Good brush
This is my first shaving brush, so I don't have anything to base a comparison on.  However, it looks great, feels great in the hand and the stand holds the brush securely.  The bristles softened up just a little bit.  The brush is not too stiff, but not too soft either.  Feels great on my face and produces a great lather quickly (I would recommend the Thomas O'Brien dipping bowl from target to use as a lather bowl; it works much better than a smooth mug).  I'm thinking about getting my brother a DE shave set, and will buy this one for him as well.
Rating: 5 stars