which brush, badger or synthetic is better

The Semogue has a dense knot with quite some backbone and it will feel more familiar on your face especially if you are accustomed to synthetics and boar.

The EJ looks great and it deserves some shave time. Try it out and see how you like it.

Nice brush and that keyhole handle is very unique!

Semogues are great brushes to consider; I would also throw Epsilon badgers into the mix (house brand for Gifts & Care, made by Vie Long). Fantastic values IMHO and Juan y Lorena are very customer centric and great to deal with; even better as you are based in the UK.

http://www.giftsandcare.com/en/155-epsil...ng-brushes

Hi. Tried my EJ badger brush a few times now & I really enjoyed it. Even though it is a very soft brush it lathered fantastically with both hard & soft soaps, which produced a nice rich lather. On the face it was a luxurious feeling  that I loved. It spreads as big as the Stirling brush so makes light work of putting lather on your face. This EJ is a great brush and at the moment its my go to brush. Kevin thanks for the heads up on gift and care, it's a good place to shop they have some good gear on their site. Will sneak a another brush on Xmas list lol