As a followup, I just wanted to say that I received this brush http://www.muehle-shaving.com/shop/_...h/1/23/81_H_72 in the mail yesterday. I ran some soap throught it last night to reduce the badger smell and used it this morning. It's a great little brush at a great price, particularly for those in Europe, for whom postage wouldn't be as large an issue. I love the look and feel of it. Like my other M-P, it's not too soft and produces great lather. I also ordered a cake of the Aloe Vera Oakmoss with Mint soap, which I have used before and has a wonderful fragrance. Despite shipping costs of about $20, I still think I got a good deal.