Just curious being new to all of this, and only reading a handful of threads/tutorials/explanations... but aside from handle options, which can greatly affect cost, what are you getting from a $200 silvertip brush vs one from whipped dog?
I have 2 brushes that are Silvertips : Whipped Dog 30/45 Silvertip total cost with deepset and shipping $49 Jerusalem Olive Wood/WD Silvertip 24/48 total cost, I set the knot $38 You can't beat this for the money, but I would still bleed for an Oscar11.
short version: nothing slightly longer version: Let's skip the handle, recognizing that material and labor drive the handle's cost. The real question mark is in the knot. There are too many terms and too few definitions to be 100% sure that one knot is better than another. As long as you've read the stickies (here and here), you are as consumer savvy as it gets. The rest is finding a supplier you trust. A lot of folks trust Larry at Whipped Dog and Anthony at The Golden Nib. These guys have proved themselves by delivering good product to MANY on the shaving forums. I have a TGN boar knot and love it. You can also roll your dice and go the direct-from-China route. I've been quite happy with my little gambles, but not everyone has fared so well. Caveat emptor! Finally, you can throw some big bucks at a big name brush. Many have and love the results. For the money, I'll send my dollar-votes to WD and TGN. NOTE: At risk of being a broken record, I think the Omega 10098, though boar, can hold its own against any badger and presents one of the best brush values out there. Welocme to the Den... and Good luck!
Don't think this one's been mentioned, but the Omega 10066 is a great option as well. It's basically a smaller pro 49. Dimensions are 54mm tall by 24mm wide I believe. I've heard from a few people that the Pro 49 is a little big for them, so the 10066 seems like a happy medium if you have a smaller face.
thanks for the education. I had ordered the omega 10098 to start after reading several suggestions mentioning it, and to not completely feed into a new habit. Somehow I foresee several brushes amoung other items in my possession in the future...
I just received my silver tip from Larry over at WD. navy blue handle, deepset, I'll post some pics soon. Any advice as far as preparing before use other than what Larry suggested?
Not really. Just follow Larry's suggestions. If it still has that funky smell, you can shampoo it or test lather with it. The badger funk will go away with use.
Love those technical terms, Clint. I had know idea that smell was called "badger funk", but the name sure fits!
