First Shaves with a Boar: Think I'm a Convert

[Nick Danger]

I got my slightly used B&B boar brush on Thursday.

As some of you may know, I've been struggling to get good lather from shaving soaps after using creams exclusively since I started DE shaving. I have a T&H silvertip that's great with creams, but I was finding it difficult to use with soaps like Mike's and Mystic Waters.

A very kind member here gave me a great deal on his brush, in the hope that the extra backbone of a boar would work better for me.

I'm delighted to report that the boar is making a world of difference with my soap lathering. Previously, I never seemed to get the right amount of product loaded on the brush. With the boar, the process is almost effortless. I also like that the boar doesn't hold as much water as the silvertip, which allows me to add water little by little until the proportion is just right.

The first couple of shaves since I start using the boar have been my best yet with soaps.

My biggest concern about a boar was that I have very sensitive skin, and I thought the boar might be too scritchy or scrubby. While the B&B brush isn't as soft as my silvertip, it seems to be just fine for my skin. I don't face lather, so as long as I apply the lather paintbrush-style, the scrubby quality of the brush is no problem at all. As I understand, it's just going to get softer with use so I have even better shaves to look forward to in the future.

I like the boar brush so much that I went ahead and ordered an SOC. Now I'll be able to alternate boar brushes so that each has a chance to dry completely between shaves.

My silvertip is likely to get a lot less use now. I have the feeling the boar brushes will be great with creams, too.

Nick

 

[SliceOfLife]

What is your T&H?

If it's a size 2 or 3, then the fault lies with the specs, not badger hair, to be honest. Rooney Silvertip/Super size 3's (and to a lesser extent the 2's) are very floppy. Enjoy your boars, but be sure to try a badger with more backbone before you give up on them.

 

[Kentos]

As your skin acclimates you might find the boar to not irritate your skin at all allowing you to face lather. TBO after loading up my boar I don't spend much more than 10 seconds lathering up the face- so no time to get that burning over brushed sensation.

 

[Nick Danger]

What is your T&H?

It's a style 1 medium. Like this one: http://www.truefittandhill.com/detail_00276__19.html

Is that the same as a Rooney size 2?

Nick

 

[Graybeard57]

After using a boar for several months now, I do not anticipate going back to the badger. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[CB1]

I never thought I'd be a big boar fan especially during the break in period!!
Now my Semogue 1520, 1305 and my Omega Pro are some of my favorite brushes for sure.
It's funny because what you might think consciously are your favorite brushes might be different than what you actually reach for in the morning.

 

[Nick Danger]

Another fantastic shave after lathering with my B&B boar brush. I think Kentos is right: my face already seems to be getting used to the more scrubby quality of the boar.

I'm also amazed at how much faster I can lather a soap with a boar brush vs. my silvertip. That sucker made quick work of some Kell's Ultra Aloe glycerin soap today.

Nick

 

[mdw15]

Another fantastic shave after lathering with my B&B boar brush. I think Kentos is right: my face already seems to be getting used to the more scrubby quality of the boar.

Nick

You beat me to it. I was also going to say just go for it. The brush will feel great on your face.

 

[Nick Danger]

You beat me to it. I was also going to say just go for it. The brush will feel great on your face.

Oh, I'm not face lathering. Don't think I'll ever be able to do that. Couldn't even face lather with the silvertip, but at least the boar feels good when I paint on the lather from my bowl.

Nick

 

[tjg5181]

I have always considered boars to be better at whipping up soaps, and have saved my badgers for the creams. Now, in the process of trying to de-funk my new simpsons, I found that the Pure Badger has enough backbone to rip through the soaps no problem. I've been using my boar to shave with and making a side batch of lather to "soften" the Simpsons Special Pure. The Berkeley that I got in Best does not grab up as much soap as I want to produce, so that will stay for the creams

 

[brucered]

Oh, I'm not face lathering. Don't think I'll ever be able to do that. Couldn't even face lather with the silvertip, but at least the boar feels good when I paint on the lather from my bowl.

Nick

Never say never. I was a die hard bowl latherer to start, never thought my face would be able to take face lathering. over the past few months, i've probably face lathered 98% of the time.

I will still go back to bowl lathering for fun, but when you have a nice silvertip brush (or soft boar in your case), it's nice to put it to full use and enjoy it. it also saves time and even thought i thought i would not be able to tell the lather consistency on my face, i actually find it easier.

if you want to be a face latherer, you can do it. i have a strong suspicion it's not a matter of sensitive skin, but techinque and when it all comes together, you will be able to make the switch or at least do it with ease.

oh yeah....your T&H 1/2 is a beautiful looking brush. I hope to add one next year

 

[alex2363]

What is your T&H?

If it's a size 2 or 3, then the fault lies with the specs, not badger hair, to be honest. Rooney Silvertip/Super size 3's (and to a lesser extent the 2's) are very floppy. Enjoy your boars, but be sure to try a badger with more backbone before you give up on them.

So which badger would u suggest that has more backbone?

 

[alex2363]

You beat me to it. I was also going to say just go for it. The brush will feel great on your face.

It is the best method to apply lather for me too.