Stiffer brush than a best badger

[CoolGuy90]

I've been using my EJ Best Badger for a few months now and I've noticed that since its been broken in and the more I use it, it is getting softer, holding less water, and beginning to split in the middle when applying lather. I loved it when I first got it because it was really stiff and actually lifting my hairs on my beard. Now when I apply lather it splits open in the middle and I don't feel the hair on my cheek getting raised.

I really prefer the prickly, stiffer hairs compared to the softer hairs, and was wondering which brushes are more stiffer than the Best Badger?

Thanks

[Scott0079]

If you really don't mind the prickly then pure badger. Or get a good boar. Aside from that I would say a 2 band of some variety would be the next choice.

[blantyre]

A shorter loft "2-band" super badger makes for a firm knot. Something like a Simpson T2 or one of the new Morris and Forndran stubby style brushes would be nice but your looking at somewhere well north of $100., the M&Fs are a bit less than the Simpson. Rudy Vey will turn you a custom handle and stuff it with a good quality TGN finest knot set to the loft of your choice (~45 mm perhaps) for a very fair price.

Pure tends to be prickly because the tips are often clipped to shape rather than formed in a cannon mold. Much less expensive, still a bit floppy but prickly.

[benvh]

EJ BBB seemed to have a relatively high loft when I had one. That would probably explain a lot of it. Check out a Simpson Best with a shorter loft...Colonel X2L, Chubby 1, Duke, etc. Lots of threads about Simpson Best on here.

+1 on the Rudy Vey custom idea. Tell him what you're looking for and he'll make you something just for you!

Ben

[CoolGuy90]

Thanks for the suggestions! Unfortunately the Simpson or Rudy Vey's are gonna be too much for me, I want to spend less than $50.

[GreekGuy]

Thanks for the suggestions! Unfortunately the Simpson or Rudy Vey's are gonna be too much for me, I want to spend less than $50.

Get an old handle and reknot it with a TGN finest. Best brush (over 20mm) you'll get for under $50.

[PozzSka]

The shavemac 2-band D01 is the stiffest scrubbiest, yet usable brush ever. If you are interested in one, PM me.

A low lofted Morris and forndran is also pretty scrubby and smooshie but not prickly.

[cooncatbob]

The Golden Nib has some Black Badger knots that are quite firm and reasonably priced.

[Bayamontate]

The Golden Nib has some Black Badger knots that are quite firm and reasonably priced.

+1, Black Badger are very stiff and exfoliating.

[njpaddy]

I love my Simpson brushes but their lofts tend to run to the high side of those posted. The Berkeley would be a good firm one in the $50 range if you can find one with a low loft. My Berkeley in Best has a 43mm loft and is pretty firm, but I think I would like it even better if it were 40. Going directly through Simpson's site (via email) you may be able to specify a lower loft, but shipping may add $10-15 more than buying it stateside.

To find one stiffer than the Berkeley, I had to go to Rudy Vey. Rudy made me a brush with a TGN 16mm Finest knot set at a loft of 40mm. The knot is stiff and does not splay out on the face, yet it still feels soft. Have him put it in a handle the size of your EJ so it's comfortable to hold and you're set to go. Yes, it will run a little more than your $50 budget, but it's always better to pay a bit more to have what you want.

[mftoms59]

Black Badger

[benvh]

Is a boar out of the question? Check out Semogue. Well within your price range.

[CoolGuy90]

I'm gonna try the black badger, and if it sucks I won't break the bank at only $15. Would you suggest a 22mm or a 24mm knot?

[GreekGuy]

I'm gonna try the black badger, and if it sucks I won't break the bank at only $15. Would you suggest a 22mm or a 24mm knot?

It all depends on whether you have an handle or are having one made. Personally, I would elect for a 22mm in finest over a 24mm in Black. I have a 20mm TGN finest in a fan shaped knot, and while small, I am extremely impressed by it

[CoolGuy90]

It all depends on whether you have an handle or are having one made. Personally, I would elect for a 22mm in finest over a 24mm in Black. I have a 20mm TGN finest in a fan shaped knot, and while small, I am extremely impressed by it

Do you know where I can get a TGN finest that already has a handle?

[GreekGuy]

People sell them on the BST all the time. If you want one new and pre made, there are a number of gents that can do that for you. If you want backbone with scrubbiness, but not scratchiness, then get a finest knot. The black will most likely be scratchy

[Manthrax]

A shorter loft "2-band" super badger makes for a firm knot. Something like a Simpson T2 or one of the new Morris and Forndran stubby style brushes would be nice but your looking at somewhere well north of $100., the M&Fs are a bit less than the Simpson. Rudy Vey will turn you a custom handle and stuff it with a good quality TGN finest knot set to the loft of your choice (~45 mm perhaps) for a very fair price.

Pure tends to be prickly because the tips are often clipped to shape rather than formed in a cannon mold. Much less expensive, still a bit floppy but prickly.

Now you've got me fired up! This Rudy Vey, i'm assuming his work is the best on here when it comes to brushes, but what does he charge? I'm willing to fork out $50-100.

[mftoms59]

I'm gonna try the black badger, and if it sucks I won't break the bank at only $15. Would you suggest a 22mm or a 24mm knot?

Do you know where I can get a TGN finest that already has a handle?

Knot size is a personal choice, my range is 19-22 mm. You can get the Knot & Handle from Golden Nib & they'll set the knot. just go to the contact us tab after you've seen what you like and give them the Grade & knot, Handle and loft you desire. Handles: http://www.thegoldennib.com/index.ph...index&cPath=65 22mm Black Badger;http://www.thegoldennib.com/index.ph...index&cPath=65
24mm Black Badger; http://www.thegoldennib.com/index.ph...roducts_id=527
All Badger knots; http://www.thegoldennib.com/index.ph...=index&cPath=9

[benvh]

Maybe throw a couple o-rings on your EJ BBB and see if that effectively adds more backbone?

[ssultan]

If you really must go with the absolute stiffest, I'd say a black/pure badger set at a very very short loft...stiff enough to scrub pots or strip paint...