Lately, I've been using exclusively badger brushes only. For the duration of my brush AD this year, I've used 8 boar brushes - Semogue 1305, 830, 1800, 1250, 2011 LE2, 1470, Omega 31064 and 11712. My favourites are Semogue 1800 and Omega 11712. I've sold them all.
A couple of weeks ago I decided that I wanted to have at least one boar brush in my den to use for fun from time to time. I got attracted to the Italian colour scheme and the undyed knot of Italian Barber's Semogue LE 2012. It uses the same 90% tops Premium hair grade as in Semogue 1305.
I used it for the first time tonight after I'd given it 5 break in lathers. I was surprised how soft it was out of the box. No another boar brush had given me such decent first lather. Today, I decided it was ready for a real test. High percentage of the hair tips had split already. I soaked the knot well, let the excessive water drip, gave it a gentle shake, and loaded it heavily with Proraso soap, then face lathered. The preparation of good quality lather was quick and no brainer. The first impressions from the brush were very positive, and I totally enjoyed it. I can't complain from this brush. It's easy to lather, and although the tips are not completely split, they feel already soft on the skin. It needs a few more wet/dry cycles to become completely ready and satisfying. I can't distinguish the knot size, backbone and density from the 1305. It blooms more than the stiffer 1800 and even more so than 1250. It's very similar to high lofted Omegas. The handle is very comfortable, typical for this Semogue style, with cheerful colours, and most importantly, with bleached not dyed hairs.
I admit I prefer the different luxurious feel of my badgers, but this boar brush is very efficient, fun to use, and very inexpensive. There's nothing wrong with the performance of boar brushes. It's just a subjective personal preference to like them or not. Their prices make them very attractive and sufficient. I'm sure I'll use mine when in the mood.
A couple of weeks ago I decided that I wanted to have at least one boar brush in my den to use for fun from time to time. I got attracted to the Italian colour scheme and the undyed knot of Italian Barber's Semogue LE 2012. It uses the same 90% tops Premium hair grade as in Semogue 1305.
I used it for the first time tonight after I'd given it 5 break in lathers. I was surprised how soft it was out of the box. No another boar brush had given me such decent first lather. Today, I decided it was ready for a real test. High percentage of the hair tips had split already. I soaked the knot well, let the excessive water drip, gave it a gentle shake, and loaded it heavily with Proraso soap, then face lathered. The preparation of good quality lather was quick and no brainer. The first impressions from the brush were very positive, and I totally enjoyed it. I can't complain from this brush. It's easy to lather, and although the tips are not completely split, they feel already soft on the skin. It needs a few more wet/dry cycles to become completely ready and satisfying. I can't distinguish the knot size, backbone and density from the 1305. It blooms more than the stiffer 1800 and even more so than 1250. It's very similar to high lofted Omegas. The handle is very comfortable, typical for this Semogue style, with cheerful colours, and most importantly, with bleached not dyed hairs.
I admit I prefer the different luxurious feel of my badgers, but this boar brush is very efficient, fun to use, and very inexpensive. There's nothing wrong with the performance of boar brushes. It's just a subjective personal preference to like them or not. Their prices make them very attractive and sufficient. I'm sure I'll use mine when in the mood.
