I think it's time for a Boar.

[Helzerr]

So I'm currently using a Simpson Best Berkeley and I love it, but I also want to try a boar. My brother wants to try out wet shaving so I'm in need of another brush so I can loan him my Berkeley for a few shaves. I'm looking at keeping the brush cost under $25 since all my reading has lead me to believe I can get a great boar brush for around that if not under. So far I've read I should stick between Omega or Semogue.

Semogue:
620 Pure Bristle - $22
1305 Pure Bristle - $19
830 Pure Bristle - $24

Omega:
11047 Banded Boar - $13
10275 Banded Boar - $10
B&B Blonde - $20

As always any help would be much appreciated, so many brush choices make my head hurt!

 

[StuMcB]

The B&B brush is agreat brush to start with believe me. And at only $20 from WCS its a steal. Mine arrived in blighty yesterday, shaved today funk smell nearly gone. sweet.

 

[lt114]

Any of the brushes you've listed would be great for your first boar. Having owned quite a few Omegas and Semogues, I'd go with one of the Semogues. Just pick the one with the handle you like the best.

 

[brucered]

if you can stretch it to $29 shipped, you can get a SOC which many consider the best boar available. nice big knot, nice handle, soft and luxurious when broken in. the engraved handle is a nice touch as well.

 

[Gingerbread]

if you can stretch it to $29 shipped, you can get a SOC which many consider the best boar available. nice big knot, nice handle, soft and luxurious when broken in. the engraved handle is a nice touch as well.

You probably won't want to use anything else once you've tried an SOC boar. Up your budget!

 

[Lightning Boy]

Very similar situation as yours: I bought a Simpsons Special Best Badger about six weeks ago. Just to finish a recent order, I threw in an Omega 10075 boar brush. (seven bucks). Haven't touched the Special since.

If you're just wanting to try a boar, get one of the Omegas. While the handles may be plastic, the knots are great. If you hate it, you're out a few bucks. If you like it, you got a great deal. Personally, I think too much emphasis is placed on the handle. You don't use it to shave with, so why spend a ton of money for a "nice" handle, other than the fact that it looks pretty?

 

[Rjacklin]

Go with soc boar. I feel it and think its going to scrape my face up. I lather it and it feels amazing!

 

[Graybeard57]

I have an Omega '49 and am completely satisfied with it.

 

[Foyle]

Every single brush on your list is a winner. Pick the one that appeals to you the most.

 

[Haggises]

I like my B&B boar more than my SOC right now.
The SOC handle is great but the bristles are better on the B&B

 

[SIG9]

SOC boar for the win. A little more than you want to spend but it's worth it.

 

[rockviper]

If you're wanting to straddle the badger/boar spectrum, you can always pick up an Omega mixed Mighty Midget.

 

[gus1942]

So I'm currently using a Simpson Best Berkeley and I love it, but I also want to try a boar. My brother wants to try out wet shaving so I'm in need of another brush so I can loan him my Berkeley for a few shaves. I'm looking at keeping the brush cost under $25 since all my reading has lead me to believe I can get a great boar brush for around that if not under. So far I've read I should stick between Omega or Semogue.

Semogue:
620 Pure Bristle - $22
1305 Pure Bristle - $19
830 Pure Bristle - $24

Omega:
11047 Banded Boar - $13
10275 Banded Boar - $10
B&B Blonde - $20

As always any help would be much appreciated, so many brush choices make my head hurt!

I prefer Semogue and use 620,830, 1800, and SOC. I also rotate my Simpson and Shavemac badgers.

 

[stryker4526]

+1 on the SOC. It's already great and I just got it. Can't wait until it's broken in.

 

[KyMash]

+1 on the SOC. It was my first foray into boars and it has since become one of my favorite brushes. It breaks in unbelievably soft.

 

[cryhavoc]

I think Omega makes a better boar but I'm in the minority. I love my Omega 10290 and 40033 Wide Waist

 

[ChiefBroom]

I think Omega makes a better boar but I'm in the minority. I love my Omega 10290 and 40033 Wide Waist

+1, although the Semogue 2011 LE Size 2 is a terrific brush. I'm a big fan of the Omega 10098 Pro. IMO, it's the best value in all of brushdom.

 

[Lightning Boy]

I think Omega makes a better boar but I'm in the minority. I love my Omega 10290 and 40033 Wide Waist

I'm with ya, Cryhavoc! Omega all the way!

 

[Dusty1]

I was waiting to pull the trigger on my first boar as well, now I have a new soc on the way from vintage scent thanks to a little spending money from Christmas. Everyone just had such great things to say about it!

 

[Batman]

perfect time to try the Badger & Blade boar. Its size and handle are great, for me anyway.

Normally, I'd say the 620 or 1305. I do like my SOC, but it is pretty big. I like boars for face lathering and a smaller brush just feels more manageable.