The actual truth is that the animals would be killed, anyhow, because they are a nuisance, and the hair is getting something good from it.
A good starter boar brush?
- Thread starter Benzadmiral
- Start date
The actual truth is that the animals would be killed, anyhow, because they are a nuisance, and the hair is getting something good from it.
Chan Eil Whiskers
Fumbling about.
It's made by Zenith, the RR olivewood boar.
All the Zenith boars I have (all mine have a loft of 57mm or less) are great. None of my Zeniths really required any breaking in, but they're not the Mondial (below).
The Mondial boar is a favorite of mine. It's a great brush right out of the box, but it improves over time.
The Jade is the best Omega, their premium. Connaught sells it. Seriously good brush. Beautiful handle. Great size. Not too big, but big in the ways that count.
Connaught also has this very small but excellent Omega to which I added three #14 O-rings. It's very inexpensive and also a terrific brush, but small. The backbone is impressive.
The already mentioned Proraso Pro, made by Omega, is a great brush but it takes some serious breaking in. Its backbone is a transplant.
I use and have a small collection of premium boars. Why have anything else especially when great boars are not expensive?
Some expensive boars are lousy. Hint: Thater Premium ($85, not as good as any brush mentioned).
None of my boars have had enough scent to matter. I tend to wash/soak new brushes in Ship-Shape, rinse them well, and then either put them in service or put them through a break in process which consists of repetitive wet-dry cycles coupled with towel rubs of the wet tips.
I soak my brush while I shower but you don't have to. I dry all boars for at least 48 hours between uses, usually a week or so. Badgers dry faster, at least mine do.
Happy shaves,
Jim
I think you'll like the 1470 based on your criteria. It's a very good feeling knot. I haven't noticed any stink in any of the Semogues or Omegas I have ever bought. As far as break in goes they all get better of course but even right out of the box they already feel pretty good so I never felt a need to try to accelerate the process.
This omega 10810 is my favourite.
Perfect backbone and neither too big nor small. Handle is also comfortable to use.
Perfect backbone and neither too big nor small. Handle is also comfortable to use.
So, later if you want another option, consider the Omega 11047 boar/badger blend. It is tiny and lots of fun to use.
Omega is good option. Yaqi makes a really nice boar too.
I didn't know yaqi has boars.
I think they only make one. Its nice, has a bring red handle and performs well. I like mine for harder soaps.
Hey there, I would recommend the Semogue SOC Boar. It's my regular brush I use daily. It does take a while to break in but once it's fully broken in, it's glorious.
I have one boar brush that was quite funky smelling for way longer than I wished - an Omega. None of my Semogue's had any smell.
I think the SOC is a fabulous brush for scuttle lathering. It's large and quick and the handle is incredibly comfortable. It is around $27, but that's probably only ten bucks higher than the average boar - and you're certainly worth it!
I also soak mine in the scuttle while I shower - plenty of time. It will be pretty nice out of the box, but it will get better and better for many weeks. You can use it without danger out of the box, but know that the tips will eventually become quite soft.
I think the SOC is a fabulous brush for scuttle lathering. It's large and quick and the handle is incredibly comfortable. It is around $27, but that's probably only ten bucks higher than the average boar - and you're certainly worth it!
I also soak mine in the scuttle while I shower - plenty of time. It will be pretty nice out of the box, but it will get better and better for many weeks. You can use it without danger out of the box, but know that the tips will eventually become quite soft.
I can also tell you the Semogue 1250 is another great brush.
The Semogue 1800 is a very nice brush that has unique bristles. It has a mix of boar hair that no other brush has. It is very nice right from the start without any animal smell.
See "Semogue 1470 has arrived," thread.
@Benzadmiral While it's not a wooden handle, the Omega B&B Essential boar is perhaps the prefect brush IMO. The handle is extremely ergonomic (shaped very similar to the Kent BKx series) and the knot was ready to use right out of the box, no funky smell and the tips already splitting.
As for waiting for it to dry between uses, I have often used mine for months on end of daily shaves.
As for waiting for it to dry between uses, I have often used mine for months on end of daily shaves.
Funny that I've never experienced a problem with odor or breaking in with my Semogues or Omega.
It's dependant on luck. My first 2 omega had some stench and serious performance issues. I even got brush burn from them. So I was forced to put it in the fridge.
my 3rd one was ready to rock n roll out of the box.
Luck really??? What's the chance that could happen with three brushes?
you didn't know omega brushes are inconsistent in performance?
one guy bought two identical proraso brushes and both behaved differently.
I am not one who uses anecdotal information. I've a 1305, 610, and Omega 10047. The 610 was used. All three made great lather, felt great, and didn't smell.
I am more inclined to think some folks are way to picky and unskilled in using a brush.
