This is the one that I hesitated over the most when I was putting together my first DE kit. I'd say bite the bullet and go for it. Brush size is just perfect, not too large, not too small. Read the other comment about shaking out the water - I agree. I'd wet the brush, shake out the water, apply shaving cream, and then add a tiny amount of water in increments between brushing till I get the foam consistency that I like. Good for face as well as bowl lathering. Synthetics have come far and are easy to maintain.