how does this compare to edwin jagger best badger?

hi guys.

i was going to buy an edwin jagger best badger after reading much love for this brush.

in my search i came across this brush: http://www.executive-shaving.co.uk/shaving/best-badger-brushes/esc-best-badger-shaving-brush-341.php

does anyone have any experience with this brush (or company)?

is the grade of badger hair comparable to the ej bb?

it seems better value than the ej but only if it is as good.

thanks

 

I don't know who makes that ES brush so I can't help you there. However before you invest in the EJ BBB might I suggest you go to a local Crabtree & Evelyn store if you have one nearby and check it out. It does get lots of love, but I believe that's because it is cheap (priced) and it's readily available so lots of guys buy it. I own the travel version of the BBB (same thing only shorter handle) and I'm not overly impressed. I find it to be floppy and scratchy. That might be ok for you in which case buy it.

However you may find you want something a bit more firm with softer bristles on the face. I use the Rooney 3/1 in Super and it's a fantastic brush. Holds its form nicely for precision lathering. Has soft bristle tips with just enough scritchyness for exfoliating but not too scratchy on the skin. Works great as a cream or soap brush. I love this brush. About $80 at VintageBladesLLC.com which has excellent customer service. Also available elsewhere of course. Others will chime in w/ their favorites as well. Eventually you will have to take a leap of faith as you won't be able to test most of these. However as mentioned you can test the EJ at C&E. If at all possible do that. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

thanks eagle, i can't find the exact brush you mean (searched for rooney 3/1) but at $80 it sounds out of my price range anyway.

i was attracted to the ej bb because it had such good reviews and i could just about stretch to it.

i have been to my local c&e (one just opened here, i live in the u.k btw) and they didn't have it, only had a super or finest (i don't know but it was £50:too expensive). the staff didn't know what i was talking about: best badger? what? the shaving equipment is right here sir.

i had considered the men-u barbiere bristle brush as it's cheap (£9) and readily available locally but would rather have a decent badger from the start as money is soooo tight.

i had also considered the menu premier synthetic brush (the lack of wet animal smell attracted me to it) but at £30 it is too expensive (both for me and for what it is)

 

I use the EJ BB and I'm happy with it. First brush I've used so nothing to compare with but it feels good and lathers well.
It's the small one I have though and if I should buy one today I would rather have a medium.
The animal smell is gone in a week or so with daily use and does not override the smell of the soap or cream in any way so it isn't such a problem.

 

sure, i thought as much so the smell wasn't a major issue for me i just read good reviews for the menu premier so was considering it but the price is too high for a synthetic brush in my book

 

Ah, ok. If price is an issue then the EJ BBB is not a bad bet. Also you might consider checking out some boar hairs. They tend to run cheaper and are available at many drug stores, tobacco shops, online etc. A nice boar hair is as good or better than a decent best badger IMO. I like the bristles to remain firm, and I don't like the scratchyness on the face. It's all personal preference.

 

The EJ/C&E in Best is a good brush. If you know exactly what you want, and have the $ to get it, you'd buy something else. Yet if you don't know exactly what you're after, and/or money is tight it is a great buy. It isn't highly floppy or highly stiff. The tips are balanced between scritchy and super soft. Overall, a great first brush of high quality at a good price that will serve for years. In the future, when you decide more specifically what it is you want in your ideal brush and have the money to get it, you'll have a much better idea what is worth more money to you.

Another option in your budget would be an Omega boar brush. Search the forum for boar brush discussion if interested. I don't have first hand experience (plan to get one this year) or I'd say more.

 

Best to avoid synthetics I think. They don't soak up water thus making lathering difficult. I've not read many good reviews on them though I'm sure somebody out there likes them. Not for me however.

 

i just read about a Chinese Silvertip Badger brush on eBay in another thread here

is this it do you guys know?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Silvertip-Bad...286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66:2|65:15|39:1|240:1318

is it real silvertip? too good to be true?

 

http://www.thegoldennib.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5_9

 

hi, do you mean to use on its own or as example of the different hair types?

 

would a boar be firm but soft on the face then?

 

Try a lower end Vulfix. I have a $35 one in best and its pretty awesome.

 

FOr the money, these are some of the best you will get. Order whatever size and grade you prefer, and epoxy the knot into any handle you can find.

 

can't seem to find any best vulfix, just pure badger

 

seems like a sweet solution, just a bad time for me to buy from the u.s (being in the u.k.)

i may try to find out the shipping cost though thanks a lot

 

Boar bristles are stiffer and not soft per se, but they are not scratchy either. I used one for 12 years and liked it a lot. It does get softer as time goes by.

 

do you think the men-u barbiere bristle brush would be good then, i think it's boar.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/men-u-barbiere-bristle-shaving-brush/dp/B000UNKYYY
i thought about it but thought it would be too stiff (being boar bristle)

 

Not sure but that looks like an Omega. If so it is a decent brush. You should be able to find a boar hair on the shelves of your local drugstore or grocery. They are quite cheap for the most part so you can test out the bristles and see what you think.

Lots of guys like a boar hair brush. Nothing at all wrong with them. Badger brushes, especially the upper grades, provide more of a luxurious shave and they retain water best. Those are the main reasons we use badger. Boar is a suitable substitute however.

 

And of course as soon as I post that here is a guy who didn't care for the Omega. That's the deal with wet shaving. What one person loathes, another loves. You'll just have to find what's right for you. Trial and error my friend.