Question about VanDerHagen Boar Brush

[amcottin]

I know, I know... it will probably sound sadistic to most, but I got it a couple weeks ago when I just got started into WS. I'm not familiar to WS for I've never seen it done properly so I've got no point of comparison. I got into straight razor shaving looking for the closest shave and so far have gotten some nice results (I think) although I know I've go much to learn an practice.
This brush, how bad can it be? Would it be OK, that I use it for some time while I build up some better budget for my WS equipment and decide for a better one? (so far considering the Edwin Jagger Pure Badger at CrabtreeEvelyn, or a Vulvix Pure badger) Can some flaws in my lather creation be attributed to this brush? or mostly to my inexperienced technique?

Thanks!

[Crog]

Yes yes and yes. A standard-issue Tweezerman is a very good badger brush and should be good enough for your first year(s).

Use inferior equipment and you can expect inferior results. Use equipment that encourages inferior results and you are unconsciously advocating an uphill battle as an entrance into WS. As evidenced in your post... you know better.

[ChrisD]

I have a VDH boar, and use it all the time. The only other brush I currently have is my Grandpas old brush, but im not going to use that one.

Of course the VDH boar is not the best brush on the world, but it will get the job done, and help to learn the craft of wetshaving. I'm glad that I started with a VDH because it is actually a good size, and has allowed me to make a mistake here and there, and not to be too concerned about it. I'm thinking of buying the VDH pure boar next, but at $20 it seems like it may be better to put that towards a Simpson. But I do think that the VDH brushes are good for what they are, and either the Boar or the Badger should work well for soaps.

I wish I would have purchased the Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set when I bought my brush, it comes with a free soap bowl.
http://www.drugstore.com/van-der-hagen-premium-shave-set/qxp155185?catid=183771&fromsrch=van+der+hagen

[ImTheGluestick]

You can get an Omega boar for around $10, and it'll be head and shoulders above the VDH. My 2 cents, anyways!

[GDCarrington]

Why not go for a high value (good product for a great price) VDH deluxe set.

205586

It is a good brush (badger). soap, mug and stand. I have used it and it is really one of the best buys dollar for dollar for a starter set.

http://www.amazon.com/Hagen-Luxury-Shave-Set-scented/dp/B004VW59DG

Once you have used this a while, you will have time to study up for your next purchase without feeling as if you are being rushed into questionable purchases.

[MondoJ]

I have the vdh boar didn't like it with creams but still use it to face lather with soap, it does shed a lot . I won't buy itr again

[doug1066]

I have two VDH boars. One was my daily brush for over 15 years until I bought my Omega 10049. I still use it for creams on the weekends. The other is my travel brush, inexpensive and easily replaceable if lost. They are adequate brushes and found at many drugstores, supermarkets and general retailers like Target and Wal*Mart.

[Wetshavemike]

It might not be great, but I like it better then the Omega boar at my local drugstore. I don't use mine often, but it works well as a travel brush. Why not pick one up?

[FL shaver]

It is worth moving away from the VDH, whether you spend $10 or $100.

[mftoms59]

... I'm thinking of buying the VDH pure boar next, but at $20 it seems like it may be better to put that towards a Simpson. But I do think that the VDH brushes are good for what they are, and either the Boar or the Badger should work well for soaps...

For < $20.00 including shipping you can have a nice Semogue Boar; http://vintagescent.com/shaving-brushes-c-5/semogue-1460-shaving-brush-p-70
(http://vintagescent.com/shaving-brushes-c-5/semogue-1460-shaving-brush-p-70)

[greenhornet7897]

Like many people here the VDH boar brush was my first brush it done a decent job but i also was brand new to wetshaving so it probably left something to be desired and i didn't know better. I have since moved on to some nice simpsons badgers and i never use the VDH anymore it is relegated to the closet now.

[plpenn]

I like the Tweezerman, I have had TNG and Whipped Dog knots but did not care for them. Tried the VDH brush but was not fond of it. If you practice with it I'm sure you will build your skills and be able to get a decent lather, it may just take more work and more loading than other brushes.

205705

[redrako]

Many folks start out with the VDH boars because they are pretty much the only brush available in U.S. drugstores and they are inexpensive. I know there are a few people who've had good luck with them, but IMO, they are a poor excuse for a brush.

If one is looking at it because it's inexpensive, The Tweezerman badger, Semogue boars or Omega boars will much better serve you over the longer haul.

[wstruth]

Yes it will be OK to use while you build up a better budget. The brush will break in over a week to a month. You may find you like it like I do mine. There's some good links here about breaking in a boar brush - I saw a video in Spanish about lathering a regular bar of soap repeatedly, that I tried and worked for me to break in my brush faster.

[ThePatrician]

If something is wrong with your lather it's probably technique. Check out Mantic59's videos on the YouTubes. There's a lot of amazing information in there.
Stay safe in MoCo!

[CSG]

Let's put it this way, the VdH boar brush I picked up with a bowl and soap for $9 on sale locally is the only boar brush I'll ever want or need. Works just fine. There's always something better but better *should* be saving up for a quality badger brush. Mine is an EJ Super Badger that was about $70. I aspire to nothing else. I like having the VdH now as back up and will use it on occasion just for old time's sake. But a good badger brush will beat any boar brush hands down for holding water, making a better lather, and feeling good on your face.

[Mr5x5]

I like my VDH boar better than my son's TGN badger but I like something "scrubby". Using a soft badger would just lull me back to sleep.

[mftoms59]

I like my VDH boar better than my son's TGN badger but I like something "scrubby". Using a soft badger would just lull me back to sleep.
If you Really Like Scrubby, TGN Black Badger set @48mm loft, I believe they have knot sizes of 20,22 & 24mm. My preference was the 22mm and I bored the knot hole ~2mm wider, I didn't want the knot too restricted/tight and allowed some room for flow-through and bloom expansion.