Still looking for the best do it all badger brush
Let me start by saying I have no real complaints with any of the few brushes I own but I'm still trying to find a great medium to medium large silvertip that will give me enough backbone but soft tips to do hard soap like PdH or MWF as well as my creams and Italian soft soaps. Maybe it doesn't exist and that's why we have boar and badger but I thought I'd throw it out their for recommendations.
My favorite brush is a super badger EJ:
MEDIUM Overall height 99mm (3.9 inches) Handle height 46mm (1.8 inches) Handle diameter 33mm (1.3 inches) Knot size 21mm
My only real complaint is it's a bit floppier than I'd like for an all arounder although I can load PdP and Mitchell's just fine and get a proper lather and it's slightly smaller than I'd like. I'd prefer something a bit larger and with more backbone but equally or better soft tips.
Other brushes:
Vulfix Grosvenor Mixed - very nice all around but would like a little longer knot but with similar characteristics.
Semogue 1305 - Just OK for me, dawg. I'd likely sell it if it didn't look so pretty
Omega boar (from kit with Omega soap) - good boar brush but meh
VdH green handle boar - better than you think IMO but we all want better than a $5-6 brush
Ultimately, I want something, I'm guessing with a 22-23mm knot in with a silvertip bulb knot that has great face feel but a bit more backbone than the Edwin Jagger.
I'd wondered, specifically about the BK-4 and BK-8 as well as some of the Savile Row offerings. Definitely want to keep it to the $125ish or less range. My challenge is there are no places anywhere near where I live that sell anything other than VdH or Omega kit brushes.
Thanks for any thoughts!!