Brush Suggestions Under $25

[frankthetank966]

Hi there,

I'm seeking some shaving brush suggestions under $25. I am currently using an Omega Pro 48. Which I like how it lathers and feels on the skin. However, the larger brush can make it difficult to lather the face at time, especially below the nose. Secondly, I feel like because the brush is so large that I am wasting a lot of lather. Would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks,

 

[Galibier_Numero_Un]

I don't have a broad range to compare against, but I'm loving my AP Shave Co Synbad knot.

It comes in 22 &24mm and has a very similar feel and splay to my 25mm Mühle STF.

The 22 has a touch more backbone and splay resistance than the 24, which in turn is a tiny bit stiffer than the Mühle. This knot size characteristic is apparently like that of the STF (bigger knot = easier splay), which is why I originally opted for the 25mm STF.

I (for example) control how close the brush is to my nose by lowering it, so the center point of my 25 is around my chin, with the remainder hanging in space.

Their Cashmere knot is apparently Plisoft-like.

Let the floodgates of suggestions begin ;-)

... Thom

 

[SwamperWI]

Another vote for an AP Shave Co SynBad. I have it in 22mm and 24mm I like them both a lot. It is my favorite synthetic in this price range.

 

[Galibier_Numero_Un]

Another vote for an AP Shave Co SynBad. I have it in 22mm and 24mm I like them both a lot. It is my favorite synthetic in this price range.

Between how great Andrew is, and the quality of his work, I see no reason to send coins directly to some generic Chinese company.

... Thom

 

[SwamperWI]

I used a 24mm AP Shave Co SynBad yesterday. I bowl loaded and face lathered a sample of Ethos Fresco a very generous B&B member sent me to try. It was a wonderful lather and shave.

 

[Chan Eil Whiskers]

Several smallish (not really small) Zeniths come to mind here.

Both of these are marvelous brushes.

Happy shaves,

Jim

 

[NorthernSoul]

If you like boar brushes, maybe try an Omega knot in a smaller size. They have several brushes with 24mm knots and around 55mm loft. I'd recommend the ash wood handle 11137 as a great all-rounder. Under $15.

Another excellent smaller Omega brush is the beehive boar 10081. Under $10.

For synthetics, the SynBad knot in the 24mm size is a good suggestion. Yaqi has a similar knot that they call Mew Brown. An oldie-but-goodie recommendation is the Razorock Bruce 24mm Plissoft brush. Very comfortable.

 

[mikhou]

Download AliExpress app or go to AliExpress.com and look up yaqi brush and dscosmetic between those two you'll have a ton of options

I have a 24mm Yaqi synthetic that that was a factory second that I picked up for $2 and free shipping that is excellent!

 

[Goblin]

Several smallish (not really small) Zeniths come to mind here.

I'd recommend the ash wood handle 11137 as a great all-rounder. Under $15. Another excellent smaller Omega brush is the beehive boar 10081. Under $10.

I second these motions. I would get a cheap Zenith or Omega in the 55-57mm loft range AND a Yaqi 24mm Plissoft. Shipping from two places may take you a wee bit over $25 but you know what...

You will be glad you did!

P.S. For a limited time only, I am offering membership in "Enablers R' Us" at a special, discounted rate. PM for details.

 

[MixMastMar]

The Stirling Soap Company Synthetic 2-Band Brush - 24mm x 56mm in either Black stripes or Green. $13.99
Synthetic 2-Band Brush - 24mm x 56mm (Green) - https://www.stirlingsoap.com/collections/shave-brushes/products/synthetic-2-band-brush-24mm-x-56mm-green#

 

[Tillerman]

Stirling tuxedo 13.85 free shipping pasteur's pharmacy

Itallian barber. Mocha beehive or bruce brushes all under 20.00
The two brushes on the left. Both work fine.

 

[mikhou]

The Stirling Soap Company Synthetic 2-Band Brush - 24mm x 56mm in either Black stripes or Green. $13.99
Synthetic 2-Band Brush - 24mm x 56mm (Green) - https://www.stirlingsoap.com/collections/shave-brushes/products/synthetic-2-band-brush-24mm-x-56mm-green#

I was looking hard at that one before I bought a Yaqi. I could still see myself buying that one someday.

 

[frankthetank966]

Has anyone tried these Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PCWGB16/ref=twister_B08H44Z2DJ?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

I enjoy my Omega and might get a smaller one. But I would also like something with a non plastic/chrome/metal handle. I don't know how often you need to buy brushes, but I would be willing to spend a little more for something that is really nice. Thanks to everyone for the replies. I am considering the Synethic ones mentioned.

 

[Whiterook]

If you'd like a handcrafted wood handle for very little money, check out Jayaruh.

Brushes for Adoption

The Jayaruh Brushes Adoption Mid-Summer Adoptions Synthetic, $35 shipped CONUS Badger, $45 shipped CONUS Adopt two and get $15 off Add...

jrshaving.blogspot.com

The last brush I got from him was $35.

 

[Eshebert]

@SwamperWI

That's my favorite handle. I have a 24 Maggard Synthetic (brown, mock horse knot). I deep set it for some extra back bone for a face lathering travel brush. Those handles had a deep swallow, so you can get it as stiff as you like. I am probably going to build another, because when I am home I often rob it out my travel dop kit.

 

[Rivers23]

Honestly imo, a boar is a boar in that price range, the difference in price is almost only because of handles. I'm not a huge believer in "premium" boar, it's all the same I think.

The danger of smaller loft and knot sizes is that the brush loses stiffness and becomes too floppy.

If you don't want to rub plastics on your face and don't want synths, I'd say try a horse. They're very soft and unique feeling. My dream is to have a Zenith horse but they're 50 bucks and my wife would kill me hah.

 

[Chan Eil Whiskers]

 

[ChriWilson]

Hi there,

I'm seeking some shaving brush suggestions under $25. I am currently using an Omega Pro 48. Which I like how it lathers and feels on the skin. However, the larger brush can make it difficult to lather the face at time, especially below the nose. Secondly, I feel like because the brush is so large that I am wasting a lot of lather. Would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks,

Since you prefer boar, try the Semogue 830 which is a premium grade boar.
I would also recommend the handpainted 1305, same premium grade as well.

Omega Pro 48 is a 28mm knot @ 129mm tall

22mm Knot @ 99mm height

21mm Knot @108mm height

 

[cf1]

Boar - Omega pro 49, BST Semogue owners club, zenith boar b1 or b2

Badger - yaqi 2 band

Synthetic - Yaqui rainbow with pony knot, any yaqi, AP shave co, PAA brush

 

[DesertIguana]

Omega cheap Boar under $10.00.

Omega 10019 Boar Shaving Brush

Razor Emporium is your one-stop shop for vintage shaving. Whether you need a new razor or some wet shaving supplies, we’ll have just what you’re looking for.

www.razoremporium.com