choosing a shaving brush

• choosing a shaving brush by mrzed on 23 Oct, 2014 08:53
• Ok, my current 'cheap' drugstore shaving brush is starting to loose bristles, so it's time to start looking for a replacement.
  
  Any thoughts?  I'm not ready to spend $100 on a brush, but would like some suggestions of better quality brushes and your experiences with them.
  
  Mr Zed
  
• #1 by gwsmallwood on 23 Oct, 2014 09:32
• For budget, I don't think you can go wrong with Omega boars.  I have the 10066 which is a little on the smaller side, which I think I prefer.  You can get them for about $12 shipped.  If you are willing to spend just a little more, say around $20, then I've heard nothing but good things about the B&B Boar.  It has a pretty standard Omega knot, but everyone loves the handle design.
  
  I've also heard some very good things about the Muhle and Kent Infinity synthetics, but can't speak from experience on those.
  
  West Coast shaving has all of those options, and some of the best prices.
• #2 by Mike E. P. on 23 Oct, 2014 15:40
• I've got a basic badger brush from Simply Beautiful that was $9.88 from Amazon. I really like it. I also have a Pure Badger Faux Ivory brush by GBS which was $16.98. Also like it. I recently bought a Semogue 1470 Boar Bristle brush for $16. I don't like it too much. Maybe I just prefer badger. It feels a bit stiff and I don't get a great lather. Maybe I need to break it in?
• #3 by warhawk on 23 Oct, 2014 17:52
• Hi Dan:  I would suggest a Semogue brush that is made from a family in Portugal.  IMO... Semogue brushes are the best bang for you buck brushes on the planet.  You can get a quality boar brush for under $25 and it will last a lifetime. 
  
  WARHAWK
• #4 by warhawk on 23 Oct, 2014 17:55
• Here is one of my favorite Semogue brushes...  it is the 620:
  
  http://www.bullgooseshaving.com/semogue-620-premium-boar-bristle-shaving-brush/
  
  WARHAWK
• #5 by warhawk on 23 Oct, 2014 18:01
• Hi Mike:  One thing about boar brushes is that you must "break it in".  Meaning... I would at least perform test lathers on it once every other day.  One thing I love about boar brushes is that it has great backbone compared to badger brushes.  Mike.... once you get yours to break in that Semogue brush will reward you each and every time.  Trust me... I am a Semogue fan.
  
  WARHAWK
• #6 by Mike E. P. on 23 Oct, 2014 18:51
• Thanks, Mel. I bought it because I saw a lot of guys here like Semogue. I'll keep working with it. I haven't been spending a lot on the brushes and I was wondering if spending more would make a big difference. How much should I be spending?
• #7 by warhawk on 23 Oct, 2014 19:11
• Quote from: Mike E. P. on 23 Oct, 2014 18:51

  Thanks, Mel. I bought it because I saw a lot of guys here like Semogue. I'll keep working with it. I haven't been spending a lot on the brushes and I was wondering if spending more would make a big difference. How much should I be spending?
  

  I would just do a practice lather on your hand with shave soap or cream for about 2 to 3 minutes making sure to swirl real well and than rinse with cold water.  I would do it every other day giving the brush at least 24 hours to completely dry.
  
  Also... check out www.badgerandblade.com and do some research on Semogue brushes.  There is a reason it gets a lot of love in the wet shaving community.  Plus the Semogue brushes are super sexy in looks.
  
  WARHAWK
• #8 by warhawk on 23 Oct, 2014 19:13
• You can also do "practice" lathers on your dome which I do when I get a new Semogue brush.  Plus that practice lather will exfoliate your skin which is a "win win" situation.
  
  WARHAWK
• #9 by mrzed on 23 Oct, 2014 20:18
• Thanks for the suggestions and tips.  Now I have something to put on my Christmas list.
  
  
• #10 by Bluebriz on 25 Oct, 2014 20:23
• Whipped Dog does some great badger brushes at great prices.
  
  My own Semogue was a nice brush but the paint all flaked off and it cracked (was never dropped). As much as I hear positive things about them that's tainted my experience of them, sadly.
• #11 by shotwell on 26 Oct, 2014 21:04
• I second the recommendation for an Omega brush. I have a 266 that came with a stand for under $15.
  
  Also, if you don't mind waiting, the BestShave.net #6 brush is great and is less than $3.00!! You do have to pay for shipping for orders under $50 and wait for delivery from Turkey (took a month to get my package) but they have a great selection of soaps and blades and if you have the money, it's worth it to stock up for around $50 and get the free shipping. Then you can afford more than one brush in the box   I also got their #1 "Lider" brush. It is a monster... Almost twice the size of my other brushes. And still only $9.85 US.
• #12 by Mikekoz13 on 28 Oct, 2014 09:38
• I have a Vulfix 1001 badger brush:
  
  http://www.italianbarber.com/vulfix-1001-dark-badger-shaving-brush-ebony
  
  A great brush for not a lot of cash.