I've not been here in a while. After learning a ton from you all and going crazy with acquisitions the first year I settled on an EJ DE89 with Feathers blades and a Semogue 1305. Was so happy I didn't bother looking at anything for the last 6 years. Finally decided I'd like to get a Semogue that didn't chip paint and that was a little less floppy. Back to B&B and of course you all had insane amounts of reviews and info to go though. Thanks again. Here we go:
830 - Just didn't do it for me. Didn't like the handle, and didn't lather anything like my 1305. Only gave it a few weeks before giving away. Maybe should have waited longer now that I'm more patient with boars.
630 - Great backbone. A prickly one with the Extra 75% tops, but she's breaking in after a month. My guess is another month to go. 3 passes no prob. Great face lather.
1470 - Finding these Best 90% tops an "in-between" feel. Breaking in well after 3 weeks. 2 more to go? 3 pass already no prob. Great little travel brush.
1800 - I think this is the one. Softer premium tops breaking in after only 2 weeks, with the backbone I was looking for from the Extra 75% thrown in there. Same handle I liked from 1305 without the cheap paint. I think in a month it will be the perfect boar brush. Just wish it didn't have the dye job.
SOC 2 band Badger - Finally wanted to see if I could get a badger with backbone. After all the reviews, decided I'd stick with Semogue. A good choice, solid value for what you get. Already a great brush only 3 shaves in. Beautiful handle and beautiful knot, if a little on the large/wide side for me.
Omega 10066 - Had to throw this in there as this cheap little brush really kicks some *** and broke in pretty quick. Eats up any soap with it's strong backbone and great for face lathering with soft tips.
Conclusion: Semogue makes great brushes. The prices are amazing for the quality. All make a great lather with anything. Anyone of these would make a go to brush on their own. At these prices I wanted to try all the hairs and handles (aside from super 70% on the 2000). If the 630 and 1470 don't get softer after a couple months, they will make great gifts. My face is a bit sensitive for too much scritch. The 1305 is still the softest. I think between the 1800 and SOC 2 band I'll be totally set for a while. So much has already been covered already on Semogues, but I hope this will still be helpful to someone. Was time to give back a bit ;-)
830 - Just didn't do it for me. Didn't like the handle, and didn't lather anything like my 1305. Only gave it a few weeks before giving away. Maybe should have waited longer now that I'm more patient with boars.
630 - Great backbone. A prickly one with the Extra 75% tops, but she's breaking in after a month. My guess is another month to go. 3 passes no prob. Great face lather.
1470 - Finding these Best 90% tops an "in-between" feel. Breaking in well after 3 weeks. 2 more to go? 3 pass already no prob. Great little travel brush.
1800 - I think this is the one. Softer premium tops breaking in after only 2 weeks, with the backbone I was looking for from the Extra 75% thrown in there. Same handle I liked from 1305 without the cheap paint. I think in a month it will be the perfect boar brush. Just wish it didn't have the dye job.
SOC 2 band Badger - Finally wanted to see if I could get a badger with backbone. After all the reviews, decided I'd stick with Semogue. A good choice, solid value for what you get. Already a great brush only 3 shaves in. Beautiful handle and beautiful knot, if a little on the large/wide side for me.
Omega 10066 - Had to throw this in there as this cheap little brush really kicks some *** and broke in pretty quick. Eats up any soap with it's strong backbone and great for face lathering with soft tips.
Conclusion: Semogue makes great brushes. The prices are amazing for the quality. All make a great lather with anything. Anyone of these would make a go to brush on their own. At these prices I wanted to try all the hairs and handles (aside from super 70% on the 2000). If the 630 and 1470 don't get softer after a couple months, they will make great gifts. My face is a bit sensitive for too much scritch. The 1305 is still the softest. I think between the 1800 and SOC 2 band I'll be totally set for a while. So much has already been covered already on Semogues, but I hope this will still be helpful to someone. Was time to give back a bit ;-)