Time for a new brush - recommendations

[targa88]

I know there has been quite a debate about real silver tip vs fiber.
My preference has been for badger...with no experience with other materials (horse, boar, etc)

That being said...I came across the Muehle Retro SP2 (just appeals). Other than the size (25mm) the premium $$$ seem to be associated with it being a newer model?

Also, I have read numerous reviews.
Was partial to the Da Vinci 290 (or maybe 292 = prefer the handle).
Other potentials:
Kent BK4/Kent BK8
Monarch HMV/2

Price point $150.

There doesn't seem to be a lot of commentary about the Muehle brushes. Availability is a whole different story (Canada) = very limited.
Are they just a hidden secret, house branded brushes ( vs Kent, Rooney, Simpson, Morris & Forndran)

In terms of reference/context:
Razor: safety DE,
Face lathering... cream

I know there are so many choices = somewhere between perfection and procrastination.

I am not pre-disposed (other than the commentary above) and recommendations are greatly appreciated. Might be a pattern in the list of potential candidates..

 

[celestino]

The Monarch 2-band and the HMW are very luxurious and great brushes. Personally, i like the 2-band as it has more backbone for face-lathering. Good luck.

 

[Perished]

Da Vinci brushes are probably THE best kept secret in wet shaving imo
It's the one brush to rule them all... Soaps, creams. No problem. My favourite brush by a long way. Luxury, at a very reasonable price.

 

[mistercitizen]

The Monarch 2-band and the HMW are very luxurious and great brushes. Personally, i like the 2-band as it has more backbone for face-lathering. Good luck.

celestino, I believe you recommended the WSP brushes to me as well. They look very nice and have me intrigued.... although ultimately, I went with the Kent BK8 because.... well, because it's a Kent, reputation, tradition, etc. That being said, I paid more for the Kent as well. The WSP brushes look like very nice brushes for the money. My Kent is still in the mail, so I can't comment on its performance.... also, face lathering creams is not something I do very often..... but I would think that either the Monarch or the BK4 or 8 would be very good for this. I'm hoping the Kent is everything I've heard that it is. Savile Row brushes are wonderful cream brushes as well.... and have decent backbone to do the face lathering job with very soft tips. Good luck with whatever you choose, targa88.

Ben

 

[Dalejr]

I voted for Muehle

 

[sgtd]

Feel Unique has an excellent deal on the BK8. It's about $127 with free shipping.

 

[ackvil]

I received my DaVinci Brush and have shaved with it about six times. It is one of the best brushes I have ever used. It is incredibly soft and dense.

 

[sgtd]

290 or 293? I ordered the 293 but got an email saying they're out of stock; expected to be back in early Jan. I'm patiently waiting...

I received my DaVinci Brush and have shaved with it about six times. It is one of the best brushes I have ever used. It is incredibly soft and dense.

 

[ackvil]

I ordered the 293. It took a week before it was back in stock. Either one would be a great brush.

 

[Sled Dog]

I am waiting for a WSP Prince 2 Band Finest Silvertip to be delivered...on sale for $40, seems like a very good brush for the price
http://wetshavingproducts.com/silve...-prince-in-high-density-finest-2-band-badger/

 

[Rudy Vey]

DaVinci!

 

[takeshi]

My preference has been for badger...with no experience with other materials (horse, boar, etc)

Then how do you know you prefer badger? I'd suggest trying the others before proclaiming that you prefer badger without actually experiencing the alternatives.

 

[targa88]

Then how do you know you prefer badger? I'd suggest trying the others before proclaiming that you prefer badger without actually experiencing the alternatives.

Your recommendation would be???

 

[edgerunner]

Kent BK8, no doubt!

 

[mistercitizen]

Feel Unique has an excellent deal on the BK8. It's about $127 with free shipping.

They are back in stock on this site too (they'd been out of stock for a while).

Ben

 

[SamF]

Your recommendation would be???

I really like the Semogue SOC, Semogue's in general get excellent reviews around here. Boar brushes are generally much cheaper too (e.g. the SOC is Semogue's "top of the line" brush and that goes for about $45/£27). I'm no expert on brushes only having 3, but I definitely prefer my SOC to my EJ BBB, and even though I got a Simpson's Colonel recently too, I've had no desire to reach for it yet except for de funking and test lathers.

 

[brucered]

Feel Unique has an excellent deal on the BK8. It's about $127 with free shipping.

actually less right now. it's on sale.

BK8 gets my vote.

 

[sgtd]

I'm actually in a similar dilemma. I'm contemplating a last-minute purchase and am torn between the 290 and BK8. I've heard that both are awesome brushes and both are on sale right now. What to do...

 

[Perished]

I'm actually in a similar dilemma. I'm contemplating a last-minute purchase and am torn between the 290 and BK8. I've heard that both are awesome brushes and both are on sale right now. What to do...

The Kent is a good brush, the DaVinci is awesome. On both, like both, but really the Da Vinci is a class above the Kent. Think most who own both would agree. You'll end up buying both anyway

 

[sgtd]

You'll end up buying both anyway

This is what I'm afraid of.