Thank you for all the advice! I read everything (and then some) and settled on an ebony handle C&E Pure Badger Brush. I'll post a review once it arrives.
The entry level Shavemac brushes are a good value and are nice and firm. http://shavemac.com/index.php?lang=en&area=men&sel=2&cat=1
Thanks for the link. I bought a C&E Pure Badger that was roughly the same price as the Shavemac Pure Badgers. If my C&E dies I'll look into buying one of these.
Wow, thanks for the link....I forgot his Pures are that cheap.....makes me want another one I have one and it's a great brush, a little scratchy, but I love it
There is a ton of good info here for any noob! It wasn't my thread, but thank you all for your incite.