Maybe badger isn’t filling up like boar hair but it is nice to get it on temperature as it retains heat very well and even better than boar.I don't feel there's any need to soak badger brushes, YMMV. Badger doesn't take on water like a boar. Not sure of your soaps but with my triple milled I load with a slightly damp brush (shaken) and a little water on the soap. Wet the tips, swirl on soap, and add water slowly as necessary. Experiment, it'll change a bit between products, just pay attention to your lather.