Thread: Synthetic vs badger

I've been using an Omega synthetic brush and since I'm knew at this don't know if it's worth paying for a Badger. Any suggestions for a good brush on a budget?

I have come to the conclusion that with brushes you just have to try a few out and see which you like best and if it was worth the money.

That said, what is the synthetic not doing well for you? What characteristics are you looking for in a new badger brush?

Bob

Omega have a good range of brushes and I have one of their Boar Bristle brushes, cheap and very good.
Rather than outlay for a Badger at this point in time, why not go for a BB ? You won't regret it.

The synthetic works well but I have nothing to compare it to. I've read so many threads romanticizing the badger brush I'm interested unseeing what the hubbubs all about. Is it that noticeably different?

Indeed, everyone should have at least one good boar brush. Of my entire quiver, which includes brushes from Semogue, Rooney, Simpson, Omega, Vey, Muhle, and a handful of others, my all time favorite is a humble $20.00 Omega 11126 boar.

Originally Posted by JDM

The synthetic works well but I have nothing to compare it to. I've read so many threads romanticizing the badger brush I'm interested unseeing what the hubbubs all about. Is it that noticeably different?

Yes, I would say a Badger is different enough for it to be noticeable. Whether the difference is worth the price is another matter. You really need to bite the bullet and see for yourself.

Yes the badger has been held in very high esteem/romanticized by many for it's characteristics. I went the boar and badger route and have nothing against either of them, they both work well for me. Now I am basically a synthetic convert and don't see myself going the boar/badger route in the near future. It is all a matter of what you personally like and is best fro you.

Bob

Originally Posted by JDM

I've been using an Omega synthetic brush and since I'm knew at this don't know if it's worth paying for a Badger. Any suggestions for a good brush on a budget?

First of all, it would help to know what kind of Omega synthetic brush you have been using.
The original run-of-the-mill synthetic brushes were pretty poor IMO, and you were much better served with a badger, let alone silvertip badger brush.


The latest generation of synthetics is much improved however and with an Omega Hi-brush, Mühle silvertip fibre, HJM black fibre, or Plisson-L'Occitane brush the difference is much smaller.

If I had one of those newer synthetic brushes and wanted to try badger, I would bypass the ordinary badger brush and head straight for a silvertip badger instead.

If you have one of the older synthetic brushes, it might be advisable to try one of the newer synthetic designs first. You may find that these brushes give you everything you want from a shaving brush, with easy maintenance at an attractive price.


Having used silvertips for years, I currently use Mühle and Plisson-L'Occitane new-generation synthetics and I am quite pleased.

But as I said, this applies only to recent, much improved synthetics.



B.

You are getting many good logical responses, but since you want to try a badger, I would suggest a Whipped Dog Silvertip for $30 shipped (set deep). I have been using a 22mmx48mm WD in my rotation for about a year now and love it.

With that said, a $9-$15 Omega boar should also be in your Den. I use the 10066-24mmx54mm.


Saturday's WD Shave




Omega 10066 Boar

Don't have the Whipped Dog Silvertip but sounds great on 2 counts, well 3 really. It has a very attractive price, the size and loft sound great for face lathering and the other Bob recommends it. Good way to see what a badger is all about.

I do have the Omega 10066 and wholeheartedly agree that it is a very good boar brush, once broken in, at a hard to beat price.

Getting both would be a good economical way to see for yourself what the differences are from a synthetic brush.

Bob

Well i had simpson pj2 super and colonel 2 band... ive get enough joy until ive learnt cruelty on badgers... So ive sold these lovely brushes for charity and as boar irritate my skin i bought plisson synthetic, lovely brush, i now use much less soap to produce same lather with badgers, no need to soak into hot water to get it soft since its also very soft when dry, also takes enough heat and water, no need to clean it like badgers and dries very fast. Also i tried simpson synthetic but very hard to use with circular motions...
i have now 2 plisson cade syntheric which i use in rotation so i can surely recommend it