Wanting a new brush

[s_cubed]

Hello everyone,

I have been wet shaving for almost a month now and I'm loving every bit of it. However, I'm not entirely pleased with my current brush, VdH boar from Walmart. I have been searching the interwebs hoping to find something better and I have seen a few that I think will be great for a newbie. So, I'm going to ask the very people that got me started on my new favorite hobby for their input.

I have read positive reviews about the Semogue 830, the Parker pure badger brush, and the EJ best badger. Most of the reviews were done by newbies, like me, that have only used the VdH boar. Now, in a perfect world I would just buy all three however, I only have the budget to purchase one. I would like one that works well for hard soaps as well as creams. Also, I'm a bowl latherer but I'm not sure if that makes a difference.

Thanks for all of your input!

 

[Danricgro]

Check out the Vintage Blades brand two band brushes. Very reasonably priced and get great reviews.

 

[Mick]

If your budget is tight.....

TGN: http://thegoldennib.com/index.php
Whipped Dog: http://www.whippeddog.com/products/find/brushes-knots
Vintage Blades: http://vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=240

Avoid pure badger as it is an acquired taste

 

[StuMcB]

Cant go wrong with the B&B essential boar from WCS.

 

[djh]

Cant go wrong with the B&B essential boar from WCS.

Well said, that man.

 

[s_cubed]

Cant go wrong with the B&B essential boar from WCS.

I was going to get one of those but they are out of stock...guess I'll have to wait.

 

[s_cubed]

If your budget is tight.....

TGN: http://thegoldennib.com/index.php
Whipped Dog: http://www.whippeddog.com/products/find/brushes-knots
Vintage Blades: http://vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=240

Avoid pure badger as it is an acquired taste

Thanks! I'm checking those out right now.

 

[alaskazimm]

I second the B&B boar and the Whipped Dog silvertip. If you're not strapped, get both!

 

[buca3152]

I have 2 parkers they work great for soaps or creme. My son has a silvertip, I dont like it, too soft. Under 40 to the door ebay, brand new. I have 2 because I liked it so much I wanted another one. I also have a AOS best badger, it feels the same as the parker which I believe is pure badger. YMMV as always.

 

[branford]

If your budget is tight.....

TGN: http://thegoldennib.com/index.php
Whipped Dog: http://www.whippeddog.com/products/find/brushes-knots
Vintage Blades: http://vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=240

Avoid pure badger as it is an acquired taste

+1 on the Whipped Dog. I have a 22mm ivory resin with a 50mm loft that is fantastic, and was only $31 delivered. Larry, the proprietor of WD, is also a great guy. Email or call him with any questions, and he will not steer you wrong. I also agree with Turtle, avoid the pure badgers if you're looking for a softer brush than your current VdH.

Good luck.

 

[cryhavoc]

Get an Omega boar from http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/, he has the best selection.

 

[s_cubed]

Fantastic advice, everyone! Looks like I have a little more research to do!

 

[Acmemfg]

The Omega 11126 is so often overlooked. The handle is a wonderful piece of work, it breaks in to be a superb soft knot but still with enough backbone to use on just about ant shave media out there, and it can be had for $25. I love mine.

 

[Moondoggie]

Would anyone else steer him towards the SOC boar? A few more bucks, more like $45 if I remember right, but I love mine for both bowl and face lathering. Eats hard soaps without a problem. Good sized knot and a great handle. Even picks up bonus points for looks just sitting on the counter. Just figured I would throw that one out there as long as you are researching...

 

[Chesterfield]

One of the best affordable Boar brushes for a newbie to try is really any of the Semogue brushes. I'm still relatively new to DE shaving & just recently "upgraded" from a VDH Boar to a Semogue 1305.....very nice brush & good looking too! You can get one right now for $19 from Westcoast Shaving.......Good Luck in your next brush search!

 

[Sunflake]

Check out the Vintage Blades brand two band brushes. Very reasonably priced and get great reviews.

I can second this as well. For a two band you can't beat their prices. Also love the 830, one of my favorite brushes. Great right out of the box and only gets better from there.

 

[wimbouman]

Phil at Bullgooose is clearing the Vie Long Ralea now.
Only 7,50 for I assume a decent starter.

Vulfix 404 will be 30 USD.

Semogue 620 or 830 could be a good advice.
I would choose a plexi handle, much sturdier than wood.

That said, if the SOC is within reach give that a thought as suggested earlier.
Excellent value for money.

 

[Galhatz]

Connaught has the best prices (by far) on Omega brushes.
The Omega 11137 was revie. here and was found to be extremely close to the highly praiser Semogue SOC.
Whippeddog's silvertips are very good, but I'd definitely pay the extra $5 to set the knot deeper otherwise it can be on the floppy side.
Frank Shaving's synthetic is terrific. I took it with me this weekend on a trip and if it was awesome.

Avoid the tweezerman, it is the only brush i regard even less tham the, ehmmm, the vdh boar....
Actually, the best use for that one, IMO, is to get rid of the knot and put a nice whippeddog knot instead. That knot is glued to a plastic stud that is just stuck inside, with some wiggling and pulling it would come out.

 

[Jerry4roo]

Love my Semogue 830 soft from the 830get-go! For soft soaps, nothing beats the 830!

 

[s_cubed]

Thanks everyone for their input. I've decided to give Larry a shot (for that price how could I not?). I will take into consideration the other brushes recommended, I mean this won't be the last brush I buy I'm sure.