I'm ready to graduate, but.

[Jess]

I've been using a Tweezerman and also the Van der Hagen brushes since I've started wet shaving.

I think the Tweezerman is too "soft" and the VDH is too "hard".

I've been reading quite a bit on Semogue, but my eyes are crossing in the process.

I've read great commentes/reviews on the 830 and 620 and less on the 1305 and 1438.

Honestly, I like the way the 1305 looks, but I don't want to buy an inferior product.

I don't mean to start another "best" thread, but I guess I'm just asking for a push in the right direction.

Thanks!

 

[bkflyfisher]

Semogue 1305 is absolutely not an inferior product!!! Many, many accolades on here for that brush. My experiences support that praise. The 620 and the SOC are also excellent brushes-which I have as well. The 620 is nice if you want a small, scrubby face latherer, and like a heavier solid acrylic handle; the SOC if you want a larger more, luxurious experience for bowl or face lather; the 1305 kinda sits somewhere in the middle. It's all-purpose, face latherer, bowl soaps, creams, whatever! and I do agree with you - has a cool retro look. The SOC and 620 I use primarily with hard and soft soaps-all three will tear up pretty much whatever soap you throw at them though.

If you do go with a Semogue-make sure you break in brush properly with lathering/drying cycles until tips split. My 1305 was an awful latherer to start with, but after about 15 wet/dry cycles it started to just get better and better.

 

[Jess]

^much appreciated info, there!..thanks. Good to hear that the 1305 is a solid product. I'm not much of a face latherer....although, I've started to try it about once per week. So, I guess what I'm looking for is something that will be good all around, but mainly for bowl lathering.

 

[brucered]

spend $10 more, get a SOC from oversears for around $30 shipped and thank me later.

my 1305 sits in a drawer since I got the SOC...and if you don't like it, it's an easy sell on the BST

no worries about the paint job, bigger knot, no stickers, similar handle to 1305 but a bit bigger.

 

[celestino]

i still believe the 830 is the best all-round boar brush for the money; great for face/bowl lathering soaps or creams. Good luck.

 

[Absolute Mustard]

1305 is their best brush

I prefer it over the Owners Club even

 

[Jess]

I'm thinking I need to get one and if I don't like it, sell it and get another. Lol. I'm okay with that.

 

[Gatmah]

I'm also ready to graduate, mind if I ask what is an SOC, I might just buy it.

 

[brucered]

I'm also ready to graduate, mind if I ask what is an SOC, I might just buy it.

Semogue Owners Club

 

[Jess]

^you mentioned buying it overseas?

 

[SEnSE]

The higher lofted Semogues may be too soft for you once they are broken in. I'd suggest the 610 or 620. I'm not a fan of wooden handles but if you are the 1438 is another good option.

Otherwise look for a Finest 2-band badger from VintageBlades, Frank Shaving, or Wet Shaving Products.