Keep the Boar or switch to a Badger

[BigFoot]

Hey everyone,

I am currently using an Omega Boar Brush. I did not want to spend a lot of money until I knew I was going to like this. Ok I love it....I use Proraso cream, but just bought some inexpensive soap to compare the difference. I do not seem to have any issues with the boar brush but have never used anything else. It lathers and cleans up great. What if anything will I gain by switching to a Badger. Besides contributing to the death of one more of those nasty hole digging sh***ts. Feel free to also give me thoughts if I do switch to some good brushes in the $60.00 to $80.00 range.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Markh3rd]

I am very happy with my Vulfix 660 brush in super badger. The price ranges from $43 to $65 depending on the size you want. This is a soft feeling brush that does great with creams but will also handle soaps. I personally use my Omega boar for soaps and my badger for my creams.

 

[filedog]

You might want to mention the model # of your Omega. I don't think I'd SWITCH, keep both, that way one can get completely dry. If you like the size of your existing brush, what you would GAIN would be: less soak time, longer brush life and (possibly) softer feel, if you went with silvertip.
Some low price candidates:
Frank Shaving (ebay)
New Forest 2211
Simpson Berkely

Oh, and aside from digging holes, Badgers are one of the toughest animals around. I once saw a video of a Honey Badger attack a poisonous snake. In the process of killing the snake, it bit him a couple of times (enough venom to KILL most animals). He passed out for a while, woke up and ATE the snake, and went on his way

 

[mdex]

I have been happily using my Boar brush, but on a whim decided to pick up an inexpensive Badger hair brush.

Wow, what a difference in its ability to build lather! I think that having both is great, the boar for the "scrubbieness" and the badger for the lather volume and quality.

Marc

 

[73mountaineer]

Simpson, Edwin Jagger, and others have some really nice offerings in the $60-80 range. It seems to be kind of a pricing sweet spot for very nice, but not extremely high-end badger brushes.

I'm with filedog, use both I have 2 boars and 2 badgers that I use regularly, each with a different "personality". Personal opinion, unless you are die-hard dedicated to either type, I think everyone should own at least one nice example of each. You'll find uses for each one.

- Steve

 

[goby]

Hey everyone,

I am currently using an Omega Boar Brush. I did not want to spend a lot of money until I knew I was going to like this. Ok I love it....I use Proraso cream, but just bought some inexpensive soap to compare the difference. I do not seem to have any issues with the boar brush but have never used anything else. It lathers and cleans up great. What if anything will I gain by switching to a Badger. Besides contributing to the death of one more of those nasty hole digging sh***ts. Feel free to also give me thoughts if I do switch to some good brushes in the $60.00 to $80.00 range.

Thanks,
Scott

The history of mankind is chock full of the killing of things they fear, whether it be grizzly, rattlesnakes, badgers or fellow human beings. Badgers are amazing creatures, and there is no reason to kill them just because they are mean or dig holes. Perhaps you were joking, but in case you weren't, there is really no reason to kill anything just because something is "nasty."

To answer you were question, badger brushes are nice, even though I'm 100% Semogue boar right now. If your Omega is a high quality boar, I think you have to go a little higher in price to get a better performance. I had a $70 Vulfix, and my Semogue 830 is much nicer.

 

[Red Horn]

Hey everyone,

Feel free to also give me thoughts if I do switch to some good brushes in the $60.00 to $80.00 range.

Thanks,
Scott

Do you have an idea of loft height you prefer?

 

[stubble trouble]

never used a boar brush. love my rooney badger - 30bucks.

 

[drumana]

It's good to have some variety - get a badger so you'll have both a boar and a badger brush to switch things up. They are both good in their own right.

 

[Loric]

Get both, dont stop using your boar since you like it. It will just be different to use a badger brush, and for me I like the variety.

It would be close to the top of your price range, but you could get a Simpson in best for that much. Great density, soft tips, nice backbone with a large selection of sizes and handle types to boot.

If you were looking for something a little more economical you could get a Penworks Finest brush. They are very soft and have great backbone, though you are giving up a little bit of density. Just remember to have them set the loft a bit low if you go with this option to compensate. Most of them are between $40~60. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[takeshi]

What if anything will I gain by switching to a Badger.

Depends a bit on your preferences. You'd really have to just use one to find out.

 

[DE Shaver]

Considering that I use both types and both have their respective advantages. If forced to choose I would select a badger brush. They dry out faster and are usually ready for use the next day. I've also noticed that lathering is a bit of stronger suit for a good badger brush. However, a broken-in boar brush is nice to use and I'm not sure if spending more money is the answer. Some boar bristle brushes can outperform the lower end badger brushes. What are you hoping to see for spending $80 more?

 

[winston61]

Nothing wrong with being satisfied with a good brush. No doubt though, badger is pretty sweet. Shop around, you can get a much better deal.

And another thing, several of my closest friends are badgers, and to a man deeply resent being characterized as 'nasty'. Bad tempered, aggressive and most certainly filthy, however nasty is just taking it a bit too far.

yours truly,

Adm. Sir Winky Willington, ret. (Mrs.)

 

[Mike Schutz]

It's all personal preference. I like my boars because they can destroy the hardest soaps. The few badgers I have are great with creams. My next quest is to find a badger that works for me with soaps. Do I have a SBAD? Noooo!

 

[dunworl]

There are several Simpsons Best brushes in your price range. They are good general use brushes, well made, and the Best hair is amazing for the price. Good luck in your search.

...And another thing, several of my closest friends are badgers, and to a man deeply resent being characterized as 'nasty'. Bad tempered, aggressive and most certainly filthy, however nasty is just taking it a bit too far.

yours truly,

Adm. Sir Winky Willington, ret. (Mrs.)

Admiral, I believe there are a few exceptions to the rule. For instance, this group of badgers pride themselves on their nastiness:

http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/wis-m-footbl-sched.html

 

[Sparafucile]

It's a matter of preference and the size of your wallet!

I have a $20 Omega boar, a Chubby and a Rudy Vey custom badger. You will not get a huge jump in performance from a badger; it's more a matter of a soft, luxurious feel; the Omega boar is a great performer and should serve you well for many years.

 

[rm71]

Shavemac is another good option in the $80ish range. BTW I love my boars( I have 3) and am looking at getting another.

 

[RayH]

It's a matter of preference and the size of your wallet!

I have a $20 Omega boar, a Chubby and a Rudy Vey custom badger. You will not get a huge jump in performance from a badger; it's more a matter of a soft, luxurious feel; the Omega boar is a great performer and should serve you well for many years.

I have to agree. But you don't have to get an expensive badger to have a good brush. Omega makes them at less than $60 dollars. Then there is the Tweezerman for about $15 from Amazon. Many people love it. But considering that you're asking about it, I think you have a nascent AD developing and you will probably buy more than one.

 

[Legion]

Badger all the way for me.

I would go a custom with a TGN knot. Should be able to get one for your budget, or just make your own.

 

[SRock]