Semogue 830 vs. Sub-30 Badger Brush?

[Adrian84]

Hello friends! I'd like to preface this by saying that this is a fantastic site! I've found very few questions that I haven't been able to Google and find an answer to here. Everybody is very helpful and non-abrasive in their replies.

My question is this: Is there a sub-$30 badger hair brush that is as good as the Semogue 830? I'll share my list of wants in the matter.

1. Fairly stiff.
2. Not too scratchy.
3. Good for soap lathering in bowl.
4. Small/medium handle.
5. Preferably synthetic handle.

I found the badger brush provided in my Art of Shaving starter kit a bit too scratchy, but the boar brush from the Van Der Hagen Deluxe set was alright. The VDH doesn't lather fantastically, and the handle is a bit too large for my hands. The AOS brush seemed a tiny bit too small, but was more comfortable to use. I don't face lather(yet) and I do not use creams/gels. I shave in the shower, so a wood handle is not a great option, even if they are aesthetically outstanding, hahaha.

I've seen some Parker Safety razor brand badger brushes on Amazon for $25-$30. I could conceivably go up to $35 shipped, but that is a stretch(not a cheapskate, just very poor, hahaha).

I realize that this is a very subjective question, but I'd still appreciate your input.

 

[Danricgro]

The 830 is a very good brush it is my favorite boar. Beware, it will not work well at all until its broken in!

 

[Galhatz]

A whippeddog silvertip would fit the bill nicely. It is worth though to pay the extra 5 bucks to set the knot lower (at 48-50mm).
I have my 24mm knot set at 45mm which is a tad too deep, but it has an excellent backbone.

 

[blzrfn]

A Lijun finest might fit the bill. Good backbone, very soft tips. but lacking a bit in the density and handle choice departments.

 

[Adrian84]

I hadn't heard of Whipped Dog! Prices look great. Thanks for the suggestion. Also, how would I go about asking to get it set deeper?

 

[Adrian84]

I've settled on a Whipped Dog Silvertip. I'll likely get a resin handle this time, but will return for a sweet Firehouse one at a later date. $31 shipped for a silvertip is too good to pass up($26 + $5 for extra drilling). Thanks a bunch to Galhatz for the recommendation! This will go well with the Honey Bee shave soap triple pack I'm also eying.