OK I am relatively new to wet shaving, and have a cheap badger, a nice horse hair, and have a Nice synthetic on the way. I've started with creams, and so far like the cheap badger much better than the nice horse hair in terms of creating a lather. My dad parentheses a woodworking junkie parentheses is making me some awesome shaving brush handles. I want to buy some nice knots to go in the handles, but it's a bit early to know my "go to brush". Since these handles will be keepsakes for my entire life, does anyone have any advice on what not to look at or but it's a bit early to know my "go to brush". Since these handles will be keepsakes for my entire life, does anyone have any advice on what not to look at or consider?
There are many companies making replacement knots. You didn't list boar amongst your experience. They also have a big following and tend to be less expensive. There's a particular synthetic I purchased and enjoy - the Tuxedo.
I would highly recommend checking out The Golden Nib (https://www.thegoldennib.com). They have fantastic brushes...very full and excellent prices. Their finest Badger is just an amazing knot.
See @PLANofMAN 's advice ---> http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/the-brush-basic-information-everyone-should-know.29125/
Thanks for the initial advice on knots, guys. Since this post I've experienced a bunch of them and have, like everyone, my favorites now. I'm unfollowing my own thread, so adios to this topic!
For myself I know exactly what I want in a brush/knot but it takes awhile to figure it out and preferences can change a little over time. TGN finest knots would be a good place to start experimenting (IMO). Edit - Brushes can be very personal items so what I think is a great brush I wouldn't be surprised that the next person would prefer something a little different. Different hair type, different loft, different density etc.
Virginia Sheng's 2-band badger is hard to beat. http://www.ebay.com/itm/161828804843?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
