Dreadnought Vanguard Synthetic Shaving Brush

Whether you are new to wet shaving or not, I think you will love this brush too.First, I have a badger hair brush. I appreciate how well a badger brush lathers, but I also want a brush with a little more spine. Something that will stand up to a little pressure and keep its shape when I lather my face. Otherwise, lathering feels more like rubbing a wet mop all over your face.Badger can be expensive. And if you want a full soft brush with spine like I did, that means the pricier end of the badger range. Sure you can get a lot of badger models for the price of this brush or even less. But I don't think you'll be as happy with them as you will this brush.A synthetic brush has both advantages and disadvantages over a badger brush. The advantages are that it is synthetic so you can easily dry the brush with a squeeze and a few shakes. You are to never store a badger brush sitting up on its handle. This causes water to run and pool at the knot, which will cause the hairs to eventually rot. That's the way to ruin a badger brush. With this brush, squeeze, shake and store however you'd like. It won't rot.In addition, because it is synthetic, it will hold its loft and shape. Meaning this brush will hold up to repeated use and still be soft but firm just the way you want it every time you shave.The cons with synthetic are always the question of how well it lathers. Badger brushes hold sufficient water in them to help create a rich shaving lather. Most purists argue that synthetics do not and therefore don't compare to badger. I disagree. This brush holds plenty of water and creates lather like a fiend. No such problems.So what is the con then with this brush? Well two things. First is price. $40 is a little steep. But it is worth it. The steep conclusion is corroborated by the fact that the handle on this brush is hollow. This makes the brush a bit light versus how a solid handle brush would feel in the hand. For $40 the knot is worth it. It is firm but soft and perfect for lathering. But for $40, it should have a more substantial handle.By the way. You can see a review of this brush on YouTube. Simply look for vanguard brush review. You'll eventually find it. Good comparison of this brush to other types including badger and a lathering demonstration. In the US this is called a Dreadnought Vanguard. Outside the US, it is a BlueBeards Vanguard. Dreadnought is actually Bluebeard. So don't be thrown off in the video by it being referred to as a Bluebeards. It is the same brush. Just different names.So I gave this brush 4 stars. It is fantastic. I love it. It would have gotten 5 stars if it were a little cheaper and had a more substantial handle. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with it.By the way, this brush works best with good creams and soaps. Anything Proraso or Taylor of Old Bond Street will give you fantastic results. They are considered some of the best in the world. Pick up one of their creams and use it with this brush. You will be changed forever.