What are your opinions on budget brush?

True, not every Semogue is a winner. I like 1305, 2000, the SOCs, the Galahads and a few others. Galahad C3 is second from the left and it’s red not black. The 2000 is third from left followed by SOC and the rest. 860 and 960 I think 

I got my Stirling "2-Band Synthetic" from topofthechain.ca for CAD$24.99, and it is my favourite synthetic. I love the retro look of the easy-to-grip handle and the 24 mm Tuxedo knot 

My first synthetic brush was also a tuxedo and I purchased it on a “why not” whim from Maggards.  I got a 22 mm, as they call it black and white, and I just checked:  they now charge a whopping $11.95 for it.  And it’s excellent.  Lathers like a charm and it seems to be the perfect size for that knot - just enough backbone for me. It sits next to $200 and $300 brushes on my shelf. And for $12 (plus shipping)? Wow. Now, to complicate matters: the black and white is great but, while a solid performer and at a hard to resist price, it’s not my favorite synthetic knot.  That’s either a Muhle STF knot or a G5C.  The Muhle would run around at least $50 which is still a fraction of what it would take to get a badger that’s as good.  (Mine is actually in a Rudy Vey handle so it ran me more than that.). Or there's the G5C knot.  I got my G5C last year with a basic - but to me nice - APShave handle for, including shipping from APShave, $38. Frankly, that's an unbelievable value and I reach for that brush probably two times a week -- and routinely over my expensive badger brushes. So, depending on your precise “budget” you should certainly be able to get a fabulous synthetic brush - literally, you can get a solid one for under $20 or a superb one for under $40.  

In fact, here's an SOTD I posted not long ago with my $38 (including shipping!) G5C from APShave. The razor probably cost me 15 times what the brush did but I happily use them together:

I love the shape of the handles on the Semogue 1305 and 1800, but I'm suspicious of the loft-to-diameter ratio.

For me the Best brushes when on a budget are the Semogue boar brushes, especially the don't SOC editions, simply because I don't find the synthetics brushes up to the task, for certain aspects.

Thanks to everyone and yes was a badger
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Depends on what the budget is. $5? $10? $25? $50? $100? $250? There are good choices is those ranges. Also depends on whether you are looking for synthetic, boar, badger, or horse hair knots.

badger

I want to thank all of those active members of the forum as I can already see there is a wealth of knowledge here!

As a budget suggestion, Yaqi 24 mm two-band badger knot was my first badger knot, and it performs well. A very nice way to experience a badger brush at lower price. It is definitely worth the upgrade to a higher grade hair. "Pure" or "best" are the lowest grade and can be quite prickly. The two-band I have is not prickly at all.

Depends on what the budget is. $5? $10? $25? $50? $100? $250? There are good choices is those ranges. Also depends on whether you are looking for synthetic, boar, badger, or horse hair knots.

badger

If for any reason you are not happy with the (budget?) badger which you bought, may I echo another suggestion from above? The Semoge 1305 is probably the best bang for the buck, all aounder type brush you can buy. Once broken in, it has tips as soft as a high quality badger, but still enough backbone to eat into hard soaps and give you a good scrub if you face lather. The green paint on the wooden handle will at some point chip or peel. If you don't want that, you can get the same knot in an acrylic handle (the 830 I believe?). You should be able to get it for about $20.00.

If you want to spend only $10.00, I have been impressed with Omega's 10065 boar brushes. They seem to have different treatment process than the Pro 49 with less animal smell and a faster break in period.

Great advice. I love my 803. Boars require a little extra loading and break in however

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