I need your help finding my ideal badger!

Hello, everyone! I've been using synthetic brushes since I started wet shaving around 5 years ago, but after viewing some of the SOTD photos, I'm inclined to try a badger brush.

For context, I use a 26mm knot 2BED Synthetic from Apshaveco or a G4 to face lather. I had tried a cheap brush from Amazon that was difficult to use even after soaking and far too "prickly" on the skin.

For my first badger, I have a budget of roughly $70 but possibly more for the right brush. I buy most of my razors and soaps secondhand from auction sites, so I'm not picky. Some of the resin handles are quite appealing to me.

So, what have everyone's recommendations? I'm thinking about getting a knot and handle from Apshaveco because I've ordered from them before and the customer service was excellent, especially given I need shipping to England, which can add a lot to the cost.

What are your thoughts on this brush? (Mixed badger and boar knot)

I had a look on aliexpress at dscosmetics, so many knots to choose from e.g 2 Band, Silvertip, Manchurian... looks like I will have to do some more research.

2 band is the only badger I would consider, they're firm with soft tips, many others are soft and floppy, all you can do with them is paint the lather on.

I've moved on from badger and only use boar brushes now, I prefer strong backbone with plenty of scrub and scritch.

I do still have one that was given to me by Graydog, he made the handle and the knot came from Maggard.

A very good brush (my first badger) is the Simpson Colonel x2 in best hair at about $65 USD. Good for both face & bowl lathering. To take a step up especially for face lathering, the Simpson Duke 1, 2 or 3 in best hair are truly great brushes but over your budget.

If you go to “ My Shaving”, they carry Zenith badger brushes that I have heard great things about, but have not tried. Their Manchuria hair in particular get very good reviews.

I like Thater badger brushes. 

Thater
Paladin
Elite - Bob Quinn!


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A very good brush (my first badger) is the Simpson Colonel x2 in best hair at about $65 USD. Good for both face & bowl lathering. To take a step up especially for face lathering, the Simpson Duke 1, 2 or 3 in best hair are truly great brushes but over your budget.

If you go to “ My Shaving”, they carry Zenith badger brushes that I have heard great things about, but have not tried. Their Manchuria hair in particular get very good reviews.

+1

For roughly your budget, Zenith Manchurian is the only brush I can think of. If you get a good one, it can rival some brushes 3 times it’s price.

you used to synthetic shave brushes, you might like 2-band finer hair.
Boti has one and it has very good feedbacks: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10050012...7c08I68g1v

Other knots:
You might get Maseto knot which has very similar hair to Elite.
Oumo has lots of options. Gelly, hooked, untreated, silvertip or extra density hand-tied.

Some Handles:
You can get nice low priced resin handle form aka brushworx: https://www.etsy.com/shop/akafashions?se...d=31275958
Bullgoose has discount for Alpha brush handles: https://bullgooseshaving.com/collections...sh-handles
Or Apshave co: https://apshaveco.com/collections/replic...ush-series

This one might suit you.

https://damnfineshave.com/thread-want-to...2-band-fan

This one might suit you.

https://damnfineshave.com/thread-want-to...2-band-fan

Nice brush but as mentioned I am in England and the brush from the BST is "shipped CONUS only".