Thread: "Best" Brush for $100

I'm looking to buy a new shaving brush, mostly because I've fallen out of love with my current brush and, well... why not. Since I have limited experience with brushes, I'm hoping to get some some recommendations. I've owned three shaving brushes in the past (a cheapo boar, a cheapo badger, and a Simpson Special 1). These were all good, especially the badger brushes, but all lost their touch after a while (probably due to misuse on my part). This time around, I want a good quality brush that I will hopefully be able to use for years if cared for properly, but also something within a reasonable budget. "Reasonable" is relative, especially around SRP, so let's say reasonable for me is $100 or less.

Here's the information I believe would be relevant:

-I usually face lather, but this doesn't have to be the case
-I typically use harder, milled soaps, and often in combination with a cream
-Definitely want to go with badger, silvertip if possible
-I prefer bulb shaped brushes
-I'd prefer a medium or large knot size. The Simpson Special 1 is very small which is great for traveling, but not that great otherwise.

I'm trying to get the best performing and highest quality, longest-lasting brush that I can within that $100 budget. Reading around the forums, it seems like Thater is a solid choice, but I'd like to hear what people think beyond that.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

$5 in bulk? where in the hell are you getting your information??

From China. As I keep saying, horse's mouth or it never happened. They will retail for something like $15 on aliexpress.com, but get a lot cheaper if you buy locally, and in sufficient quantities (say, a few thousand).

Originally Posted by RobinK

From China. As I keep saying, horse's mouth or it never happened. They will retail for something like $15 on aliexpress.com, but get a lot cheaper if you buy locally, and in sufficient quantities (say, a few thousand).

This is a bit off topic, but $5 for a random badger knot doesn't seem that far fetched: 20pcs /lot Mix Pure Badger hair Shaving Brush Knots 20/64mm,-in Shaving Brush from Beauty & Health on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

But we're not interested in $5 badger knots from China; we're interested in a high quality shaving brush for me, right?!

A brush you might want to consider at your price point is this one Semogue Owners Club 2 Band Badger Shaving Brush, Cherry Wood . It seems to fit your listed criteria. Here is a review Semogue Owners Club Two-Band Shaving Brush . Yes, I do have one and think it is a good brush.

Bob

Originally Posted by zappbrannigan

This is a bit off topic, but $5 for a random badger knot doesn't seem that far fetched: 20pcs /lot Mix Pure Badger hair Shaving Brush Knots 20/64mm,-in Shaving Brush from Beauty & Health on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

But we're not interested in $5 badger knots from China; we're interested in a high quality shaving brush for me, right?!

Those are cheap,crap Knots.

I actually purchased a finest badger from that site once and it was quite comparable to my TGN finest, but slightly less soft in the tips. I think I only paid a couple dollars less than TGN knots so for the difference in knots the extra couple dollars was worth the softer tips. I also remember reading a couple articles that stated that most of the knots that simpson or some of the other companies come from the same sources as the cheaper knots. The only difference is that the bigger companies will hand pick the knots they want. They usually save the hand made knots for certain models. If I can find the articles again I will post a link.

Originally Posted by BobH

A brush you might want to consider at your price point is this one Semogue Owners Club 2 Band Badger Shaving Brush, Cherry Wood . It seems to fit your listed criteria. Here is a review Semogue Owners Club Two-Band Shaving Brush . Yes, I do have one and think it is a good brush.

Bob

Thanks Bob - first-hand accounts are the best ones.

I'm with Robin with the Thater. (incidentally, welcome back Robin).

You can also look at a best grade of brush which is usually the best bang for the buck. A tad on the scratchy side but not too bad.

Originally Posted by RobinK

From China. As I keep saying, horse's mouth or it never happened. They will retail for something like $15 on aliexpress.com, but get a lot cheaper if you buy locally, and in sufficient quantities (say, a few thousand).

Well Robin, you seem to be the end all be all when in comes to badger Knots and #14 blades.
Looking forward to more of your posts.

I see some people recommending Thater. The OP stated "reasonable for me is $100 or less". If those are Canadian dollars I bet it would be a bit difficult to find a med to large sized Thater silver tip or 2 band knot for the equivalent of $88.35 USD or 71.04 Euro. Thaters may be the best but at a price point that is 50% more. If you can stretch the budget OK.

Bob