Thank you Doug. Thank you Jared. I admit I have a brush acquisition disorder. We each have our own criteria for choosing a brush. My criteria might not be the same or similar to the OP's criteria. It really comes down to what the OP wants out of a brush then pick the brush that ticks off the most boxes for him.
Favorite brush is a basic badger, but that is because I only have two. The second is a boar brush. Both are good, but I prefer the badger better as it lathers extremely well. I have also tried a synthetic, but would have liked more backbone. I will eventually get a better badger brush, likely a Whipped Dog or something similar. Sent via mobile - Chris
ONLY 2?!!! What is up with that!!! ...kidding... Must be great self-control. While you are poking around, you might take a look these. http://brushguy.myshopify.com/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/honeyfarmdesign?ref=l2-shopheader-name https://www.etsy.com/listing/261091708/25mm-luxury-silvertip-badger-brush?ref=shop_home_active_4 https://www.etsy.com/shop/hotoffthelathe?ref=l2-shopheader-name https://www.bradsearsshaveworks.com/collections/shaving-brushes https://www.declarationbrushworks.com/ ... ...there's a zillion...
Less self control and more a matter of funds. Plus, I don't tend to buy things I don't need. Otherwise I would have a cabinet full of soaps and creams (I have about 4 or 5). I will definitely take a look at the links. Perhaps as a gift to myself once graduate school is over (I am thinking I am getting too old for all this studying, especially with kids in college). Sent via mobile - Chris
I gave my cheapie brush/stand to mt son, and replaced the worn-out knot in my old Czech brush with a Maggard synthetic knot. Way too soft for my liking. My next was a Strong Set "Pure Bristle" vintage brush, which is great. I have acquired three more vintage brushes since than, all "pure badger", which are OK, I guess. But the little Strong Set has become my favorite. Lathers up well, and is just stiff enough. Feel great. A puck of Williams in an old Spice mug, sometimes with a shot of Cremo to slick it up some. I'll also use Arko occasionally.
You guys make me look like a piker. A Parker Silvertip flanked by an Omega 6212 Silvertip on the left and an Omega 10098 Boar on the right. The 10098 is more than likely to become my daily-daily.
OK, I'm biased, I admit it... my favourite 3 are the ones I turned myself: Of these 3, I love the TGN Finest Fan in the middle. For pure looks, I like the boar (also TGN). Still needs to be broken in a little more.The synthetic (TGN) takes some getting used to with how soft it is on the face, but it makes, holds and dispenses lather quite well actually. My other two brushes are an Omega Boar travel brush, and a WD High Mountain Badger. The WD was my go to brush for months before I made these. The Omega is strickly a travel brush. Apart from the satisfaction of making something yourself, the other real advantage to making your own handles is the ability to set your depth to whatever knots/lofts you want to use.
I have a number of favorite brushes. My custom tuxedo knit, WD High Mountain, RR400, RR Big Bruce and BC. But the only brush I would never part with is my @twhite B400
