I want to try boar. Recommend me!

[Cambyses]

So I've been shaving for a while, using my Shavemac 177 in silvertip and I really like it. But I'm getting more and more into soaps, and while the shavemac isn't serving me badly at all, but I think I'd like something with a little more backbone.

I'd really like to try out a boar. I've only been a badger user up until this point, but boar seems to fit the bill: perfect for face lathering (which I do 100% of the time), good on soaps. Now I've looked around online, but with the model numbers all being 3-to-5-digit numbers I have a hard time remembering what's what.

I do know, however, that none of them are going to break the bank, so I'm willing to put down some cash on a truly excellent boar brush. I really am just looking for suggestions about what boar to get if I'm only going to get one (...for now).

 

[RayH]

Look into the Omega line of boar brushes. They make some great brushes.

 

[drandall]

omega and semogue are two of the most popular boar brush manufacturers. i've owned examples of both, and i think i prefer the semogue. it takes longer to break in, but the head is a bit denser and the tips are softer.

vintagescent.com has a nice variety. personally, i have the 1305 but the 830 is also a popular model

 

[pal]

I have a Shavemac #177 as well but I really like my Semogue Boar Brush. Check them out at Vintage Scents http://vintagescent.com/shaving-brushes-c-5/semogue-1305-shaving-brush-p-25

 

[Ignatius]

Omega 31064

 

[Leche]

Omega 31064

This is one awesome brush. John has the best deal over at West Coast.

Also Semogue makes one heck of a brush.

 

[Don]

I am very happy with my Omega Pro 48. Very well priced.

 

[Ignatius]

This is one awesome brush. John has the best deal over at West Coast.

Also Semogue makes one heck of a brush.

Having owned 5 or 6 boars, the ones I'd recommend are the 31064 and the Semogue 830. I prefer the Omega, but they're both great.

 

[vitaman]

Another Semogue 1305 vote here. Leon at Vintage scent is great to deal with.

 

[Joe Edson]

I own the semogue 620, 830 and 2000. I face lather probably 95% of the time. Both the 620 and 830 work great and it goes back and forth each day for which one I like better. The 830 broke in rather quickly, the 620 is still breaking in and has a long way to go even after 6 weeks. If you like backbone, you won't find anything with more backbone than the 620. The 830 still has plenty of backbone and is actually very soft. Can't go wrong either way.

The 2000 I have a little harder time face lathering. It just has too much loft (very similar dimensions to the omega 31064 btw). It also isn't broke in enough to provide a consistent lather, so maybe in time it will be better. It certainly is the softest of the three, but has the least amount of backbone of the three.

In summary:
620 - backbone 10, softness 6-7
830 - backbone 9, softness 9
2000 - backbone 7-8, softness 9-10

The 830 is a great brush, but I much prefer the handle of the 2000. The handles on the 620 and 830 are the only downside for me. That side, you can't go wrong with any of the boars from semogue.

 

[DFrancis]

Look into the Omega line of boar brushes. They make some great brushes.

+1 and you can't beat their price.

 

[Cambyses]

Thanks for the excellent responses, all! Looks like the Omega 31064 and Semogue 830 are the two top picks. Maybe I'll just pick up both

 

[shipr]

are the banded boars considered better than unbanded?

 

[Fozz7769]

Semogue 1305 or 830. both good all round brushes with 22mm knots.

Omega 10029 or Semogue 620, both good soap brush's with a good amount of back bone. 23 & 22mm knots respectively.

 

[rm71]

Omega Pro n.48 & n.49 are also good.

 

[vitaman]

are the banded boars considered better than unbanded?

They are dyed to look like badgers. Same hair, just dyed.

 

[lamina]

Any boar brush by Semogue!!

 

[olblueyez]

The Omega 31064 is imitation Boar right?

 

[JPDyson]

The Omega 31064 is imitation Boar right?

Nobody imitates boar - it IS boar, which is imitating badger w/the banding pattern.

 

[DE Shaver]

Nobody imitates boar - it IS boar, which is imitating badger w/the banding pattern.

Imitation boar bristle (nylon) is used by manufacturers, especially when it comes to hair brushes. At times, some nylon is mixed in with actual boar bristle bushes. You'll note that some of the Omega brushes indicate "100% Pure Bristle" on the brush, which tells me not all brushes are.