What's the deal with brushes?

[scboch]

Ok, well I'm still new so forgive me for asking this if it's a dumb question...

What's the deal with brushes?

I get that different brushes = different hair types, lengths, lofts, backbone, etc... What I don't get is how different brushes are priced. I understand that some goods are luxury goods, just like cars you have the cheaper Hundai's and then you have the Mercedes... Is that all? Some Simpson brushes go for well over $100, when I can get a vintage or add my own knot to a handle I make myself (which appears to be at least fairly comparable to their knots) for a fraction of the price. I get that different grades of badger hair affect price, or different types of hair entirely, so I'm not looking for someone to say that you're paying for better hair (The hair of organically fed, free-range, humanely killed badgers?)

So, am I missing something? Is there some secret that these ultra-expensive brushes have that I don't know about yet? Or is it just the prestige/luxury goods thing?

 

[BlackBear]

I think you have pretty much answered your own question Indeed you can purchase a knot of the same quality and set it into a homemade turned handle or a restored handle and have an equally impressive brush as the $150+ pre-made ones. It basically comes down to hair quality (and rarity), knot quality and density, handle material and manufactuing quality and overall craftmanship of the finished product, and of course you will pay something for the brandname as well.

As with most things these days, the addage of 'you get what you pay for' can be applied in general terms when it comes to commercially made brushes.

 

[John Von Wuggz]

When I read the title I hear Jerry Seinfield's voice.

 

[bkflyfisher]

See here to get an insight into the steps and craftmanship involved in producing a (high-end) shaving brush:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/335629-Shavemac-Visit-Lots-of-photos!
Factor in cost/rarity of materials(grades of badger hair) and the fact that this is basically a small niche industry, too.

 

[hedonist222]

You answered your own question entirely.

Its like you don't wanna believe it or something lol

Yes generally better quality but also paying for the name too (somewhat).

 

[musicman1951]

Is the $150 brush better than the $50 brush? It sure is - quite a bit better.

Three times better? Probably not. Is the Benz better than the Hundai. It sure is - quite a bit better. Four times better? Probably not. It pretty much comes down to how much you want quite a bit better.

 

[rts9364]

If you can help it, don't ever start buying/trying nice brushes. Then you can safely sit back and continue to wonder why anyone would spend that much money on them. A lot of us have crossed that line never to return.

 

[Fourcooks]

Is the $150 brush better than the $50 brush? It sure is - quite a bit better.

Three times better? Probably not. Is the Benz better than the Hundai. It sure is - quite a bit better. Four times better? Probably not. It pretty much comes down to how much you want quite a bit better.

+1

 

[Kevan]

Is the $150 brush better than the $50 brush? It sure is - quite a bit better.

Sometimes yes, sometimes not. Is a $160 Simpsons Persian Jar 3 in best better than an $80 Rudy Vey Persian Jar in Finest where you can choose your hair and loft and completely customize it? Heck no in my opinion. The same goes for the Muhle silvertip badger brushes that have the basic resin handles. They cost more than your average Rooney but they aren't better by any stretch.

And if you get a Manchurian badger knot from China and get an artisan to stick it in a custom handle for you, I can guarantee it's a better value than the $370 Simpson Manchurians and just as good.

 

[buca3152]

You can buy a less expensive brush and if its not thick enough for ya, go buy an o ring at the hardware store and put it on . That will make the brush "denser". I have never spent more than 50 on a brush. My son has a silvertip that I dont even like(too soft for me YMMV)I have 2 Parker best badgers 26 mm knot that are under $40 to the door. They hold lots of water and lather and I could probably shave twice with the lather it makes. Im only speaking for myself. I get bbs everytime with no irritation. I use proraso preshave by hand first then whip my lather in a bowl($3 Ikea stainless steel). I have spent on hones but thats another story. Enjoy

 

[ChiefBroom]

If you can help it, don't ever start buying/trying nice brushes. Then you can safely sit back and continue to wonder why anyone would spend that much money on them. A lot of us have crossed that line never to return.

+1

 

[Kentb]

When I read the title I hear Jerry Seinfield's voice.

Kramer: ...Oh, yeah. I know a guy who can get Kent brushes for $35! I'm talking silvertips!
Jerry: No you don't. At that price, they have to be counterfeit or maybe "best badger...." "Maybe."
George: (wanting to get in on something good) C'mon Jerry. Let's hear the man out.

 

[Useless shaver]

If you can help it, don't ever start buying/trying nice brushes. Then you can safely sit back and continue to wonder why anyone would spend that much money on them. A lot of us have crossed that line never to return.

Yes, I have...