Help me pick a face lathering boar. More Backbone, a little scritchy

[Havok305]

I currently have a BK8 omega 11047 and a B&B essential boar. I am looking for something with a bit more backbone and a little scritchier (not too scritchy) for face lathering. Been eyeballing the Omega 49, Semogue 620 and 830. I don't want a huge brush, but the 11047 is a bit small. I use it for travel.

What do you guys think?

 

[dushea]

From what I've read, the 830 has softer tips and less backbone than the 620, which I've read has a TON of backbone. I just pulled the trigger on an 830 for these reasons, although I didn't explore Omega.

 

[dushea]

Also, not sure what your budget is, but a 2 band set about 24x48/50 could be a great addition as well. I started with a BLK8 too, I grabbed an M&F two band for more scrub (which is superb) and now rounded it out with the 830. Just a thought.

 

[Havok305]

Also, not sure what your budget is, but a 2 band set about 24x48/50 could be a great addition as well. I started with a BLK8 too, I grabbed an M&F two band for more scrub (which is superb) and now rounded it out with the 830. Just a thought.

I really like how the B&B performs. It does a great job, so I am looking for something similar (horseshoes and hand grenades) in performance and price with more scritch and backbone. Don't get me wrong, I love my Kent, but I would rather spend the money on new software than another expensive brush. I don't want to build an arsenal of brushes either. I thought I was done once I picked up the travel brush, but I face lathered with the B&B today, and it just lacked a little. It kills soaps and creates great lather, just a few tweaks and it could be perfect.

The SOC is a bit too big for what I want, according to what I have read.

 

[grubsteak]

Look to the Semogue 620 my man! It's got the backbone and the scrubbiness you're looking for. I have one, and it rocks for face lathering. My only niggle is that it has the silly imitation bands to make it look like a badger brush (why do so many brush companies do that??), but it's a purely aesthetic thing, and a personal preference at that.

 

[oldtrout]

I recommend the Semogue 610. It's a favorite of mine at less than a tenth the price of my "high end" brushes.

 

[JeffJ]

I have had all three. All work great and are pretty different. My 49 was pretty soft after break in. I ended up selling it on bst. The 830 is cloud soft after break in. Some backbone. The 620 is smaller and definitely scrubbier. It is the only one where I have a spare. I use the 620, 830 and 1305 for probably 90% of my shaves.

 

[Havok305]

Thanks guys, so far it is looking like the 620. Scrubby is what I am looking for and would have probably been a better description than scritchy.

 

[cryhavoc]

I suggest the Omega 10290 Boar found here-http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/om10avintwoc.html

 

[oscar11]

Look for a brush with a 23 mm knot and a 50 mm loft, natural bristle. Omega has several, Semogue has some too but I believe the knots are a little smaller.

 

[Jarick]

You don't find the B&B has enough backbone? I find it's a really stiff brush, although not broken in yet.

I'm also breaking in a Semogue 1470 (like the 610) and it's a little stiffer and scrubbier than the B&B. I would go with the 610 or 620.

 

[Havok305]

You don't find the B&B has enough backbone? I find it's a really stiff brush, although not broken in yet.

I'm also breaking in a Semogue 1470 (like the 610) and it's a little stiffer and scrubbier than the B&B. I would go with the 610 or 620.

At first I did, when it was newer, now, it feels a little floppy to me. I love the brush, but wanted more scrubbiness. It totally demolishes soap.

 

[takisg]

I would recommend you Semogue 610 (Overall Length - 95 mm, Handle Length - 45 mm, Loft - 50 mm, Knot - 22 mm.)or Semogue 1470 (Overall Length - 99 mm, Handle Length - 49 mm Knot: 22 mm, Loft: 50 mm) which have exactly the same bristle characteristics (White Best 90% tops) but is less inexpensive, as a matter of fact almost half the price. I have both of them and believe me are excellent face lathers! Both excel with triple milled soaps. Excellent backbone, soft tips.Another good choice might be Semogue 620, which is made of White best 75% tops and is a bit more scrubbier.Your pick!

 

[Havok305]

I would recommend you Semogue 610 (Overall Length - 95 mm, Handle Length - 45 mm, Loft - 50 mm, Knot - 22 mm.)or Semogue 1470 (Overall Length - 99 mm, Handle Length - 49 mm Knot: 22 mm, Loft: 50 mm) which have exactly the same bristle characteristics (White Best 90% tops) but is less inexpensive, as a matter of fact almost half the price. I have both of them and believe me are excellent face lathers! Both excel with triple milled soaps. Excellent backbone, soft tips.Another good choice might be Semogue 620, which is made of White best 75% tops and is a bit more scrubbier.Your pick!

Great info! Thanks

 

[Havok305]

Just picked up the 1470 from the bay saw it for $14 with free shipping.

 

[Jarick]

Nice deal. I have a few days on mine right now. I think it's going to take a few weeks to break in. But I face lathered this morning with it and a puck of VDH, 20 seconds loading, had enough for 3 passes (wetting the tips between passes).

 

[NCJack]

For your specs, I'm voting for the 620. Just used mine this AM to face lather Mike's lime soap.

 

[Havok305]

Boars are so cheap. Might check out the 620 if the 1470 isn't scrubby enough, lol...BSBAD

 

[takisg]

Just picked up the 1470 from the bay saw it for $14 with free shipping.

[FONT=&quot]You have chosen wisely!One of the cheapest Semogues and on the same time one of the best! It is going to be one of your favorable shaving brushes( a small "Giant" as a friend from Portugal called it ) for a long time tocome! Believe it or not the break-in period will be no more than 5-6 shaves,before you see the tips splitting! Just soak the brush 2-3 minutes in hot water before you shave and its going to be magic! [/FONT]My self I can describe the brush as, Not a cheap alternative to badger brushes, but a real player! [FONT=&quot]Well done my friend![/FONT]

 

[nehpets4627]

I've had great luck face-lathering with the Shaving Factory XS from Amazon. It is quite stiff, a little scritchy, and not great for much other than face-lathering... but it does really well for that particular niche application.