so i am wondering if everthing from china on ebay is totally crap? I have been looking at some silver tip badger brushes for way less than any other place, also have seen a ton of leather strops for like 16 bucks. are these items going to be good enough for a beginner? i have read through the library, i know you can spend a crazy amount of money on a strop and brush, but i guess what i am asking is.. do i have to? if i buy a leather strop on ebay is it not going to do the job? is a 20 dollar chinese plastic handle silver tip badger brush not going to lather as good as a 300 dollar jade handle brush with silver badger tip bristles?
i dont want to spend more than i have to but i want to get something that is going to work.