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What brush should I get sub £70 ($95)

S

Samg1

Hi everyone,

Ok so a few people that have helped out on here know that I'm new to DE shaving (currenly 3 shaves in with a SS, tds brush and cream and they are slowly starting to improve) and that I'll be getting a Edwin Jagger DE for my 30th in December from my wife, along with a brush, bowl and stand. This is the razor I've chosen:

EJ Razor

Now I'm not sure what brush to get, I have been thinking it would be nice to get a Light Horn EJ brush to go with it as a set, so have a look at what I've chosen so far, but if you think there is a far superior brush for this price which I'm sure lots of people will say there is, do let me know and show me your options, ideally uk websites. Plus I'm not to sure in the difference in the below, and really by going for the silvertip is it over the top and not needed? I'll use this for face and head as I shave both, will always be used with a cream over a soap.

Brushes I like:

Silvertip lighthorn chatsworth

Lighthorn Silvertip Medium

best badger large

Thanks, all opinions welcomed.
 
JPDyson

JPDyson

I would tend toward the smaller of those brushes; I've never found the Medium EJ anything approaching "too small". That said, I actually prefer the Best grade to the Silvertip. It's sufficiently soft for me, but has a bit more backbone and hogs less lather.
 
S

Samg1

JPDyson said:
I would tend toward the smaller of those brushes; I've never found the Medium EJ anything approaching "too small". That said, I actually prefer the Best grade to the Silvertip. It's sufficiently soft for me, but has a bit more backbone and hogs less lather.
Click to expand...

Thanks yes I wasn't too sure on sizing either. I mean I'm only used to my synthetic TBS brush which I guess in terms of size is small compared to most premium brushes.
 
JPDyson

JPDyson

Samg1 said:
Thanks yes I wasn't too sure on sizing either. I mean I'm only used to my synthetic TBS brush which I guess in terms of size is small compared to most premium brushes.
Click to expand...

On the small side of medium, or the bigger side of small. It's no Wee Scot...

At any rate, it's a preference thing. I prefer the slightly smaller ones because I don't end up with lather up to my elbows, and I think they prep the beard better because they require more scrubbing and painting to cover the area.

Whatever you end up with, most folks really dig their EJ's, so I'm sure you'll be pleased.
 
S

Samg1

JPDyson said:
On the small side of medium, or the bigger side of small. It's no Wee Scot...

At any rate, it's a preference thing. I prefer the slightly smaller ones because I don't end up with lather up to my elbows, and I think they prep the beard better because they require more scrubbing and painting to cover the area.

Whatever you end up with, most folks really dig their EJ's, so I'm sure you'll be pleased.
Click to expand...

Yes I agree, too big will be no good for me I think.

I suppose the other ones that I like the look of are the Saville Row brushes, they look very full in shape, but I think the basic models are on the higher end of my budget and not sure how they compare to EJ or if they are available to buy in the UK.
 
JPDyson

JPDyson

Samg1 said:
Yes I agree, too big will be no good for me I think.

I suppose the other ones that I like the look of are the Saville Row brushes, they look very full in shape, but I think the basic models are on the higher end of my budget and not sure how they compare to EJ or if they are available to buy in the UK.
Click to expand...

Not sure about UK shipping, but Savile Row brushes are top notch - nice and dense, but really soft tips. I mean REALLY soft. I haven't had an EJ Silvertip (just Best - SR is WAY softer than that).
 
J

JeffM

Google up Fido's Shaving Brush Blog. He does a thorough and down to earth review of individual brushes as well as companies in general. You will enjoy it. I believe he is also located on your side of the pond. Good luck.
 
S

Samg1

Well I'll definitely check out the SR brushes in more detail then. And Jeff thanks for the link to the blog site, I'll have a look.

Has anyone seen the light horn resin in the EJ range, does it look nice or does Ivory look more quality?
 
S

Samg1

Oh thanks, I'll check those ones out as well then, so much choice. Any one out there that has bought at the same price on various brushes and give say what they liked the most?
 
S

Samg1

This site I found has confused me even more now, take a look, too much choice on top of the original EJ I was going for and some of this look real tech and well made.

More Brushes on this site

And these Rooney ones look nice

Web Link
 
Last edited:
rsaltonstall

rsaltonstall

The shaving razor and EJ brushes you chose in your original post look really nice; the faux horn is quite beautiful. With that said, I would go for a Rooney or a Simpson in a small knot and low loft, but I face lather with soaps 90% of the time, and when I do use cream, I now tend to face lather those as well.

I think what you need to do is set a price range that you, or your wife, are willing to spend. That would narrow down your choices significantly, which would also enable us to help you out more. Decide what you want from the brush and tell us these specifications, so we can help you narrow your choices even more. What brush are you using now? What do you like and not like about this brush?

If you ask us what brush we like, and offer us a large list to choose from, you will get a wide array of suggestions from us.
 
S

Samg1

Yes some nice suggestions, I do like that Rooney. As Rsaltonstool said about the EJ is wonderful to look at, I really do love the light horn but I do want something that is the best for the money.

In answer to your questions:

Currently have a very cheap Body shop synthetic brush, nothing special but works and doesn't feel too bad, it's all I know.

Max price 95 dollars, ideally I'd say between 70-90 dollars is perfect.

Would like it to be light in colour to match the EJ razor. So ivory finish etc works ok which a lot of them seem to be a white/ivory finish.

I've started to lather in a bowl which i enjoy as I do my head as well so it allows me to go back for more easily. Will probably get the Muhle mug here

Don't want it to be too stiff and I do want it to last

Body shop brush Ive been told is small to medium, a little bigger than it would be better but don't want it very big. I'm not familiar with all the technical aspects of the brushes in terms of sizing, knots etc

The simpsons look lovely but I think they are a bit much for my price range and would ideally like Silvertip as its a special gift. The rooneys do look good but if people now have other suggestions based on this extra info let me know.

Thanks
 
S

Samg1

Also I really really love the branding on the Saville Row brushes, but don't know if this is right for me based on spec or within cost?
 
S

Samg1

Umm these simpson brushes are seriously tasty looking - any uk sellers?

Must say can't decide between the best badger Simpson, Rooney silver tip or ej silver tip in light horn!!!! If only I could get all three :)
 
Loric

Loric

Samg1 said:
Umm these simpson brushes are seriously tasty looking - any uk sellers?

Must say can't decide between the best badger Simpson, Rooney silver tip or ej silver tip in light horn!!!! If only I could get all three :)
Click to expand...

I would go with the Simpson in Best. I have a Simpson Best and a Rooney in Super, and prefer the Simpson hands down. It is more dense, nearly as soft, and has more backbone. Plus you have way more options for handles, and knot diameter/loft. Though they only sell brushes with that cream color handle. Its nice, but the Rooney black and even horn are more attractive to me.
 
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