I wouldn’t recommend you set it aside just for the sake of shave brushes.
Synthetics are very easy to lather, they dry quickly, and nice ones can feel great on the face. They also tend to use slightly less soap, but that’s not really a big deal in my experience. Soap is cheap.
I tend to use synthetics when I’m traveling or in a hurry. There’s nothing wrong with using a badger or boar brush instead though! They just take a little more work.
That said, my favorite brushes are boar brushes. Once they break in, they’re a pleasure to use.
Thanks for your perspective. I think I will keep trying to make it work with the boar brush that I already have. I really want to try a badger brush - do you have a recommendation for a quality choice? (Budget of $100 maximum? Is that reasonable? I know badger gets expensive…)
The Maggard SHD knots are well regarded, as are the AP Shave Co. Gelousy SHD knots. In either case you’re ordering a handle and knot separately, but they’re easy to set with some silicone glue or epoxy. I’d recommend using silicone as it’s easier to pull the knot if you need to in the future.
You could also look at a badger brush from Yaqi or DSCosmetics on aliexpress. In my experience their badger hair doesn’t tend to be as nice, though that’s probably the cheapest option.
I wouldn’t recommend you set it aside just for the sake of shave brushes.
Synthetics are very easy to lather, they dry quickly, and nice ones can feel great on the face. They also tend to use slightly less soap, but that’s not really a big deal in my experience. Soap is cheap.
I tend to use synthetics when I’m traveling or in a hurry. There’s nothing wrong with using a badger or boar brush instead though! They just take a little more work.
That said, my favorite brushes are boar brushes. Once they break in, they’re a pleasure to use.
Thanks for your perspective. I think I will keep trying to make it work with the boar brush that I already have. I really want to try a badger brush - do you have a recommendation for a quality choice? (Budget of $100 maximum? Is that reasonable? I know badger gets expensive…)
$100 is certainly a reasonable budget.
I would take a look at https://apshaveco.com/ or the Maggard “Build a Brush” option.
The Maggard SHD knots are well regarded, as are the AP Shave Co. Gelousy SHD knots. In either case you’re ordering a handle and knot separately, but they’re easy to set with some silicone glue or epoxy. I’d recommend using silicone as it’s easier to pull the knot if you need to in the future.
You could also look at a badger brush from Yaqi or DSCosmetics on aliexpress. In my experience their badger hair doesn’t tend to be as nice, though that’s probably the cheapest option.