Cheap brush @ < $15

**tech.addict** · 02-26-2012, 02:38 AM

I'm looking for a cheap brush within $15
There are two badgers Tweezerman and Escali - any one of them good enough?
Or shall I go for a Omega boar?

At present I use a locally available horse hair brush (no-name) which cost me 2 for one $

. It produces good lather but not great as the knot is less thicker and a bit limp.

**drawonme** · 02-26-2012, 02:52 AM

I have a Tweezerman and several Omega boars as well as some higher priced brushes like Simpson. The Tweezerman is a great bowl lathering brush. Holds a lot of water and has a good balance of soft feel and some backbone. The Omegas are great face latherers for me. If you can only have one, I recommend the tweezerman in your price range. Good luck! By the way, I'm pretty sure the Escali and Tweezerman are the same brush.

**tech.addict** · 02-26-2012, 03:51 AM

Thanks!!
I'll buy a cheap one for now and save for upgrade a few months later when my technique become perfect.

BTW, I always do a face lather. Reading reviews on Amazon that Tweezerman or the escali don't last long and shred hair. Is this true?

Or shall I try a brush from Frank Shaving? They are also within $20 shipped.

**cpowill** · 02-26-2012, 03:57 AM

I have a tweezerman and love it. Actually it is my only brush. Does shed about every fth or sixth shave and usually one or two hairs. You can always keep an eye on the B/S/T forum, If you are quick enough you can get amazing deals. Also keep looking on the general shave discussion for PIF's. You just might get lucky on one.

R/
Will

**LeftyT** · 02-26-2012, 05:51 AM

I love my Omega boar brush (10066) so much that I fully expect to keep it in my regular rotation for a LOOONNG time! Now that it's fully broken in, it's like rubbing silk on my face, but it's still pretty firm away from the tips. Once the tips start splitting in a good boar, they are actually surprisingly luxurious.

**turtle** · 02-26-2012, 05:54 AM

+1 for Frank Shaving.

I think you will get better value for your money with them as they are not a big company (i.e. they don't need to make the big profit to keep the corporate offices on the top floor)

If you can squeeze another $5 take a look at a Simpsons special. It is their entry level brush but it is still a Simpsons so you will get the same quality that their $200 brushes are made with.

**hsamuels** · 02-26-2012, 05:57 AM

I used a Tweezerman for a couple of months until I knew I was hooked (bowl lathering), and got a custom brush from Rudy. I still use the Tweezerman for travel. Both brushes make a great lather. The main difference is that the Tweezerman is scratchier when I brush it on my face, which can be dealt with by 'painting' the lather on. Make sure that your beard is softened first.

**MajorMoran** · 02-26-2012, 06:07 AM

Started with a tweezerman which is very adequate, went with Simpson Berrkley and then an Omega boar (13564) for $10.50 shipped from Connaugt.If funds are limited the Omega will work just fine, tho it is hard not to get caught up in the hype of this or that piece of equipment.

**tech.addict** · 02-26-2012, 06:44 AM

Thanks for the suggestion guys.
Ordered a OMEGA 10066 (http://connaughtshaving.com/10066.html). Cost me about $7, surprisingly they didn't charge anything for shipping to India :). Hoping to buy a badger in a few months.

**LeftyT** · 02-26-2012, 07:05 AM

I pretty much promise you're going to love it! Be sure to update us (yes, even for a $7 brush!).
Expect it to be stiff at the start, but after about 5 shaves, you'll start to see it come alive, and after about 20, you just might be in love :)

**redrako** · 02-26-2012, 07:14 AM

You'll love the Omega 10066. Like all boars it will break in over the first few weeks that you use it. At first it will make a lather, but seem like it's holding on to it. Be sure to rinse it well (just like you wash your hair), give it a couple of shakes, a gentle squeeze to remove as much water.

Many members believe that it's the complete, wet/dry cycles that break in a boar.

I applaud you for your plan to focus on developing technique before buying additional product. I suspect that some new shavers make learning more difficult by introducing too many new variables.

**tech.addict** · 02-26-2012, 07:39 AM

Thanks everybody!!

I already started to enjoy great shaves with my Merkur HD / Feather blades /Palmolive cream. As I'm a newb and have a tough beard and sensitive skin combo I'm not trying to get BBS, all I try to get is a better shave than my Mach 3. I'm quite amazed that within one week of starting I'm getting a DFS with zero nick (a few weepers though) and zero irritation with only two passes (WTG and XTG). Only thing is that I realized that the handle of the Merkur HD is a bit short. But I'm sure I'll get used to it. Except the handle length the razor is perfect. Ordered some blades. I'm also looking for Gillette slim adjustable. But apart from that I plan NOT to buy any shaving equipments for one year :D .

**cryhavoc** · 02-26-2012, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by tech.addict

Thanks!!
I'll buy a cheap one for now and save for upgrade a few months later when my technique become perfect.

BTW, I always do a face lather. Reading reviews on Amazon that Tweezerman or the escali don't last long and shred hair. Is this true?

Or shall I try a brush from Frank Shaving? They are also within $20 shipped.

Since you only face lather give this Omega boar a shot http://shoeboxshaveshop.com/om10avintwoc.html. I love this brush and its on sale for $7.99

**ajs2294** · 02-26-2012, 09:36 AM

I started with an Escali and it definitely works well for the price point, still use it from time to time!

**Red Horn** · 02-26-2012, 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by tech.addict

I'm looking for a cheap brush within $15

At present I use a locally available horse hair brush (no-name) which cost me 2 for one $

. It produces good lather but not great as the knot is less thicker and a bit limp.

My Vie-Long horse for about $18 is my favorite brush to use. Face lather exclusively with hard soaps and find it has ample backbone and just the right amount of tip softness.