Brush Q: Crabtree/Edwin Jagger vs. Art of Shaving

I'm trying to decide between getting two starter brushes that I have seen recommended on the forum and I'd love some advice from those who have tried one or both:

I see this set from Art of Shaving which someone had recommended, which includes a Pure Badger brush ($25):

The Art of Shaving

And Crabtree and Evelyn has an Edwin Jagger Pure Badger Brush ($35):

Ivory Travel Shaving Brush | Shaving Brushes & Kits | Men's Grooming | Bath & Body | Crabtree & Evelyn


I'm definitely leaning towards the Art of Shaving kit, esp. since it includes other things and saves me a substantial amount, but I'm wondering if someone who's used one or both has a strong feeling that the other brush is worth the difference. Any thoughts?

Also saw this Fendrihan Pure Badger one:

Fendrihan.com | Pure Grey Badger Shaving Brush & Stand, Faux Ivory Handle

At $18 it seems like a deal (and they have a Best Badger for $27)....How do you guys think this compares?

I have not used the AOS brush but I can tell you the C & E is the best brush for the money. It will do creams and soaps fast and well.

I think AOS is Kent reboxed or maybe I am thinking of something else.

Anyway. C & E is the way to go.

Those are both travel brushes and while they will "get the job done" - they are tiny little brushes. Unless you are looking for a travel brush, you will probably be wanting to replace either one with a "full" sized brush soon, IMHO.

C&E used to have a $35 or $38 dollar Best badger in something like a 21mm and for a long time it was hailed as the best value in brushes. I don't see it on their website though. You may want to look around and see if you can find one. Maybe your local C&E still has one.

I think in that price range, Vulfix makes some good brushes. Take a look at Vulfix at classicshaving.com or vintagebladesllc.com. I think you'll get more bang for your buck. :gl:

Jordan

I understand that the C and E best badger is no more. They are going through some turmoil with the mens line of products. The English Shaving Co. website has the EJ brush in best badger listed as a medium, about the same price and really, the same brush. If you have a local C and E, contact them and have them contact other stores to see if they can find one for you. Shipping is about $6-7. I found one for my son in Miami.

Thanks for the advice guys. I did see the other threads where people were paying $35 thinking they were getting the C&E Best Badger but actually just got Pure Badger.

I talked for a while with the associate at my closest one, in person, and they had a display, but she was nice enough to check around and because I gave her the model number and all that, she found one very nearby for me.

$35 for a best badger that's not travel size and feels as luxurious as theirs does definitely seems like a steal. I felt very lucky that they had it and are holding it for me at the other store. Apparently they're quietly discontinuing it because it's no longer in the American online store, and the British online store has it, but it's marked up to GBP 42.

Anyway, I'll be going to pick it up tomorrow and am super excited to try it out!