Cheap boars a fair representation?

[Jobie1128]

Hello All,

I have found myself boar curious lately. However, I do not want to drop money on a nice boar brush without knowing if I would like them. I know they aren't too expensive but as a college student every dollar counts. So with that being said, are cheap boar brushes a good enough representation of a quality boar brush that I could form an accurate opinion. I can get the VDH brush and Herban Cowboy brush locally for less then $7. If neither of them will give me a fair opinion though, I would probably find another option.

 

[Leche]

For a few bucks more you can get an Omega Boar which will blow those two away. Boars rock, enjoy them.

 

[Suzuki]

Hello All,

I have found myself boar curious lately. However, I do not want to drop money on a nice boar brush without knowing if I would like them. I know they aren't too expensive but as a college student every dollar counts. So with that being said, are cheap boar brushes a good enough representation of a quality boar brush that I could form an accurate opinion. I can get the VDH brush and Herban Cowboy brush locally for less then $7. If neither of them will give me a fair opinion though, I would probably find another option.

My view is to find a better option - these are both very low-end brushes with know issues (shedding and poor construction generally).

I'd say keep an eye out in the BST for a used brush and if that grosses you out, pick up one from one of our many vendors.

Westcoastshaving has a nice selection at very reasonable prices:

http//www.westcoastshaving.com/Boar_c_78.html

As does Shoeboxshaving

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

Even the cheapest Omega will blow the bristles off of the VDH or Herban Cowboy brush.

I'd be shocked if you couldn't find an Omega locally - check out Italian groceries or barber supply shops.

 

[mdunn]

my only boar experience is with a really cheap one, and it was rubbush - so from all the boar fans saying theyre great I would have to recoment getting a decent one (or at least not an 'eterna' one!)

 

[Klarion]

I'd really warn people to stay away from the (cheap) supermarket boars, like VDH, Burma Shave, or Herban Cowboy unless that was just what you're starting out with. For someone looking to try out and possibly enjoy boar, I'd say do yourself a favor and spring for a couple Omega. Stick with the banded models, as the bristle is a bit of a higher quality.

If you don't care about the handle looking chintzy, I'd recommend the 10105. The 10049 is also highly recommended, but keep in mind it's a rather large brush. The 20248 is the banded version of the 49's big brother, the 10048.

 

[Jobie1128]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I will definitely just order an Omega then since they can be had at around $10

Stick with the banded models, as the bristle is a bit of a higher quality.

Thanks for mentioning this. My next question was going to be if there is a difference between any Omega bands. That answers that!

 

[Dewaine]

Keep in mind that your boar will not reach its prime for a month or two. After a year it will be your favorite brush on Planet Earth.

 

[Jobie1128]

Keep in mind that your boar will not reach its prime for a month or two. After a year it will be your favorite brush on Planet Earth.

I had read that boars require a break in period before they reach their true potential. Would it break in if I just buy a puck of something cheap like Williams and lather away to speed up the process?

 

[Leche]

It will help speed up the process and get rid of the stink. Lather, let sit, rinse well, dry, and repeat.

 

[TheFlyingFrenchman]

Splurge and get a 310xxx series omega. Definitely worth the extra cost compared to the other Omegas. Board do take a little while to break in. While lather rinse dry repeat does speed things up. It's a lot more fun to just shave with it to break it in.
Make a few lathers with some cheap soap or cream to help speed things up and clean the brush though.

 

[Drubbing]

I had read that boars require a break in period before they reach their true potential. Would it break in if I just buy a puck of something cheap like Williams and lather away to speed up the process?

To a point. But it's the wetting and fully drying that leads to break in, not just soaping up. The ends split (if it's an untrimmed brush) and this softens them up and increases lathering capability.

I got a Semgue Owners club to a workable stage in a couple of weeks by adding an extra lather/day. But it'll still take longer to fully break.