Thread: Overwhelming information about first brush purchase

Price In buying a brush is no indication of quality. Read the Shaving sites. Special attention should be given to the daily shave sections. See what people are using and what they're happy with. With brushes and razors it pays to be a copy cat when 1st starting out.

I just bought my first brush which is a Simpson Duke 3. It's a got a really dense not but like other people have said it's a bit scritchy. I wanted to get a top of the line brush to start so I wouldn't feel like buying one for a while but I already feel like buying another one. I would echo what others have said and go with a "cheapo" brush and save the money for a nice straight. That's what I would have done thinking about it now.

Hey GoonLurker, I hate to add to the confusion, but I do have a way to get you a cheaper brush that is very quality if you don't mind mixing up some epoxy. Check out The Golden Nib's website. They sell badger knots and resign handles. I purchased a Super Badger Knot 24mm (their highest quality) for $33 and a resign handle for $22. Slap it together with some 30 minute epoxy and you have a great brush on the cheap. This may be a way for you to get a baseline for a good badger comparison on the cheap. Have fun!

Good call on The Golden Nib. I think i will definitely do this in future as i have access to a woodworking shop. Do people find that Silvertip is largely a matter of preference? i.e. if you like a more floppy brush? I'm very interested in experimenting in the future, although i will definitely have to watch out for that BAD that you all talk about.

It's all a matter or personal preference, but most people seem use silvertip. But, some really like boar. I prefer the silvertip myself, but I have a good friend that owns both and the boar is the go-to brush for him. At least a good boar brush is cheap, so if you don't like it it's no big loss.

It is all very personal. I get best and most consistent lather with a synthetic brush (tried badger and boar of various brands). I am a face latherer that might have something to do with it. Synthetics are cheap so no harm trying. One warning: synthetics have to be broken in as well. Initally the hairs can be stiff and springy if you like.