Can you compare the Boreal 976 to others Boreal brushes?

[Darjeeling Express]

The 976 was my favorite boar brush. Sadly the use of the word "was". It combined incredible density and backbone, a shorter loft, and just a bit of scritchiness. Its a long story, but its been misplaced.

Gary at Shoebox seems to be the only vendor of this line. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/boreal.html

He is out of the 976. I tried emailing him, but I gather he's swamped right now and hasn't gotten back to me. He is carrying the 322, 977, and 978.

Does anyone have any experience with the 976 and how it actually compares to the others above? Thanks to all in advance. Darjeeling

P.S. Shameless plug: See this link for trade/buy offer

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?p=1575889#post1575889

 

[Left Coast DJ]

I think Gary is phasing out the Boreal line. But that's not to say that he has a secret stash of 976s in the back-room for the regulars.

 

[Darjeeling Express]

This is bad news, pirate DJ. I'm having trouble getting through to Gary. What route are you taking?

 

[Fozz7769]

Give the Semogue 620 a whirl. A far superior brush once broken.

 

[Darjeeling Express]

Fozz, thank you for the rec. Since my original post of Oct. 2009, I've managed to pick up two Boreal 976s on the BST. They are terrific brushes, though they do shed a bit. Very, very dense.

 

[Fozz7769]

Fozz, thank you for the rec. Since my original post of Oct. 2009, I've managed to pick up two Boreal 976s on the BST. They are terrific brushes, though they do shed a bit. Very, very dense.

No worries DE. I had one for a while and loved the handle and the way it would rip soap off the cake. I could not get it to put the lather on my chops. It is withot a doubt the "firmest" brush I have tried.