Thread: Brushes

What makes a brush good? I know badger is better than boar and the reasons behind it. But what is the difference between a $200 brush and one that's maybe $50? I ask because I don't have a few hundred bucks to drop on a brush but u still want one that is decent.

Just why would a badger be better than boar, horse hair or synthetic knot? I have examples of all except horse hair and all do a good job of creating a lather. Do I like some more than others? Yes I do but the reasons are based on preferences and they may not be the same as your preferences. Basically what is better for me may not be for you.

The difference between a $50 badger brush and a $200 badger brush comes from the type of badger hair used, some being more scarce than others, size of the knot with larger sizes costing more, where it is made and to some extent the cache associated with certain brand names or paying for a name if you will. I am sure there are more factors too but you get the idea.

What makes a brush good after the ability to make a good lather is how it feels in the hand when you use it and how the knot feels on your face. You are right back to personal preferences.

Bob

Can't argue with Bob's assessment. All your personal preference.

As above, any brush will make lather.Quality handmade Knots in say 24mm size cost between $30/60 (jsy for the knot.
Handle materials and labor make up the rest.
Hype with the high makers tacks on alot, Go look at the Plisson site

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

As above, any brush will make lather.Quality handmade Knots in say 24mm size cost between $30/60 (jsy for the knot.
Handle materials and labor make up the rest.
Hype with the high makers tacks on alot, Go look at the Plisson site

I own two plisson. One is the ivory handle extra large size. The other is the extra large horn.
I enjoy them both yet I am always drawn to the three brushed I got from you

Am Glad you are happy with them Sam.

Originally Posted by BobH

Just why would a badger be better than boar, horse hair or synthetic knot? I have examples of all except horse hair and all do a good job of creating a lather. Do I like some more than others? Yes I do but the reasons are based on preferences and they may not be the same as your preferences. Basically what is better for me may not be for you.

The difference between a $50 badger brush and a $200 badger brush comes from the type of badger hair used, some being more scarce than others, size of the knot with larger sizes costing more, where it is made and to some extent the cache associated with certain brand names or paying for a name if you will. I am sure there are more factors too but you get the idea.

What makes a brush good after the ability to make a good lather is how it feels in the hand when you use it and how the knot feels on your face. You are right back to personal preferences.

Bob

I apologize. I said that the badger brushes were better based off stuff I had read. The reasoning behind it was that they create a better lather. This had to do with the stiffness of the bristles. The softer the hair the more water they held while stiffer bristles (boar) didn't hold as much water. In my inexperienced mind that made badger better. But I understand the personal preference behind all choices in shaving.

Originally Posted by ejaeger

I apologize. I said that the badger brushes were better based off stuff I had read. The reasoning behind it was that they create a better lather. This had to do with the stiffness of the bristles. The softer the hair the more water they held while stiffer bristles (boar) didn't hold as much water. In my inexperienced mind that made badger better. But I understand the personal preference behind all choices in shaving.

No need to apologize, badger has always been considered the top of the shave brush chain. Most all knot material commonly used can create a good lather if you know the proper technique to get them to do that. Yes, badger hair will hold more water than boar bristle but that is not necessarily a good thing when making lather. With either type of knot material it is easier to add water as you build your lather than to start off with too much water. You may have to add water a few more times with boar than badger but in the end both will create equally good lather.

All badger knots are not the same in face feel and how much water they retain. All that depends on the type of badger hair used, the size of the knot, the loft of the knot and how densely packed it is. I think that is why you have to go through a few different badger brushes till you find one that ticks all the boxes for you personally and that same brush may not do it for others.

Bob

My boar brush is nice enough. It smells funny though. My badger doesn't and is used virtually everyday.