Reddit reviews Omega Shaving Brush # 10098 Professional Boar Bristle

My wife uses a 24mm synthetic, and says it does the job just fine. You could get one of those from Maggard Razors or Stirling Soaps. It wouldn't hurt to step up to a 26-30mm knot if you want something bigger.

I tend to prefer natural-fiber brushes though. A good option with extra reach might be the Omega 10098. It has a 27mm knot that will hold less lather until it breaks in, but once it does it will soften up and do the job very nicely.

Although I also use synthetic and boar, badger brushes are my favorites. They are more expensive, though. Lately I've really been enjoying the Zenith 505AK in Manchurian badger. It has a 28mm knot with tons of backbone that holds a ton of lather. If you want something soft and fluffy instead, consider a Kent BK8 - it's knot is nominally only 26mm, but the tall loft makes it pretty huge. A bit too large for my preference, in fact. I can't imagine using a BK12.

So basically, you have tons of options starting around $10 and going up to as much as you want to spend. Any of them should work very well for you.

This is the bush I would recommend, 27 mm knot and the longest handle, very soft tips once broken in and good backbone, I have the same knot in a custom handle and really like it. Up vote for not wanting a kit builder. This is the kit I gave my daughter, The Golden Knib 24 mm Finest Badger XL and a Gillette Long Handle Super Adjustable Razor, she is quite happy with it.

I just finished building a kit for myself - ended up going with the Omega 10098 for it's longer handle and bit larger loft.

OP, I made you a list. I am a reformed shaver (head and face). I miss shaving with this stuff, but I love my beard more.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LYAQ9E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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I recently got this brush as a replacement for my badger. I really like the feel of the longer boar hair and overall size of the brush and handle. Omega 10098 http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002V40IS2
I use it with a soup mug for my lather bowl.

Mine was dirt cheap because we have prime (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002V40IS2/)

You should try a boar brush I like mine, that isn't the same model as mine but the one I have is out of stock, I love my boar brush. Just started using C.O. Bigelow shaving cream and i love it, it's a menthol/eucalyptus shaving cream and it is just invigorating when you lather it up. I've heard some good things about Edwin Jagger shaving soap although I have yet to try them. Try some Mitchell's wool fat soap I have yet to try it out unfortunately but I hear it is fantastic. You could try a Merkur slant bar. These are all things off my shaving wishlist so these are what I would get.

Sounds good.. I'm already set on some arko soap to use. I found this Omega brush. Any thoughts on it?

That particular set has pretty flaky brushes. The good ones are fine for nearly forever, the bad ones... not so much... and its really a toss up for which you'll get. I'd suggest going up to the higher set ($35ish) if you are in this for the long haul, it's brush has a far better reputation. or... just buy a nice brush! ($18ish if you like boar).

Even the bad one though gave me good results for my mach3 when i first was starting out so I'm happy there's a set with a good low price point like that.

Edit: It's a pity about the brush really because the soap is really nice, the bowl does its job... the brush is just iffy.

Converted little bro to wetshaving with this set. He loves it, I haven't gotten a chance to steal a shaves worth of soap from him yet, but I look forward to it.
As for the Brush, I ordered a 10098 and was a little disappointed in the quality of the handle in comparison... Don't get me wrong, I love this brush, but looking and the details between the two probably would have had me pick this set over the brush. Just my 2 cents.