Thread: 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!!

While not the silvertip you are looking for, out of all the badger brushes I have tried over the years, I've found the Rooney pure badger brushes to be among the best all around performers. Just my opinion.

My Simpson Chubby 1 in Best is my best all round brush. If I had to choose one it would be this one

I think the Semogue SOC 2-band would fit you quite nicely, it's an awesome brush.

The Thater 2 bands are exquisite, I love mine. If I had to pick one brush from rotation, that would be it.

I have tried silver 28mm knot, pure badger 24mm, boar ( green handle @ walgreens, sig boar 21mm (bit small, great brush), Vie-Long 24mm hourse ( the best all around),

I think you are in the ball park for knot size. But for silver I would go 25-26mm ( personal opinion). My 2 cents. Double O

CSG,

The Kent BK-4 is a superb brush, but defintely on the soft side - some at SRP describe it as being 'moppy & floppy' but I don't agree !

Thater or Shavemac are excellent choices

Shavemac Shavemac - Dachshaar Rasierpinsel, Rasier Hobel, Rasiersets made in Germany

Thater index.html - H.L. Thäter Dachs-Rasierpinsel Made in Germany

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Believe me, there's nothing around here either. That's why we have the internet.

+1 to the Rooney, and Simpson. Rooney is very dense, a lather hog. They stuff more badger hair in that handle than any other brush I've come across. Thater is also top notch. The brushes recently purchased in the group buy are outstanding. Very soft tips, good backbone. I especially like the fan shape. Maybe because it's my only fan shaped brush?

If I had to pick, I'm partial to my Simpson PJ3. I see them at SRD just a tad above your price range. but imho, it's money well spent. I look forward to using it every time it comes up in rotation. It has all the qualities I like, and is the perfect size for me. Great backbone, soft tips, etc...

I wish I knew what the difference was. I have a VDH boar brush, and it works fine for soaps, creams, etc.

Just a followup, I ended up placing an order with T&H for some shaving cream and noticed their relabeled Rooney 3/1 brush. With a couple discounts and yet another sample pack included, I decided to give it a go. This is the one:

Truefitt & Hill - T&H Classic Silvertip Badger Small, Ivory Horn

I should add that I realized, based on my other brushes, I actually wanted something similar in size to my EJ, not larger.