I've been using my Semogue 730 silvertip for a couple of weeks now, and I'm ready to give it a review.
After reading all of the high praise bestowed upon silvertips by B&B members, I just had to see what all the fuss was about. I decided to add a silvertip to my collection (which until then consisted of an Omega boar, and a mystery "Made in Switzerland" mixed Badger/Boar brush). I did a lot of research, and chose the Semogue.
Price: This brush represents an excellent value. I got mine for $60(Canadian) at Rasage Poulin. In fact, I don't think that there is another silvertip of this quality available for that kind of money.
Quality: Nice oak handle with thick varnish coating. I know that there are some guys who shy away from a wooden handle (possibility of cracking), but the varnish on this thing is really thick. This brush is a good size, coming in at 4 1/4 inches (2 1/8" handle, 2 1/8" loft). The brush shed a total of 5-6 hairs the first couple of times I used it. None since then.
Density: Good density here. 22mm knot is not the most dense available, nor is it the least. It's right in the middle.
Stiffness of Tips:Nice and pliable, but not too much so. This is not a "flopsy" brush.
Softness of Tips: This is what ultimately sold me on this brush. It is incredibly soft, and has only become softer in the couple of weeks that I've been using it. This brush feels amazing on my face.
Ergonomic: This is a subjective call, and for me the handle of the Semogue is just right. Easy to get a good grip and work the lather both in the bowl and on the face.
Latherability: Man does this thing lather! Every cream and soap I've tried with this brush has just exploded in the bowl. I've tried it with the following creams: Trumper's Rose, Speick, Musgo Real, Edwin Jagger Sandlewood, and Nivea. And the following soaps: Institute Karité, Col. Conk Amber. As long as the soaps had a little pre-soaking they lathered just as easy as the creams.
I am 100% sold on silvertip badger brushes. This brush is incredibly luxurious on the face, and makes tons of lather on demand. Hype justified!
After reading all of the high praise bestowed upon silvertips by B&B members, I just had to see what all the fuss was about. I decided to add a silvertip to my collection (which until then consisted of an Omega boar, and a mystery "Made in Switzerland" mixed Badger/Boar brush). I did a lot of research, and chose the Semogue.
Price: This brush represents an excellent value. I got mine for $60(Canadian) at Rasage Poulin. In fact, I don't think that there is another silvertip of this quality available for that kind of money.
Quality: Nice oak handle with thick varnish coating. I know that there are some guys who shy away from a wooden handle (possibility of cracking), but the varnish on this thing is really thick. This brush is a good size, coming in at 4 1/4 inches (2 1/8" handle, 2 1/8" loft). The brush shed a total of 5-6 hairs the first couple of times I used it. None since then.
Density: Good density here. 22mm knot is not the most dense available, nor is it the least. It's right in the middle.
Stiffness of Tips:Nice and pliable, but not too much so. This is not a "flopsy" brush.
Softness of Tips: This is what ultimately sold me on this brush. It is incredibly soft, and has only become softer in the couple of weeks that I've been using it. This brush feels amazing on my face.
Ergonomic: This is a subjective call, and for me the handle of the Semogue is just right. Easy to get a good grip and work the lather both in the bowl and on the face.
Latherability: Man does this thing lather! Every cream and soap I've tried with this brush has just exploded in the bowl. I've tried it with the following creams: Trumper's Rose, Speick, Musgo Real, Edwin Jagger Sandlewood, and Nivea. And the following soaps: Institute Karité, Col. Conk Amber. As long as the soaps had a little pre-soaking they lathered just as easy as the creams.
I am 100% sold on silvertip badger brushes. This brush is incredibly luxurious on the face, and makes tons of lather on demand. Hype justified!
