(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best shaving brushes

Comparing badger, boar, and synthetic brushes is like comparing apples, oranges, and bananas. One isn't better than the other, they're just different.

Synthetic. This is the most practical option, but the one I like least. Synths make lather very efficiently, tend to release it well, and the good ones are extremely soft. But to me the face feel isn't as good as what you get from a high-quality badger or boar. Also, you've expressed a desire to avoid plastic products, and synthetic bristles are made from nylon.

Boar. Buying a boar brush is like adopting a puppy - you need to know what you're in for. They're the only brushes that need to be broken in. Basically, each bristle in a new boar brush comes to a coarse point at its tip. With time and use, the tip will split, just like a human hair. The fibers at the tip will get finer and softer, and the brush will become more effective at building and holding lather. You won't ruin a boar brush by failing to break it in, but it won't be very good until you do. As it breaks in it will become increasingly soft and the performance will improve dramatically. One thing to keep in mind is that many (most) guys prefer a boar brush that's been soaked for a few minutes so the fibers soften up; this is only an issue if you're the type who forgets to soak the brush. I am.

Badger. While I appreciate what a synth has to offer, and while I love my boars, if I had to choose a single desert-island brush it'd be made with badger hair. Which one I'd pick will change from time to time, but not what it's made of. There's no such thing as "silvertip badger." Badger hair terminology isn't standardized, and grading is not regulated. All the adjectives used to describe badger hair are basically marketing terms. Ignore the puffery and just get a great brush.

The best way to make sure you do this - regardless of whether it's badger, boar, or synthetic - is to buy one that's made by a reputable manufacturer. If you're going to buy a no-name or store-brand brush, get it from a vendor who's known to be reputable within the wet shaving community. Etsy vendors tend to just make handles; they buy (almost always mass-produced Chinese) knots and glue them in. So make sure you know where the knot comes from.

I totally disagree that a badger brush is a bad choice for a beginner; they perform well out of the box, and a good one is easy to use. Given your budget and the preferences you expressed, I'd recommend the Semogue Owners Club 2-band. The quality of construction is high; the knot is hand-made by artisans in Portugal, and the wooden handle is turned there as well. The hair used is very nice, with soft tips and tons of backbone. And IMO it's a steal at $57 (the price in the link I provided). MSRP is around $100 and the best price is usually $70 or so. The SOC is the least expensive of the badger brushes I have in my rotation, but I recommend it very highly.

A Semogue boar would be a great second brush, and it can't hurt to have a synthetic - some people actually prefer them to natural fiber. You can get a 1470 for $11 and a Fendrihan synth for $12, so the risk is minimal and the total cost is still within your budget.

I like the idea of a scuttle. I don't have one myself, too cheap :), but a lot of guys love theirs. I have heard nothing but good things about Dirty Bird pottery.

Like another person said - kind of skip the stand, it's not necessary. If he really wants one there are a number for sale, just check Amazon.

The razor he is using is pretty decent, not my favorite but certainly solid. You may want to think about getting him an open comb, you can find an antique like a Gillette New (which I personally like) or a Parker 24C (which I have not tried, but Leisureguy seems to like it and I trust his judgment.)

You may consider giving him another brush. I'm not sure what he has now. One brush I really like is the Semogue SOC Boar - it's a larger brush with a beautiful wooden handle. It's also boar, it takes a little while to break in, but once it does it's a pretty amazing brush.

I transitioned out of cartridge shaving a few years ago but only in the last year and a half started using the soaps and the brushes. And I have to be 100% honest with you it makes a HUGE difference. Get yourself a cheap synthetic brush like this Fendrihan which I adore and yes that's me as the only review on it. Or even this Razorock either would be wonderful and cheap choices. And then just snag a soap that you like the scent of it'll last you years. And your all set. One thing I personally highly recommend is doing this Sterling Starter kit it's perfect for someone just starting out imo. You get a razor some nice not aggressive astra blades and some soap that will last you quite a while.

My thoughts:

• As others have said, skip the pre-shave.
  
• It sounds like you have a reaction to badger, which happens. Consider a good synthetic, like the Frank Shaving Pur-Tech (which is my daily brush) or, if it's in your price range, the Muhle Silvertip Fibre.
  
• After wetting your brush, give it squeeze to dump out the excess water. As you're lathering, add more water a few drops at a time until the lather reaches a rich consistency. If it's still too watery, just keep working the lather until you get a nice even lather with no large bubbles.
  
• Do some test shaves on your forearm, or your upper thigh (or some other area people don't normally see, if you're self-conscious like me). You don't even need to use lather; just glide the razor across the skin using zero pressure. Take note of the angle that produces the best result. Also take note of the fact that no pressure--beyond the weight of the blade--is required in order to slice the hair.
  
• Try a different blade. Maggard's has a very nice build-your-own sampler pack option. Gillette Silver Blues are nice, as are the Gillette Wilkinson Swords (which are actually different from the Swords you're using), the Gillette 7 O'Clock Super Stainless, the Personna Reds and the Crystals. Polsilver and Shark Super Stainless are supposed to be nice too. You can probably avoid the Kai, Big Ben, 7AM and (shudder) Dorco blades.
  
• Make sure the base plate on your razor isn't upside down. It should look like this.
  
• It sounds like you don't have a very thick beard to begin with, so maybe consider a milder razor. You can pick up a vintage fat-handle Gillette Tech for $10-15 on eBay. The Tech has a reputation for being one of the mildest razors ever made.

u/amanforallsaisons did a fine job. However, you're asking about amazon and looking for a budget deal.

The Dorco PL-602 is the most-affordable good DE razor.

The Body Shop synthetic brush is a plisson-type synthetic. I don't have one, but I know people who do. It looks good, and should be soft-tipped, and easy to use.

EDIT: let's go with one I do have: razorock plissoft

Soaps are a littler harder - do you like fruity scents or non-fruity scents? There are shaving soaps on Amazon (Razorock and WSP) but not in sampler form. You won't go wrong with soaps from either Razorock or WSP.

A blade bank I picked this as the add-on item rather than Prime, because it's cheaper and you'll have enough to make the add-on order work if you use your cart instead of 1-click buying.

Get a sampler pack of blades. I prefer tryablade.com for samplers, but if you wish to do amazon, this isn't all bad. The normal problem with a sampler on amazon is that you're getting blades from the same factory, so you aren't really getting a chance to sample well. Here, they're at least well-regarded blades, so it's not terrible.

Alum - if you hold alum to your face where you nick yourself, it will stop the bleeding.

Witch Hazel. A lot of people like Thayer's. You can use any witch hazel you like as an aftershave - I put this one here because I'm tempted to get it myself. lemon Thayer's witch hazel

Balm. Not strictly necessary, but if you find yourself burning, it won't hurt to have on hand. nivea post shave balm

Honestly? If you use shave oil, like Shave Secret (walmart), you don't need the brush or shave soap. Savings can be had if you're incredibly price sensitive. But many people prefer the brush and lather method.

Shave bowl. I use a collapsible bowl which is convenient for bowl lathering when I travel.

It's hard to find a complete starter kit for such a low price here in the UK, especially since we don't have access to the starter kits from Maggard.

One way to save money is with a good quality boar brush. You can't get a decent badger brush for that budget, but you can get a fantastic Omega boar for £9

With soap, Proraso or Arko are low-priced options that deliver exceptional value and performance.

The razor is the most difficult. Without the Maggard or Razorock models, there aren't many quality metal options. My recommendation for the cheapest available DE in the UK would be a Wilkinson Sword Classic, available from Boots for £4.69.

It's a decent way to try out DE shaving for a very low price. Probably the best value DE razor easily found in the UK. You could also look into finding a vintage Gillette razor on eBay, such as the Superspeed. But I haven't been able to find these for much less than an Edwin Jagger.

The Wilkinson Sword, Omega brush and Proraso soap will cost £19.38. Drop that to £15.70 if you replace Proraso with Arko. You can add a few quid for blade samples, or just give the blades that come with the razor.

Ideally, a starter kit will also include an alum block, but that will probably push you past the £20 mark. A razor, brush, soap and blades are all the essentials covered. The kit I suggested is the only one I can think of which makes the minimum of concessions for £20 total. The razor is decent and can be easily upgraded if your friend likes the process. But the brush and soap don't need upgrading, Omega and Proraso are great regardless of budget.

Take a look at this sub-$50 beginner kit. You can upgrade the razor to an Edwin Jagger DE8x---the DE86bl (faux-ebony handle) is about $30. However, the Sodial is actually pretty good and at $2.30 including shipping it gives you a lot of room for other things.

A better brush would be the Baroness, but I'll point out that the WhippedDog.com silvertip is excellent and just $26 including shipping. I recommend the 22mm knot. You choose the handle style when you order.

Shaving cream and shaving soap are needed. Arko is a good soap, Speick a good shaving cream. Also look at the shaving soaps by Mama Bear on Amazon.

The Osma alum block is a useful thing for a skin treatment, and Clubman Pinaud Dab-On styptic will staunch nicks quickly.

You can take a look at the reader reviews of my introductory guide and decide from those whether the book is likely to be helpful to you. It's available from all Amazon sites.

Lol. As far as the sandalwood goes, I can't tell if I like the smell or should take a shower afterwards to get rid of the sockyness. Ambivalent as of now.

I got this one
prince
It has the same description as the one you linked, so it should be the regular silvertip. But it's odd that the 2-band and silvertip are priced the same.

The Bay Rum immediately lights up the entire room with a very strong, too strong, smell, that eventually starts to dissipate after like 10 minutes and become more 'manageable'. It smells like autumn and octoberfests or maybe Christmas (maybe that's the witch hazel, it's my first aftershave after-all). The smell is like spices and a hint of cinnamon, although neither are listed as ingredients. It definitely smells good because it almost smells like delicious food. I wouldn't mind getting it again, and do not regret the purchase at all, however, I wouldn't be surprised if some people sidelined it as a seasonal aftershave.

What else is on your aftershave list?

I have both of those. I got them when I started too. It is definitely worth it, in my opinion, to get a higher quality one.

Here is the brush I use. You can get it in different colors and such.

Here is a commonly recommended Omega brush.

I've never hear a bad thing about either of those brushes. Boar brushes take a bit of time to break in (like a week or so, don't worry). You'll notice that the hairs get a lot of split ends. This is a good thing. The brush stays 'stiff' and maintains the same amount of backbone, but becomes very soft.

Here are the Stirling soaps. They are all pretty much the same but with different scents. The only difference is the 'glacier' ones, 'on the rocks' one, or 'arctic' one. They all have menthol, which, like that green proraso I talked about earlier, will feel great, especially in the summer. The executive man one is the most popular (I think you can sort it by that).

Oh also, don't get blades in a store. You'll pay too much. These are the ones I use at less than 10 cents a piece.

>cornerstone low foaming gel

I could not find an ingredient list on their website, so I cant be sure how good the product is.

​

If you are in the UK, truly excellent shaving products are available to you locally.

Here is a list of worldwide vendors, including the UK.

https://www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge/wiki/stores_vendors

​

For example here is a set of an Omega boar brush & Arko soap on Amazon UK. The scent of the Arko isn't anything to write home about, but it is truly an excellent performer.

Palmolive shaving stick is available in most malls for less than £1 & is an excellent product.

If you want to go slightly more upmarket, see here & here.

Give it a shot, then! It's nice to slow down and just relax for 5-10 minutes in the bathroom by yourself. Shaving used to be the worst part of my day (Well, week, since I started wetshaving at 18 when my whiskers weren't exactly wild.). I've had this brush for eight years and it's going strong, a Gilette Superspeed from the 60's that you can find on eBay for 15 bucks normally, inexpensive shave soap and these blades, though I'd recommend you get a blade sampler and figure out which brand works best for you.

If you want to jump into the world of straight razors, this is a good way to go. A normal straight razor needs to be stropped every time you use it and occasionally honed, but this style of straight uses DE blades. You can use the ones that come with it, or just snap a DE blade in half carefully. I've had that one for a few months now, and I love it.

I have this travel shaving kit, and it has been excellent.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IBY9P12

It isn't expensive, but the razor is nicely weighted and a comfortable shaver. The travel case holds a pack of blades, and the included scissors are actually really good and handy to have when traveling.

I have a couple of brush tubes similar to this one to protect my brush:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036BF97Y/

The soap and stuff just gets tossed in my dopp bag with my shampoo and stuff.

That is the exact same brush I started with and currently use. It was nice since it was so cheap, but a few months in it sheds like crazy. Also it is pretty scratchy, so for that you'll like it. I just picke up this one.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008WG9IP2/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Kind of pricey but decided to treat myself.

Oh wow!! Great, thank you. I actually put this one in my Amazon cart: Omega 63167 Stripey 100% Pure Badger Shaving Brush with Stand, as per your other suggestion. Which do you think is better?

(And again, thank you for being incredibly helpful!)

Since you're in Croatia, I think you can order from Amazon.com

Good razor would be the

[Merkur 34c] (Merkur HD 34C, Chrome Plated https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LYAQ9E/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_yIhZxb4NXAWFH)

[Edwin Jagger DE89] (Edwin Jagger Kelvin Double Edged Safety Razor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K6Z24SK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_.LhZxb6NNPK34)

For a brush you can get

[The purest](Satin Tip Shave Brush the Purest Luxury Synthetic, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FG8M5NK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_aNhZxbB7GEY4G) it's a synthetic hair brush, very soft tips, works great.

[Fine Angel Hair](Fine 20mm "Angel Hair" Shaving Brush (Red & White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZAQLDBY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_bOhZxb9QF3A7C) another great synthetic.


For a soap you can get Proraso, Taylor of old Bond Street, Chiseled face has soaps on amazon, Barrister & Mann, WSP (wet shaving products), schafmilch rasierseife.

you can also do Arko, la Toja, or Palmolive, I wouldn't be surprised if you can find that locally either. Hope this helps!

So I have a short beard for the past 3 years and I feel like when I'm cleaning it up it's about time I did it right. So I've bought a heap of recommended stuff over the past couple weeks I've seen people on here recommend. It's not all here yet but once it is...

Edwin Jagger Short Handle, Chrome Lined Safety Razor

Semogue 620 Shaving Brush

Tabac Original Shaving Soap

Razor and Brush stand

Nivea Men Sensitive Cooling Aftershave Balm

Also restocked on my usual face treatments for my skin which include:

Eucerin Dermatoclean Mild Cleansing Milk

Simple Rich Moisturiser

Avene Cleanance Mask Scrub


I think this is everything I should need.

Unless you have gift certificates, you can get a much better deal from a specialist vendor.

The stuff you chose is pretty good. I'd just swap the feathers for a blade sampler (get one with at least 5 blades per brand and 4/5 brands) and ditch the pure badger brush (which is quite prickly) for a good Omega boar brush, a new generation synthetic (this one is cheaper on ebay), or a silvertip from Whipped Dog.

Nice! I was hoping to be able to use up my gift card balance on amazon. How does this one look? Seems pretty similar to the Maggard...https://www.amazon.com/Fendrihan-Synthetic-Shaving-Personal-Professional/dp/B0731KPG72/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1519446110&sr=8-5&keywords=synthetic+shaving+brush&dpID=41H%252BiPp-5rL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Update: Thanks for the advice everyone. I got rid of the stand, changed the brush to this "best" badger brush type as suggested by /u/arbarnes. As for the blades, I'm aware of the various other sites that offer good samples but I wanted to strictly stay with Amazon to take advantage of 2 day shipping with Amazon Prime, and the sample I chose had exactly all the blades I was planning on trying. Thanks everyone!

Nah not really. If the priming and prep seems a little much, use the syn I linked or any of the other ones people have linked here. The thing with brushes is nobody agrees...rather like blades, on what type is best lol. It also depends on the soaps you like. Boars are good for hard soaps, badger or softer syns for softer soaps/creams (whether your bowl or face lather is also a factor). Hard soaps need more backbone from the knot. Also: one pro of syns is they dry rather fast. Usually if I shave in the morning before work my syn brushes, the S10077 or my Satin Tip Purest Black are dry by the time i get home. Boar, usually it isn't acceptably dry till the next morning and it isn't totally dry for 2 full days. All things to consider when getting a brush :).

Semogue freak checking in.

Affordable Boar (my personal favorite brush) Semogue 830

Top Tier Boar Semogue Owner's Club w/ Ash Handle

Top Tier Badger Semogue Owner's Club Badger w/ Cherry Handle


Semogue's are the best. I'll take that to my grave. YMMV....but when you're right, you're right. These bad boys take AGES to break in... but once you break em in it's the greatest shaving instrument you'll ever use..ever.

I recommend the Semogue 830 to everyone.

Thanks, excellent post there, managed to miss that somehow. I'm still not 100% sure on the brush, although I have decided I want to try to go for badger. I did read a lot about certain brands. I was thinking of a Colonel Conk brush and stand, can you say anything about that brand? Thanks again for the link to the post, still not sure how I missed it.

If you like the boar you could go with a Semogue Owner's Club from Amazon. I just got one a few weeks ago and am really liking it. For synthetic and badger I would agree with /u/arbarnes on the Maggard's/Stirling. I have all 3 types and like each for different reasons.

This is my razor and brush (I didn't get them from Amazon but they are available):

Edwin Jagger DE89L - £24

Progress Vulfix 404 Grosvenor Mixed Badger and Boar Bristle Shaving Brush - £12.99

Plenty of shaving soaps available. I am quite happy with the palmolive shaving cream in a tube which you can get on amazon but is also available in a lot of chemists and some supermarkets.

You will also need a selection of razor blades, because different blades work for different people. I know you were asking about Amazon, but the blade packs on there seem quite expensive. This pack from Connaught Shaving gives you 60 blades for £9.90
which is quite a bit cheaper than the ones I could find on Amazon.

(Edited for spelling)

Very nice. For a brush, I recommend this brush made by Parker. Makes a great lather. :D

Some soaps come in large tubs. You can get a good lather from them directly. I'm surprised he doesn't have a brush already. If not, maybe the Semagogue Owner's Club or Omega Pro could work as a practical boar hair brush. Badger will be beyond budget.

This stand is straight razor specific. The website I'm linking to is probably the most popular one here. These soaps are supposed to smell like whisky, but I don't have personal experience with them.

/r/shave_bazaar might get you a good deal.

You might consider switching to a safety razor. Cartridge razors don't work well with very thick hair.

Here is a pretty good place to start. Razor, brush, scuttle, cream

I personally use Feather blades, but you might consider a variety pack because blade preferences vary person to person.

It costs a bit of money up front, but your blades will only cost 25-35 cents afterwards, so if you are used to using a Mach 3, it will pay for itself in a couple years and will save you hundreds or thousands of dollars over a lifetime.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000K8FUFM/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you, it's pretty eye-catching for sure. I love it so far, no complaints

Thank you for all the advice! I am definitely going to find a blade and stick with it for at least 2 months, this sub has taught me so much! I was planning on getting the Omega 13109 as my next brush,they have it on Amazon for a decent price.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000K8FUFM/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_8?colid=2AJWMLZIUPVEP&coliid=IL9TA6Q597CZ4
The VDH brush sheds pretty bad so I can't wait to try out a good brush I bet it's night and day.

I just love the goatee pic is from 'The Perfect Goatee'

I just found another mixed-knot brush for you. Kent has a "Wet is Best" brush. They have it on their site as a gift set here.

There's also a Vulfix Grosvenor mixed available at Amazon UK

I see from your other post that you are a millwright. So would this stand be machined from a block? 'Cause that sounds like a nice piece of gear I'd be interested in buying. Something like this only from aluminum or stainless steel or maybe even cast acrylic.

Here's my post on the cheapest UK-based kit. You can upgrade whereever you like, but for £20 it's decent.

Instead of going for the full badger brush, the Vulfix 404 is a badger/boar combination, costs £10 and seems to get fantastic reviews across the board!

I'm reasonably sure you're my quantum-twin. I similarly have only messaged Mantic59 in the same way.

I usually use Feather blades, though lately I got a sampler pack and really like the "crystal" or "israeli" blades that came in it, so I may switch since they're cheaper and even though they're not as sharp, I get a better shave.

I originally had the Tweezerman brush, but the wood split and the knot (bristles) fell out. I superglued it back, but now that's my dedicated travel brush, and I got one of these to replace it. It works great..it's a bit bigger so it can hold more lather, and the plastic handle won't break like the wood one.

This case on amazon looks pretty good, it's cheap, and prime eligible.

My solution:

• Stainless Steel Straight Edge ($18)
  
  
• Shaving soap + bowl ($8)
  
  
• Badger hair Brush ($27)
  
  
• Cutting the shit out of my face the first 10 times (priceless)

Hi Max, I may need to travel in the very near future for job interviews. I'll definitely need a shave the morning of, wherever that may be. I recently got myself a travel shave kit consisting of:

Parker Safety Razor Travel Case: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DCDOSZY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Parker Shave Brush Case: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005M3B8W4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Pacific Shaving Collapsible Travel Shave Bowl: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SDGLJ7R/?coliid=I128O5IO8W7W6W&colid=4CWF0O5MF24&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Yeah I'm wanting to try MWF too but waiting for a bit being that i just fropped $160 on vintage DE's for restoring(hopefully) last night and $36 for the Truefitt&Hill sampler tonight, I may have full blown RAD. You could always try this Omega badger brush(now I wishlisted it). Ah nice, good lineup, how do you like the slant? No problem, I'll let you know if there is anything else I see.

Well, I usually travel with a Simpson Case brush with a travel tube, myself. But you can find generic travel tubes online that will fit a larger range of brush sizes. You can also find vintage shaving kits that have travel tubes you can reuse, like the one breenisgreen just posted about yesterday.

If you've got a brush small enough you can even just get a large prescription pill bottle and drill some air holes in it, too.

Another alternative, is a turnback brush specifically for traveling. The handle of the brush doubles as a protective cover for the knot when you're not using it.

https://www.amazon.com/GoateeSaver-Shaving-Template-Perfectly-Adjustable/dp/B001F2B3P8/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1479281088&sr=8-2&keywords=goatee

Tastes pretty good too

brush case

razor case

No lie, I like the razor case a LOT better than the brush case. The brush case doesn't get my nice brush, it gets a coarse horsehair travel brush that I use in emergencies. I have yet to find a really nice case for a brush to travel with.

And here's the link to it.

I'm still looking for a good beard/mustache trimmer, so I'll use this as an opportunity to ask: anyone have any recommendations?

Wow all three of those are craptastic. If you HAVE to go with Amazon then here's a few options: https://www.amazon.com/Satin-Tip-Purest-Luxury-Synthetic/dp/B01FG8M5NK/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1506728732&sr=8-1&keywords=the+purest+shave+brush

https://www.amazon.com/Omega-S-Brush-Model-S10018-Synthetic/dp/B002V4DL5Y/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1506728831&sr=1-4&keywords=omega+s+brush

https://www.amazon.com/Fine-Classic-Shaving-Brush-White/dp/B00ZAQLDBY/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1506728886&sr=1-1&keywords=fine%2Baccoutrements%2Bbrush&th=1

I really like this brush for the under-$20 price point. It's a synthetic, but it's one of the better synthetics I've seen.
https://www.amazon.com/Fendrihan-Synthetic-Shaving-Personal-Professional/dp/B0731KPG72/

You could spend $10 more on the brush and make it a silvertip like this one - worth the jump in quality and softness; otherwise I'd spend less and get a cheap Omega synthetic or boar.

For soap just get some proraso or arko for $5-$10 if your goal is to save money. There are also cheaper pucks from other brands for $10-$20 that are nowhere near the $50 AoS charges.

This is a possibility https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0731KPG72/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fNQFzbQ5YBYCN

Maggards and Stirling really have the best price on quality synthetics that I've seen though.

I bought a Frank Shaving Synthetic Brush for $29 from Amazon and really like it. Lathers soap or cream in hard water really well.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A22XJJA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1422660951&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=4160xp0PzGL&ref=plSrch

Thanks, looks like it is this one: http://www.amazon.com/Mission-Style-Shave-Stand-Razor/dp/B003N2TIZK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1334001374&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Semogue-Excelsior-830-Shaving-Brush/dp/B006EMKX00/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=semogue+shaving+brush&qid=1564578545&s=gateway&sr=8-6

had this for years and still works great, fairly cheap too!

A major positive with the synthetics is that they dry super fast. I have mostly synthetics, but do have a few boar and a couple of badger brushes, and the synthetic brushes are barely wet once you shake them out. I believe it's because water doesn't penetrate the synthetic fiber as it does on animal hair. Unfortunately, I don't travel for work much at all. Some other travelers can chime in, but some may use something like this. I have seen some nice, inexpensive plastic ones, but I forget where.

Looks good ecxept for the brush - pure badger tends to be prickly. If you want badger, the whippeddog silvertip is the cheapst way to go at $35 with shipping to the UK IIRC. You could also get something like this boar brush or you could get something synthetic.

Haha surprisingly no. Though when I first started, I admit to having purchased a $6 plastic stand. Then I got a nicer one on Amazon.

Edit: Added link.

If you're set on buying from amazon, you might want to switch out the brush to a cheap synthetic like this or a cheap boar brush from semogue or omega.

WSP high density Prince

This is a crazy good deal. Otherwise get a nice custom synthetic for 70 bucks

I purchased both from amazon but I'm sure you can find them on other sites.

Leather DE razor case

Plastic brush case

I bought this stand a little while back and I like the way it looks. It holds a DE and a brush (it says it can hold a straight instead of a DE, but it isn't very stable so I wouldn't recommend it.) Not sure why you need something to hold a mug.

edit: Looks like they are out of stock, I probably should have looked at that before I posted

Semogue 620 is what you're looking for. It's my favorite boar.

Razor: Edwin Jagger DE89

Brush: Fendrihan Synthetic

Shaving Cream: Speick (currently overpriced)

Or if you want to go for a Shaving Soap:

Shaving Soap: PdP 63

or

B&M Latha Oceana

AfterShave: Nivea Sensitive Cooling (or get one from local drugstore, walmart etc (non cooling version))

Blades: Get this from tryablade.com

But if I were you:

I would get: the DE89 razor from Amazon, a 22mm synthetic brush from Maggard Razors, B&M Seville Shave soap/Speick Shave Cream from Maggard Razors, Blade Sampler from tryablade, and nivea aftershave balm sensitive from Local stores

Sure thing. Here ya go.

I went with this stand because the brush itself has a pretty heavy handle (5 or 6 oz) and this seemed the most stable without breaking the bank. With the chrome, it looks great. Appears to be unavailable where I got it (said link), but they are around. I think it cost just under $20. One thing is try to keep the area beneath it dry or stick some LRFs underneath to keep it from moisture. It's my theory that after a while the wood would get messed up.

> Is there a tool that can help?

Yeah, dude. A mirror.

You can buy a [little stupid plastic guide thingy] (http://www.amazon.com/GoateeSaver-Shaving-Template-Perfectly-Adjustable/dp/B001F2B3P8) online, but there's no good reason to waste your money. Just use a mirror and a steady hand, or visit a barber and ask them to do it for you.

Frankly, if you don't think you can keep the style consistently maintained it's not a style you need to have.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000K8FUFM/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

nothing fancy, badger brush with a plastic handle. I read a few blogs and this one kept coming up as the one to get when starting off, lol

Some people store their brushes in a toilet paper tube when they travel. Or you could pick something up like this...http://www.amazon.com/Muhle-Pinsel-Round-Travel-Holder/dp/B0036BF97Y/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hpc_1

The shaveplace brush is intriguing. When browsing Amazon earlier I didn't care for some of the reviews on the Tweezerman.

The Omega and Colonel Conk looked decent, based on reviews, but I might spend a couple bucks more on that Grey's brush if you think it's worth it.

Sure. Here

Semogue 620 availible from Amazon for 17 dollars and from Vintage Scent for 19 (but if you count in VAT deductions...)

The brush will break down. I have this exact set from Target and the brush lost hairs left and right. Switched to a Parker brush from Merz and my shave setup is quite nice. Mug is ok, doesn't hold heat well, but serves its purpose.

Just so you know, it is on Amazon Prime for slightly more.

via Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/GoateeSaver-Shaving-Template-Perfectly-Adjustable/dp/B001F2B3P8

Amazon. Here's a link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003N2TIZK/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1397924663&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40

Note that synthetic brushes have different "generations" meaning that the fibers used are different. Sadly I don't believe Amazon sells any of the good synthetic brushes.

If you are on a budget and locked to Amazon I'd probably go with a Semogue 830 boar brush, or little bit cheaper Omega 10048 boar brush.

Mission Style shave stand for anyone wondering!

Satin Tip Shave Brush the Purest Luxury Synthetic, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FG8M5NK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6IMkzbH4BBQD3

https://www.amazon.com/Edwin-Jagger-Kelvin-Double-Safety/dp/B00K6Z24SK

https://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Heavy-Double-Razor-Included/dp/B000QYEK88

https://www.amazon.com/West-Coast-Shaving-Synthetic-Brush/dp/B06XX1C84G

https://www.amazon.com/RazoRock-BARBER-Plissoft-Synthetic-Shaving/dp/B01EK5MDC8

https://www.amazon.com/Fine-Stout-Shaving-Brush-White/dp/B017V3DFGO

https://www.amazon.com/Razorock-Plissoft-Synthetic-Shaving-Brush/dp/B01CD6ZCC4

https://www.amazon.com/RazoRock-BRUCE-Plissoft-Synthetic-Shaving/dp/B01EK43SKA

https://www.amazon.com/Semogue-620-Superior-Bristle-Shaving/dp/B004OJM9XE

https://www.amazon.com/Semogue-Excelsior-830-Shaving-Brush/dp/B006EMKX00

https://www.amazon.com/FEATHER-Oclock-SILVER-Blade-Sampler/dp/B004UIZFQW

Okay... So I've added to my "to buy" list...

blades

maybe this

brush

stand

Seconded

Also, this http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F2B3P8/?tag=051-20

And of course, the questions and reviews are always worth a look

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F2B3P8?psc=1

Wut

I have a travel case for the razor

They also make travel containers for brushes.

Here's a cheaper Simpson container.

Yet this brush has 37 reviews http://www.amazon.com/Semogue-830/dp/B006EMKX00/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426626063&sr=8-1&keywords=semogue+830

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003N2TIZK/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?qid=1426079672&sr=8-9&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=razor+stand

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

you should get this

Here

I have one of these for a bag:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B076DGZ9NP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

And one of these for my brush:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B005M3B8W4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And one of these for whatever razor I happen to be traveling with:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001O8NCI4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I went from the Escali pure badger to this recently, Wow is this an amazingly soft brush. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008WG9IP2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Consider the Semogue 620

Does anyone think that guy's Goatee is the weirdest looking goatee you've ever seen? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B001F2B3P8/ref=dp_otherviews_z_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&img=1

I've been having lather issues with the VDH soap since I bought the Omega Brush that gets recommended. I'm using a "fruit bowl," basically a small cereal bowl. I've been meaning to just practice my lather making a hell of a lot more, but maybe it's an issue w/ the soap?

It looks like a satin tip shave brush in black.

From what I read they are decent synthetic brushes but the knot isn't very well secured to the handle. Still it's only like $20 to replace one even if it does eventually fail.

You're right. It's decent, but it's not that soft and the bristles keep falling out. Maybe I'm abusing it, but I kinda get the feeling it's just too cheap.
I was thinking of getting the Omega brush sooner or later.