Best Brush for Creams (and Soaps) for the $100-$150 Range?

[airhead]

Allright, I figure that I'm established now and am looking to shy away from my entry level Badger and Boar brushes and get something a bit nicer. I use mainly creams but do lather with soaps from time to time. I'd like to keep the price in the lower end of the budget, but am willing to go as high as 200 bucks.

Thanks in advance.

[texcattlerancher]

Hard to say "best," but I like my SR 3124 for soaps and creams. And, this brush would be at the low range of your budget. This one, or one with a different handle, won the "brush wars." You can find those reviews on here if you do a search.

I imagine that the guys who own several of the high end brushes will chime in here soon enough.

[Suzuki]

In my view, there's no need to spend that kind of money for a first or even a second "good" brush. Also, if you don't know what you want, you run the risk of wasting your money.

If you like creams, I suggest the Rooney #2 in super silvertip - the small (22mm) runs for about $75 and you can go all the way up to a large (26mm) for around $150.

It will work with soaps, but its optimized for creams (long loft).

If you want something a little more all purpose, the Rooney #3 would work fine.

Also, consider a Shavemac or Saville Row silvertip (around $100).

Finally, there are several Simpson models that would suit as well.

If you let us know what brushes you currently have and what you like/dislike about them, we'll be able to make more focussed suggestions.

[airhead]

Current Brushes:

Conks Pure Badger, I'm not sure of the knot size or anything like that, but it is slightly larger than my Conks Pure Badger Travel Brush. My other brush is a cheapo Van Der Hagen Boar.

[Antique Hoosier]

I'd HIGHLY recommend the Simpson Persian Jar models... I have recently purchased a PJ2 from John (greendyk)...it Literally could be the best brush I have ever tried.... I'm happy with the size of the PJ2....thinking the PJ3 might be a little big for my tastes.

[-PJ-]

I would go with a Rooney 3/1. I think this is great brush for soaps and creams. Great brush for a great price, no doubt!

[Gunnar]

Try a Shavemac 177 (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?ltr=S&t=8275). I have been using one for a couple of months now and it lathers effortlessly with both soaps and creams. I wish I'd started with this brush. It costs US$ 105 direct from Shavemac (http://www.shavemac.com/index.php?lang=en&area=men&sel=2&cat=5&product=177&prod_id=3).

[Darjeeling Express]

I whole heartedly agree. I just received my Shavemac 177 and its like lathering your face with a dense cloud (using C.O. Bigelow). If you are at all sensitive to prickly tip ends you may want to consider this one. Its silver tips are very gentle. The brush is very dense, but not floppy and the service is impeccable.