Buying Shaving Brushes at Brick and Mortar Locations

[LambdaChi]

Hey guys,

I recently got into wetshaving and I need to upgrade from my low-end VanDerHagen boar shave brush. I'm looking for a pure badger brush that will run me 20-40 dollars.

The issue is that I can not seem to find a brush like this at any store. The higher end department stores like Nordstroms or Maceys only carry silvertip badgers and I can't find any at the lower end stores. I checked the body shop, CrabTree and Evelyn, Bath and Body Works, Sephora, all of the chain drugstores, and most department stores. I'm in Baltimore so do I need to drive down to DC to one of the boutiques? Or is there something else I'm missing? I don't buy stuff online.

Thanks!

[shaverjoe]

Hey guys,

I recently got into wetshaving and I need to upgrade from my low-end VanDerHagen boar shave brush. I'm looking for a pure badger brush that will run me 20-40 dollars.

The issue is that I can not seem to find a brush like this at any store. The higher end department stores like Nordstroms or Maceys only carry silvertip badgers and I can't find any at the lower end stores. I checked the body shop, CrabTree and Evelyn, Bath and Body Works, Sephora, all of the chain drugstores, and most department stores. I'm in Baltimore so do I need to drive down to DC to one of the boutiques? Or is there something else I'm missing? I don't buy stuff online.

Thanks!

I hate to say it but you are going to miss out on some really nice shaving items if you don't buy things online. I'm not criticizing your decision, just making a comment. Regarding the brush, I am sorry, I do not have a suggestion for you regarding a brick and mortar location for a badger brush in your price range. You may consider the BST on this forum to help you find an item.

[LambdaChi]

I hate to say it but you are going to miss out on some really nice shaving items if you don't buy things online. I'm not criticizing your decision, just making a comment. Regarding the brush, I am sorry, I do not have a suggestion for you regarding a brick and mortar location for a badger brush in your price range. You may consider the BST on this forum to help you find an item.

Thanks Joe. I'm not really at a place where I can buy things online right now due to my financial status, but soon enough I'll be able to

[brucered]

Thanks Joe. I'm not really at a place where I can buy things online right now due to my financial status, but soon enough I'll be able to

if you are willing to spend $20-40 locally and drive or bus to a local store, and have access to a credit card or paypal, you can get a heck of a nicer brush online from WCS or any vendor for that matter online....i don't really see why you would rule out ONLINE sales?

in the $20-40 range, i'd recommended a Simpson Berkley or Special (with the discount code of course).....

like joe stated, you are going to miss out on a world of opportunities if you limit yourself to local suppliers.

[zagood]

You can try to find an Art of Shaving location near you, their pure brushes are a little outside your price range but it's the only thing I can think of.

http://www.theartofshaving.com/retail/locations
http://www.theartofshaving.com/shop/...es/pure-badger

[Brent]

Crabtree and Evelyn I think has the better brushes in pure that aren't totally outlandish (~$35). You may want to ask them if they can have one sent from another store.

[Amzimbo]

D.C. Isn't such a wonderful town for finding shaving stuff.nit has several AoSs, of course. Another option might be the Grooming Lounge on L St., NW near Connecticut Ave. I 've never looked at brushes there but might be worth a phone call. That said, as several others have noted, for the price of transportation you could shop online, save on sales tax and pay a moderate shipping cost. Probably come out slightly ahead since a brick and mortar store has to factor rent into its prices too.

[Go West Young Man]

99 times out of 100, brick and mortar stores are going to be more expensive than their online counterparts.
If you're really stuck and can only buy in person, check the wiki, there's a section for shopping by city.

[dgilman]

Thanks Joe. I'm not really at a place where I can buy things online right now due to my financial status, but soon enough I'll be able to

I'm not going to poke my nose into your business, but this stance makes absolutely no sense to me. Money is money, whether it is spent cash in hand or via credit card transaction. As noted above, it's almost impossible to save money on a shaving brush purchased at a brick and mortar store, compared to what is available online. Even if you lived one floor above at Art of Shaving store, you couldn't save money buying a brush there.

If you are concerned about the temptation of over-spending because of the ease of online transaction, perhaps you could get a shopping buddy. Get a friend (or better yet, a significant other) to stand next to you while you're at the computer, and whack you in the head with a crowbar if you attempt to go above your spending limit.

[Go West Young Man]

. Get a friend (or better yet, a significant other) to stand next to you while you're at the computer, and whack you in the head with a crowbar if you attempt to go above your spending limit.

I'll volunteer!

[dcobranchi]

Guys, he might not have a credit or debit card.

I'd suggest you check some local antiques stores and flea markets. You might find a used brush in the $5 - $10 range. Also, Craigslist. I've seen more than a couple. Just make sure to get good photos. Some of those brushes are REALLY beat.

[Loric]

This is going to sound like an odd suggestion, but you can find bronzer brushes in most department stores, and some (you have to look hard) are big and dense enough to use as a shaving brush. I just wrote a right up of one I got at Wallmart for less than $10. Pure brushes have many many fans here, but for me I'd rather have this brush any day, and its less than half of what you will find most any pure badger for.

The only other thing I can suggest is looking in specialty food markets. I'v seen some brushes (mostly boars) at Italian and Indian grocers in the past. No guarantee, but it could be a shot.

[Go West Young Man]

I found my first Tweezerman badger brush at a random beauty products store in a mall, completely hidden away on a top shelf in the back.

[Teddyboy]

In NYC you can go to either Pasteur Pharmacy (on 34th street a couple blocks from Macy's) and/or C.O. Bigelow (in Greenwich Village).

Just do NOT come on Sunday or a holiday b/c Pasteur will likely be closed. Of course, you can always call. Pasteur is easily my first choice.

There are plenty of express buses that shuttle between Baltimore and NYC for ~$20-$25.

I think that AOS brushes will be too expensive. I have one and it is not my favorite.

[DCWEBSTER]

ULTA Beauty has some AOS kits that come with pre shave, shave cream, a badger brush, and after shave for $25. They may have better stock for mens items at your store, may be worth a shot.

[Malakas1981]

Online is your best bet

[michiganlover]

Guys, he might not have a credit or debit card.

You can easily buy gift cards that function as a credit card, so that is not much of an obstacle.

[Comet]

The Shea Brush at Target is around 10 bucks. It is a little floppy but a decent starter brush especially with the O-ring mod.

[bassmanlarry]

The Shea Brush at Target is around 10 bucks. It is a little floppy but a decent starter brush especially with the O-ring mod.

I was about to suggest this, but someone beat me to it. My local Target has them for $8.99. It lathers great, but is a little floppy when wet.

[ouch]

If you can't afford to buy on line, you can't afford to buy in a store.

Check the b/s/t- you may find just what you're looking for right there.