/ic/ - Artwork/Critique

I want to get into sumi-e / suibokuga.

I've read the advice that "you shouldn't try to skimp on your brush", but it's hard for me to tell what's good and what's not, not to mention that I'll have to order online. I'm also getting some conflicting info, like one Western site saying shodo and sumie brushes are different and you should pay attention, but a Japanese video saying a brush is a brush is a brush, use what works for you.

I'm curious if any of you ever went down this rabbit hole and has some info to share. I'd also love to hear some practical experiences regarding liquid format sumi vs the kind you grind down yourself, as that's another divisive topic from what I've seen.