Reddit mentions of Parker Safety Razor 100% Silvertip Badger Bristle Shaving Brush (Chrome Handle) and Free Shaving Brush Stand

Hey guys, sorry to be one of those, "ask and answer their own question" people, but I've done some research over the last few hours and have decided on the Semogue 620. Even the most expensive 2 band silvertip badgers weren't what I was looking for, in the end it was high quality boar.

One of those threads that helped me make my decision: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/128246-Semogue-620-Boar

Got it at Amazon from shavetools at $22 no tax or shipping.

Here's a pic of the 620: http://i.imgur.com/GkJNpMf.jpg

And the razor I'll be pairing it with: http://i.imgur.com/YknDH7M.jpg

Started off with the Edwin Jagger and this Parker brush and although it's okay I feel it's not quite what I was hoping for and from what I hear the slant really helps with the trouble areas like the neck and jawline.

Looks like a Parker Silvertip.

Buy two of the $100 kit? Give to a friend?

• Merkur Futur
  
• Parker Silvertip
  
  Some soap and blades... too easy.
  

Well, Merkur is a great brand...the Futur is a great razor. But, it's not something you'd need and you can get its quality out of many other cheaper razors. With the Futur, you are paying partly for the look, along with the same quality you get with any other Merkur. You also get an adjustable razor, but that's a luxury most guys don't even know how to use.

I use a classic Merkur model (Barber Pole 38 HD), and even that was a bit pricey at 50 USD when I look at other similar models...but I absolutely love the razor.

As far as brushes go, there is a difference. Most people recommend badger hair. It's the only thing I've personally used, so it's all my opinion is good for. Badger hair brushes come in three qualities: Pure, Best and Silvertip (Wikipedia lists a fourth called "Super", but this isn't a common grade so far as I've seen). I have experience with all 3.

Pure is what most people will recommend for beginners. The common "Pure" recommendation around here is the Tweezermans brush. It's not a bad brush, but it is cheap for a reason. It's not going to last you into the years.

"Best" is a waste of money if you ask me. You get a little better quality than pure, but the difference in price from Best to Silvertip is negligible if you know where to shop. If you are going to get something better than Pure, go big or go home.

Silvertip is worth the money, in my opinion. A silvertip brush will run you at least 50 bucks for a good quality construction. There is one made by Frank's I believe that is sold on ebay for under 20 bucks, I've heard that it isn't constructed all that well, but other than that I don't know much about it. I use a Parker brand one (this one), and I love it. Like brushing your face with a cloud.

Also worth noting: A better brush holds more water and creates a better lather. Better lather translates to a better shave with less irritation. It's not just about the comfort and luxury, it is indeed about getting a good shave!

As far as blades go, everyone has their preference. I like Feathers, but some people get better shaves from Derbys and other brands. Sampler pack is definitely the way to go.

Parker Silvertip

This guy is amazing if you bowl lather.

Check out parker's silvertip brushes. I upgraded from the brush you have to to [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Parker-Safety-Razor-Silvertip-Bristle/dp/B002UB3BF8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1393823023&sr=8-5&keywords=parker+shave+brush) brush and I absolutely love it. They have the same knot in more cost effective handles as well, I just got lucky and ended up with the fancy one as a christmas gift. Really great bang for your buck

I figure it's only right of me to explain where I purchased everything!

As much as I would like to say that I picked up everything in the picture at a luxury grooming shop off Jermyn Street in London, it's all actually from Amazon. The razor, stand, and bowl were purchased together as a part of this gift set, though since I had no intention of using the included brush or soap, I probably should've purchased them separately.

Speaking of brushes, the brush is a Parker in 100% silvertip badger, which can be found here. As I mentioned in another comment in this post, the brush is a great deal; it's not only cheaper than most other silvertip brushes, but it makes a great lather to boot. Matches the set, too!

As the picture shows, I'm using Proraso shaving cream and aftershave, although I recently picked up some Edwin Jagger aloe aftershave as well. Both smell fantastic, the latter being my preference.

Not show in the picture are Feather razor blades and a styptic pencil, although I intend to switch to alum soon.

And you guys said doing this would be cheaper than using cartridges... ;)

Parker Silvertip Badger

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UB3BF8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Well, I know your budget is $50 -- However an extra $20 will get you one of the best brushes I've used. This brush performs like a $100+

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UB3BF8/ref=oh_o05_s00_i01_details

The items I got were:

Parker Safety Razor 100% Silvertip Badger Bristle Shaving Brush (Chrome Handle)

http://smile.amazon.com/Parker-Safety-Razor-Silvertip-Bristle/dp/B002UB3BF8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1451159349&sr=8-3&keywords=parker+shaving+brush

Parker Safety Razor Handmade Deluxe "Long Loft" 100% Pure Badger Shaving Brush with Black & Chrome Handle

http://smile.amazon.com/Parker-Safety-Razor-Handmade-Shaving/dp/B002RJC1HC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451159349&sr=8-1&keywords=parker+shaving+brush

Col. Conk soap

http://smile.amazon.com/Col-Conk-Shave-Ounces-Variety/dp/B0071B7XCO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1451159654&sr=8-3&keywords=shaving+soap

I already had the razor, but I got the stand as well.

If you're fine spending a little money for a great brush, get this: http://www.amazon.com/Parker-Safety-Razor-Silvertip-Bristle/dp/B002UB3BF8/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1374204941&sr=1-3&keywords=silvertip+badger+brush

This is the Parker brush in question.

Here's a picture inside the now empty stainless steel handle: http://imgur.com/UYtda3Z

this one

edit: To be clear I'm not critiquing your product I can get a perfect lather every time with my synthetic or my Omega Boar hair.

Just to throw this out there:

I've seen a lot of these posts lately, and I've had zero problems treating my brush like shit (packing it with no case or protection, leaving it in a bowl of water for a day because I'm forgetful, etc...) for going on a year now and it's as strong as ever. You get what you pay for (and this guy isn't all that terribly expensive)!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UB3BF8/

Edit: Full disclosure, this is my first and only brush. I'd seen horror stories and doubled my budget for the brush. I love the thing, it makes great lather for my shitty water, and I really do treat it like shit. Also, the stand it comes with is great (I have it screwed into my window casing by my sink).