need it. Just let me know.

jdjones, that is one of the most generous things that anyone has ever offered to do for me. I sent you a PM with an address. I absolutely love the both of them. Thank you so very much for the generosity. I will cherish them and treat them with the respect that they deserve. And thanks to everyone else on here who offered the input on brush selection. I can already tell I am going to love this place.

 

[little Big feather]

Amazon, look at, Van DerHagen Deluxe...You get Badger brush,soap, mug..That was my start. It's pretty good stuff too.

 

[soda]

Send me a PM with address info and I will PIF the two Omega's.

Wow. Such a gentleman.