I've looked at some Omega and Semegue and I want to keep it under $20 if possible. What are your recommendations Gentlemen? Thanks
I have the Omega 10048 and it is a really good brush. It is pretty big too so if you want/like a smaller brush, I'd go with a different model. Quality is outstanding and IIRC it was $13. Outstanding brush for the money. Yep, just checked, look here.
Here is a great place to get a 10049. Supports a good place while you are at it. I have never tried on of these but if Steve likes it that is good enough for me.
I like the Omega 10098 long handled professional, which should run you no more than $19. Amazon has it for $18.45 with free shipping if you can bring your total order up to $25. For boar brushes, that and one other Omega are my favorites. I really don't know what the model of the other one is, though. I bought it from Bullgoose, and it looks just like the 10066 on that site. $12 + shipping. Probably ought to add that I've never tried an expensive boar brush, so I could be missing something and not know it.
I didn't like the pro 10049, I did have the "Beechwood" 10005 which I gave to Mike. I now have one of the banded boar models I spent $10 on and found once broken in, its much softer and performs better for me.
From a sheer performance standpoint, the 10051 is hard to beat. Nice balance between knot diameter and loft. Will lather anything you throw at it.
I'd have to say Omega brand. I've used them over the years and though inexpensive I must say they are well made brushes. Shedding or bristle breaking never seem to happen no matter what kind of Omega I use , boar, pure badger, silver tip, synthetic badger or synthetic nylon. Have not tried Semogues but will in the future , they are very attractive brushes.
Omega 10066 or 65 are nice options if you don't want the size of the 10049 or 48. The Semogue 1305 is a classic and you can get one for about $20 plus a few dollars shipping. A lot of people swear by the Semogue 1250, but I've never used one. I've used the others brushes mentioned and they are solid everyday brushes, I lean towards the 1305.
I have two boar brushes and I like them both. Both are omega's, I have their travel brush, and the 10015. I was trying out brushes for travel and both worked great. I looked at the 10051 and it seemed too big for my travel needs. I have found the boars to be very soft once you wet them. You can not beat their price. What size and type of brush are you currently using (what dimensions) I don't like a floppy brush, so I keep the loft around 45-50 mm's, but that is my preference. If you go to shoe box shave shop they a section where they list all the brush dimensions, and you can see what is closest to your original brush.
Yes, I agree with both, I bought my beechwood 1005 from shoebox about a month ago I think for under 13.00. Of course I had to get some other things as you might. Love the brush and I am very happy. I bought it based on recommendations of those you are reading now. Also went for the horse hair #6. (bestshaving.com) Wow, on that one too! I know some have had some QC issues. Not me. Outstanding. I can't believe for a total of $6 or $7 shipped you get a brush such as that. You can find a thread on the forum for that brush. It will take a little time to get to your door as it comes from overseas, but that was fine with me as I expected that. Good luck and have fun choosing...
I've been looking at Shoebox and I've narrowed it down to the Omega 10065 and the Omega 10290. Which one gets your vote? Thanks
I like the looks of the 10065, but you gotta choose the one that looks good to you. Pick the one you like the looks of because that's the one you'll use. Then come back later and buy the other.
The 10920 gets my vote because recently I have found that higher diameter knots hog too much lather. I like the shape of the 10065 handle better, but the 10920 is the one that I would go with from a performance standpoint. Meh; buy both!
Both are nice brushes. I would probably go for 65 first as I know I like that knot. You can check out QED USA. Charles has what looks like the 65 with a stand and a tub of Omega (Porasso) Soap for $15. He also has the 10290 there. http://www.qedusa.com/omega-omega-beginner-shaving-p-320.html
