Thread: Please recomend brush for Newbie

thanks Guys,

I just bought a Semogue 1438.

Forgetting about a "brand" of shaving brush...I'd recommend a Boar or Finest Badger. As has been said YMMV. I prefer these because they both have back bone and feel like they're doing something. The badger holds water better than Boar but I wouldn't pass one up. My first brush was a VDH Boar, if the handles looked more appealing to me I might have been fine just using it and that's it. But curiosity will get the best of you and you'll want to "feel" the difference for yourself.

I have Simpsons in manchurian, best, and super. A few silvertips and a few omega boar brushes and more often than not reach for the nice broken in boar over any other. Not saying any are bad, they all have their place, I just love the feeling of that specific brush.

I really love my Thater 4125/2 and I have 5 others. None compare to it

I owned Whipped Dog Black Badger and Silvertip. Sold both. Black one got me rash and burn (skin reasons) and Silvertip was too soft, regardless it was 30mm with 5mm deeper positioned knot. Shedding was not a problem and Larry Andro is fantastic seller.

I don't prefer badger brushes due to maintenance part as they hold huge amount of water and need a lot of time to dry so this makes you buy at least two.

I would recommend Semogue 2000 and 830. Fantastic brushes after broken in. Due to its size 2000 can be used for showering.

Also there are Vie-Long horse hair brushes - totally different from anything else. Fantastic lathering performance and great lather texture.

Synthetic brushes are great for travelling and someone who doesn't want to take a lot of care. Recommended Mühle HJM Black Fibre and much more expensive Plisson.

I don't prefer badger brushes due to maintenance part as they hold huge amount of water and need a lot of time to dry so this makes you buy at least two.
Really Oilyo??? Sorry my friend but I have to respectfully disagree with that. My silvertip is dry within 15 minutes and requires zero maintenance

That's right if you use a hairdryer. But if you hang it in a stand you'll need about a day for it to dry. Especially if it is a 30mm silvertip.

I have yet to put any brush away immediately after using it. They need time to dry boar or badger or anything.

That said I think the OP bought a nice boar. For myself. I prefer badger to boar but do keep a boar around just in case the mood strikes.

I don't do any maintenance to any brush save for rinsing well and hanging to dry until the next day when a new brush will take its place.

I have curly beard that grows in many different directions. The hook ends of boar bristles maintain my whiskers from ingrow. Same effect have horse and fibre brushes. Badger brushes are just painting my face without exfoliation.

But as everything YMMV, and brushes are a personal preference. In my case Black badger was the only one that made me rash and badger burn.