While I'm new to the DE/Wetshave scene, I've been using a brush for the past 18 months or so. The brush I've been using is a SheaMoisture brush from Target, which appears to be either badger or badger-dyed boar. Currently I use this with Art of Shaving unscented cream, and I'm a face latherer. I don't know how my brush compares on a "scritchy"-ness scale, but I do like a bit of abrasion on my face as I'm prepping for shaving - I feel it helps stand the hairs up. I'm now looking at trying some soaps as well, and think I want a good quality general purpose brush. For the sake of argument, I'll cap my brush purchase at about $125. So far, my primary choices for a general purpose brush would be: Semogue SOC 2 Band Cherry Wood - I've got a thing for wood. This brush appears to have pretty good reviews for an all-around, but I have concerns about wood for a handle. Also has the highest loft of any that I've looked at. The plus side is my budget would leave me enough for a Semogue badger brush to go with it for experimentation. Rooney 3/1 - Seems to be a real favorite in some circles. I thought I'd found a website where this could be had for cheap, but seem to have misplaced it. On the plus side, it's available in tortoise shell, but only as a silvertip, which may be too soft. Simpson Duke 2 or 3 - Higher price, lower loft, again a favorite of many. Looks to be a decent all-around choice. Not too fond of the faux ivory handle. Shavemac 23mm #177 - Another standby, available in "best" badger as well as silvertip. Loved by many. Still hate faux ivory. Thoughts? I really lean towards the Semogue, but I'm concerned about the loft and the wood handle. Any other recommendations that are standouts for a newbie's second brush? 59B
59B, if you've done your brush research—and it appears you have—then you'll know you are bound to get replies all over the board as to which brush is perfect for you—you scritchy-brush loving shaver with an affinity for wood and face-lathering. Personally, I would try as wide a variety of brushes I could (and $125 will buy quite an assortment of badgers, boars and synthetics. If you find you prefer a good badger brush (or boar), you can always sell the other two, and invest in a top-notch brush you know will have the qualities you want in a brush. I've made the mistake of plunking down a big wad of cash on a shaving item based upon the glowing reviews of others. It just wasnt a good match for me. Had I been more prudent, I could have sampled more from the shaving 'buffet' before filling up on one costly item. That's my 20/20 hindsight….
HEAR! HEAR! Preach it, preacher man! Can I get a witness? We be havin' some church, now! 59'er, Kevin is dead nuts on. You've obviously done the research and have some experience with at least one brush. Do you really need the eye candy at this point, or could you benefit from a Whitman's sampler? I've drooled over some SOCs, but have so far opted for the broader shaving experience over aesthetics. However, I would applaud your acquisition! Please follow up with pics of your final decision. Good luck!
I bought a horse hair brush vie long and it is as soft and good as the silvertip badger brushes I have got it on eBay for $25 Another option
I've had my Owners Club boar for around 2 years or so, and the wood handle is just fine without any issues relating to the soaking/drying of the brush, it's in excellent condition. I just recently bought myself an Owners Club 2 band to match my boar and find that even with the taller loft, its fantastic for both face & bowl lathering, the handle makes it extremely comfortable for me (IMO the Owners Club series is the best ergonomics period), and the 2 band doesn't splay very much at all so you won't end up with a very large mop down the road. I also have a Duke 3 (Best) which has SLIGHTLY softer hair than the Semogue, but the handle isn't as comfortable and if you're looking at sheer price/performance the SOC kicks the snot out of the Simpson hands down and twice on Sundays. Do keep in mind if you get a Semogue boar, they'll take a few weeks to break in and really get into their own but its well worth the wait. For a boar to pair with the SOC, I'd first go with the boar Owners Club, failing that, either a 610 or 830.
