I started with this brush, and it's not a bad one at all. In fact, it's pretty reasonable.
Best Badger Shaving Brush, Faux Ebony Handle | Fendrihan Shaving Store
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I started with this brush, and it's not a bad one at all. In fact, it's pretty reasonable.
Best Badger Shaving Brush, Faux Ebony Handle | Fendrihan Shaving Store
+1 on save your nickels and dimes and shop a while.
There are more choices than you might think on
first glance.
One thing I learned is that on some days the handle
size and feel are as important as what the brush is made
from. I have some good brushes that have small handles
and while they face lather fine they seem too small
for some of my shaving mugs.
Also keep a knot size and dimension list as you shop. Just looking
at images is not enough. In an ideal world you should at least
pick up and handle some brushes. The better boar brushes are
very enjoyable. Your VDH brush will get better with use so no reason
to hurry. With care brushes last a long time so do not settle for a
lesser brush than you want. And yes too big is
almost possible.
I have a VDH badger that I really enjoy.... I had bought the VDH kit but the brush was shedding on my face so I wrote the company a letter and they said they would look into the issue and sent me a badger! The difference between the badger and the boar in this case was huge. I would recommend the VDH badger with no problem, and I like the fact that the company is in TX and stood behind their products.
Another low entry badger is the Shea moisture badger. I have that one and the vdh boar and there is a big difference between those two.
You can find it at some targets and some Walmarts. I think it's like 10 or 12 dollars
I have the VDH boar, floppy and very scratchy. Two qualities I do not like in a brush. I am using a Semogue Boar brush, very good brush and not too expensive. Boar will also break in over time and become less scratchy. IMHO they are the best bang for the buck.
I recently picked up a VDH badger brush and I will say that it is a huge step above the VDH boars hair brush. I had used the boars hair for a while and it was constantly shedding its bristles on my face and was very scratchy. I wasnt a big fan of it. The VDH badger is a huge improvement from anyone using their boars hair brush. Its not a very expensive brush, they can be had for about $10 at Target, but its a good brush for someone who doesnt want to pay $100 for one. No its not the best quality, but for the price its nothing to snuff at. It does smell a bit weird right out of the package, but that fades fairly quickly. It holds water alot better than the boars hair, especially if you soak it in hot water while you shower. Sure it isnt silvertip badger or anything like that, but its not bad. I have no problem getting a good lather with it. Just my 2 cents.
I also have a Shea Moisture brush from Target. I originally got it as a cheap brush for traveling, but I ended up liking its performance so much that it is now part of my shaving den. I normally use my Vulfix best badger brush, which is softer than the Shea Moisture.
I use a VDH bager as my daily use brush. It is no frills but has a good exfoliating feeling on your face and whips out a thick lather quickly. For the price, whos complaining.
My first brush was a VDH. It held together for about 2 years but has since fallen apart. I also don't think it was pure badger because I got a new pure badger brush and there is such a difference. I say spend your money elsewhere.