My next two buys will be a boar brush and a synthetic. Wondering what will be the best options out there I'm looking to spend around $25 on a boar and $50 on the synthetic. Any opinions guys?
H.I.S. Synthetic Shave Brush (~$35) is a favorite for many. Mantic59 did a nice series on the new generation of synthetic bushes on his blog that you might find interesting: http://sharpologist.com/2012/08/synthetic-brushes-summary.html
I was thinking his for the synthetic as well between planofman and reading gd carringtons review on Amazon I'm pretty much sold. But they say muhle makes an amazing synthetic too. For the boar I'm torn between omega and semogue
For boar, any Omega or Semogue. Great brushes. For synthetic, I make no offers as I have never used one.
Get the synthetic Muehle Silvertip Fibre. Amazing lather, as soft as a silvertip yet as sturdy as a boar. And it dries up quickly. Prices start at 30 dollars for the 19mm.
Semogue get great reviews never tried one yet, Ive got several Omega boars and love em can take awhile to break in and get rid of the piggy smell.
Best Boar around for your price has to be the Semogue 830 http://vintagescent.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=83
I just purchased this one from Connaught shaving. $28 shipped from the UK http://connaughtshaving.com/omega42.html They have some other styles as well.
I've got this synthetic, just used it and I really like it. I know it will be my travel brush, plus be in my rotation. http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/om64topoflia.html
I have 3 old rubberset and strongset handles with a 24mm silvertip, 24 & 28mm finest badger synthetic knots that I am getting ready to put together. I'm excited to see how the synthetics break in. I drilled the whole for the not about 5mm deepin in each handle to add a little more backbone to the larger knots.
Don't have any experience with synthetics, but I love boars. For $8 to $15 the Omegas really can't be beat, but if you can go $20, I whole heartedly recommend the Semogue 1305. That said, the 1305 and the 830 that Barrylu recommended are the same brush - the 1305 for around $20 has a painted wooden handle which is handsome, charming, light weight, and will chip the first time you drop it. The 830 for around $25 is the same amazingly good knot (bristles) with an acrylic handle which is handsome, heavier (but not too heavy) and much more durable.
Another vote for Semogue and Omega, the ones I have have put some of the high end badgers to shame (ymmv)
heck, getchya a VDH boar brush @ CVS & call er a day~ I've been using the same brush for YEARS......got it in 2008. It's my work horse. I also own a Parker silvertip, but I only use that on soft creams, not soaps. I like the backbone in boar w. soaps. Heck LOVE It w. creams as well.
H.I.S. brush knots are made by FM Brush / Artistbrushstrokes and there is a reason Mark (Mantic) discussed them. We were involved in a test team last year and I proposed this brush to be used in the testing. http://sharpologist.com/2012/08/synthetic-brushes-summary.html Here is my testing thread. http://sharpologist.com/2012/06/synthetic-hair-shave-brushes-part-2.html Here was one of my first threads on that brush. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/h-i-s-synthetic-brush.28218/ Now as of late H.I.S. brushes have taken a nose dive in terms of quality of the handles and knots with their new offerings 25 mm and 23 mm. Both J.D. Jones and Steve (Oscar11) have tried the new brushes and knots. Their results are posted here. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/25mm-h-i-s.31863/#post-558199 I was one of the first and biggest H.I.S. advocates, but I would now steer clear of H.I.S. brushes until they get their QC issues solved.
To brushes I would recommend. On a Boar, no need to break the bank. Omegas will fit the bill quite nicely in the price range. One that I really like is the Pro49. Great brush at a great price. http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/ombolaseinno.html On the synthetics. Vintage Blades has a synthetic that uses a knot that is extremely similar if not the same as TGN synthetic which is a very reliable Generation 3 knot. http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/product.php?productid=1466&cat=240&page=1 You can also find restorers / custom makers that can restore / make a brush using TGN as well that could refurbish or build a new brush with those knots. Muhle makes the best knots but they are past the $50 threadhold the O.P. set in this thread.
Yep~Spend the $75 on a badger & Boar & can the idea of getting a synthetic ~ Synthetics don't hold moisture. If you MUST get a synthetic, check out this thread here in the forum. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threa...-frank-shaving-company-synthetic-brush.24667/ I personally don't see myself ever wanting a synthetic. Supposedly that synthetic is descent. To each their own of course.....but if I had $75 to spend on 2 brushes, I'd either get a really good one or a badger & a boar. One for creams, one for soaps. Back bone & fluff Synthetic... I mean, they don't retain water, they don't lather well, they don't even feel good on the skin & they won't break in. As I said, to each their own. That link has info on a descent synthetic. Good luck