recommended brushes for $30 or less

what brushes do you guys recommend that are $30 or less? I thought this would be a helpful discussions for people looking for a cheaper brush that works and for people who are new to wet shaving that don't want to spend a fortune up front.

If you're willing to take a minor gamble look no further than the Turkish No6 horse hair brush, available from various places. The No7 is pretty good too, but I much prefer the handle of the No6. For 2.45USD plus shipping it's pretty unbeatable.

Gifts&Care sells a number of mixed horse-badger brushes that falls in the suggested price range. I got a 14033 myself and couldn't be happier, even if it runs a tad more expensive.

(06-24-2012, 12:14 PM)WegianWarrior Wrote: If you're willing to take a minor gamble look no further than the Turkish No6 horse hair brush, available from various places. The No7 is pretty good too, but I much prefer the handle of the No6. For 2.45USD plus shipping it's pretty unbeatable.

Gifts&Care sells a number of mixed horse-badger brushes that falls in the suggested price range. I got a 14033 myself and couldn't be happier, even if it runs a tad more expensive.

I started with one like this from Lees -
http://www.leesrazors.com/products/Vulfi...Brush.html.

But now, you don't even have to do Badger - the Frank Shaving synthetics are very good brushes for about 15 shipped. Target sells the Shea Moisture Badger, and CVS/Walmart has the Van Der Hagen in boar - either of these is about 8-9 bucks.

Badgers:
Frank Shaving Finest
Whipped Dog Silvertip

Boar:
Most Semogues or Omegas

Synthetic:
Frank Shaving
H.I.S.

New Forest brushes need to be added to this list as well.

Semogue Boar. Occationaly the Semogue Owners Club can be had for $30, but usually $35 shipped from a couple vendors.

That's my choice. takes a bit to break in, but well worth the effort.

Another vote for the Whipped dog silvertip,if not,any Semogue boar like the 1800.

$9.00-$12.00 Shea Moisture Shave at Target (Great brush for the $$.$$)

$16.00-$20.00 Omega 11047 - "Mixed Midget" - Badger/Boar (Small but great)

$19.00-$25.00 - Omega 31064 Banded Boar Shaving Brush (Great on soaps)

$20.00-$25.00 - Semogue 620 Pure Bristle Shaving Brush (Well it's a Semoque)

I second a Frank Shaving Finest if you can find one, their prices seem to be increasing steadily. The H.I.S. brush looks good too, but I can't give a real comment other than that until I try one. Shaving.ie shoulg have some muhle/HJM synthetics for $30 or less as well.

Another vote for the H.I.S Synthetic and for the Semogue 620 Pure Bristle. I also had had good success with my Vie-Long Horse Hair

The H.I.S. is a strong contender.
It should be back in stock for the black handle next week and the clear should be back slightly after the 4th of July holiday time period.

110% agreement. A lather monster, soft, densely packed, dries quickly, sized right, (even though you'd think it might be too big) and available in black or clear handles.

The Frank Shaving brush at $12.50 is by far the best $ I've spent on anything wet shaving related. It introduced me to synthetic brushes and it's an amazing performer at any price.
I couldn't find it on the Bay the other day when I went to look for another one but Star Shaving has them in stock, still at the $12.50 price.

(06-24-2012, 05:58 PM)GDCarrington Wrote: The H.I.S. is a strong contender.
It should be back in stock for the black handle next week and the clear should be back slightly after the 4th of July holiday time period.

I too like Semogue a lot

Face lather: 1438
Bowl 1800

I think a Simpsons Special in Best can be found on the forums for around $30 and is a really great all around brush.

Most any of the Semogue or Omega boar bristle brushes are an excellent value under $30.

For $32 you can get a Zurito from our host. One of the best brushes out there. http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/vi13hohabr.html

(06-25-2012, 10:16 PM)xraygun Wrote: For $32 you can get a Zurito from our host. One of the best brushes out there. http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/vi13hohabr.html

I would agree. I've been using my SOC boar since I got it, but grabbed the Zurito yesterday and was amazed at the lather it whipped up compared to the SOC. They do become a bit floppy over time, but still work great. It has the best handle too. When the horse gives up the ghost, I'm tossing a badger knot in it. I'm never giving up that handle.

If you're going to go with horsehair, I'd suggest the $18 Peleon over the Zurito. It has a better balance of soft tips and backbone.

Otherwise, the Omega boar/badger mighty midget is amazing, as is the Omega Pro boar - both are cheap too.

My vote is for the $18 Peleon. I don't own that particular brush, but own 2 other Vie-Longs that are fantastic. One of them is the 13052M, purchased from Gifts and Care. It comes in under your total, but is a few dollars over with shipping.

I also own and use a Sabi Black Badger that is no longer available, but knowing how good that brush is, I would also recommend the Sabi brushes from shaveabuck.

I'm not associated with either vendor, but have had great service and products from both.

Mark

I just had Ian Tang of Frank Shaving make me a Butterscotch Handled Synthetic that is on it's way here now. Cost was $20 shipped. I love my other FS Synthetic