I have a Zenith Boar brush which works extremely well with soap and face lather. I recently purchased 2 Manchurian 2 band brushes for under $80 on Ebay. The brushes are excellent in lathering and holding water. They have a firm spine with soft tips. No scratching. I am a believer you don't need to buy expensive badger brushes to get a great brush. I'd put Zenith up against any of the expensive, well know manufacturers brushes.