Omega

What they are known for

Omega has been making shaving brushes long enough that their shapes became the reference other makers copy. The knots are set by hand and the handles are turned rather than moulded.

Badger or synthetic

Badger holds more water and builds a softer lather; synthetic dries faster, costs less and does not shed. For a first brush synthetic is the sensible answer — the difference is real but smaller than the price gap suggests.