New brush

Raoul

Can anyone recommend a good brush to buy? Nothing too expensive.

Azatadine

Kinda the same here. I got one with the shaving.ie luxury starter kit but not sure how good it is. I always seem to have tons of lather in the brush itself but don't get as thick of a lather on my face as I'd like.

Raoul

Same! Still on the starter brush.

Orion

Define expensive. Badger is better than boar but more expensive. But I do like boar brushes luckily.

This one gets good reviews. I actually ordered one earlier today as part of a set with a razorock soap and a buffalo horn bowl.
http://www.italianbarber.com/collections/brushes/products/razorock-blondie-boar-bristle-shaving-brush

I already have this one. Excellent brush.
http://www.shaving.ie/products/semogue-owners-club-2-boar-cherry.html

One I've seen recommended is one from l'Occitane - can't remember the name or price.

jpb1974

What's your budget?

Any preference in terms of hair type - horse, boar, badger, synthetic?

Raoul

I guess like 25/30 max. I just want a really good brush, no preference for hair.

jpb1974

25-30 won't get you much in terms of a 'really good' brush, but its all relative to what you've been used to using I guess.

Every forum under the sun will recommend the Vulfix 404 which is a decent brush for the money -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Progress-Vulfix-Grosvenor-Bristle-Shaving/dp/B004X1BFEM/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1476265068&sr=8-1&keywords=vulfix

Synthetics are very popular, this is a good value brush for the money (similar type knot to the l'Occitane) -

http://www.shavingstation.co.uk/razorock-plissoft-24mm-synthetic-shaving-brush/

Omega and Semogue do good boar brushes which are always pretty cheap. Not a big boar fan myself, but some people love them.

http://www.shaving.ie/boar/

Raoul

jpb1974 wrote: »

25-30 won't get you much in terms of a 'really good' brush, but its all relative to what you've been used to using I guess.

Every forum under the sun will recommend the Vulfix 404 which is a decent brush for the money -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Progress-Vulfix-Grosvenor-Bristle-Shaving/dp/B004X1BFEM/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1476265068&sr=8-1&keywords=vulfix

Synthetics are very popular, this is a good value brush for the money (similar type knot to the l'Occitane) -

http://www.shavingstation.co.uk/razorock-plissoft-24mm-synthetic-shaving-brush/

Omega and Semogue do good boar brushes which are always pretty cheap. Not a big boar fan myself, but some people love them.

http://www.shaving.ie/boar/

That is why I was hesitant to put a budget as I don't know how much a really good brush is.

Cheers for all the links.

jpb1974

Simpson Duke 3 in Best Badger is probably the best reference point for a good brush. You can still find some good stuff below the Duke 3, but it can be trial and error finding what works best for you.

Shavemac are probably the best high end bang for buck brushes out there. I've one arriving today from a group buy on another forum (www.againstthegrain.uk.com).

Frank Shaving on eBay do decent quality brushes too.

Orion

Raoul wrote: »

That is why I was hesitant to put a budget as I don't know how much a really good brush is.

Cheers for all the links.

You'll get a good boar brush for that budget. A good badger one will cost a fair bit more. I happen to like boar but as jpb1974 they're not for everyone. If you want to hold off until I get my RazoRock Blondie Boar from Italian Barber I'll give you my opinion on it but it gets very good reviews elsewhere. A lot of people compare it to Omega boar brushes but a fair bit cheaper.

Alternatively the Semogue Owners Club one I linked is excellent for <30. Haven't used the Omega ones but they are well regarded.

If you want badger which is better than boar they really start at around 50 and go as high as you like. E.g. The Thater badger brushes can go up to €200.

I have this one. Was my first brush and still use it - nice soft bristle and good performer but it is an entry level badger brush.

Azatadine

That one looks a bit like the one in the luxury starter kit which is it?

http://www.shaving.ie/products/luxury-safety-razor-starter-kit.html

beardybrewer

I would suggest ensuring you're making the most of your current equipment. Maximising lather yield is trickier than shaving in my opinion. It took me only a couple shaves to move over to my DE razor but took me nearly a year and a half to master lathering.

With that budget you're in boar territory. What's that I hear? You thought the razor was the expensive bit? Not so. You'll easily spend over 100 quid for a really good brush. Not to say a boar bristle brush won't break in and become a great brush in time. Many prefer them.

If you are ever in a position to treat yourself I would take a look here. Custom options are also available:
http://www.shavemac.com/

Raoul

I am doing well with my current brush. Just want to have one at my parents house. Will read into all the posts when I have proper time. Thanks again lads!!

BTW, that isn't the brush that I got with my starter kit.

Buddy97mm

Badger brushes are generally regarded as the best, but personally, after trying 3/4 silvertips of varying prices, I have realised that I prefer boar brushes. I would strongly recommend any of the Omega or Semogue range - the latest Omega I got cost <€10 and I love it, use it far more than other brushes costing 4 and 5 times the price. To use the old cliche YMMV

Azatadine

My badger seems to lather well but it holds onto a lot of lather.....ton of lather goes down the sink when finished. Is that normal? Does a boar brush do the same thing? I know it's a case of YMMV but just curios.

uncle_sam_ie

Raoul wrote: »

I guess like 25/30 max. I just want a really good brush, no preference for hair.

I own just over a dozen Brushes of all sorts. For 25 to 30 Euro I'd recommend this. It's one of my favorites
http://www.shaving.ie/products/semogue-owners-club-2-boar-ash.html

Or this one, RazoRock Plissoft Synthetic Shaving Brush. Great brush for a beginner as it's very easy to get a great lather from it.

http://www.razorock.com/?ourproduct=brushes
with shipping it be around the 20 euro mark

If you want to spend a lot of money on a brush them go with a HL Thater or Simpsons

Saying that, there is nothing wrong with the brush you have.

Orion

That SOC is my go to right now. Cherry handle instead of Ash but same knot.

colly10

l'occitane dont do the plisson anymore. I have a copy called the Plissoft by Razorock that ive seen plisson fans highly rate and am very happy with it. It costs around 10 dollars. There's no backbone in brushes of this style, not a problem but is if you want it.
Not sure what the shipping would be like cause I bought a load of stuff together.

It can be bought from italian barber

BelovedAunt

Lads I'm looking for a new brush as well. I'd like to spend around €100 on it.

uncle_sam_ie

BelovedAunt wrote: »

Lads I'm looking for a new brush as well. I'd like to spend around €100 on it.

The Duke


http://www.shaving.ie/products/simpsons-duke-3-best.html

http://shavenook.com/showthread.php?tid=2056