Need help with performance of Silvertip vs Boar

[fsturnz]

Okay, I've tried most everything I've read here, but I need some help with my silvertip.

I have an old Ever Ready that I inherited from my father. No matter what soap I use, it lathers up a storm.

Upgraded to an Omega silvertip that I thought I'd use on the weekends. Love the feel of it on my face, but no matter how hard I try, I just can't get the lather to match what I can get with the old badger. My procedure is the same with both: I soak the brush in warm water while I prep, then shake it dry before I work up the lather. Soaps are RazoRock Sandalwood and Proraso Red.

With the silvertip, I read that they hold more water, so I tried shaking and squeezing more of the water out. I've tried using it wetter, I've tried using it drier. I've tried placing some water on top of the soap first, and I've tried starting with it dry.

I really love the quality of this Omega, and it fells like heaven on my face. But why can't I get a good lather with it? I know the badger is stiffer, and so probably doesn't take much to whip up the soap, but what do I need to do with the softer silvertip to get similar results without damaging the brush?

 

[fsturnz]

Oops..sorry, all...I meant to say that the old Ever Ready is boar...but couldn't figure out how to change the post heading.

 

[djh]

You obviously know how to make good lather as you are able to do so with your inherited brush. There will be some kind of adjustment in going to a softer badger brush- I would suggest that you wet the soap, soak the brush, shake most of the water out of your brush and then spend a couple of minutes loading soap before starting to make lather. It sounds to me as if you don't have enough soap loaded- especially if your new brush is larger than the older one.

An alternative would be to rub your soap puck on your face (as you would with a shave stick)- that way you will definitely know that you have enough soap in the mix.

 

[edgerunner]

I also think it's caused by the typical mistake when switching brushes - not enough soap. I haven't used an Omega badger, but I believe they have high lofts and are relatively floppy. There's nothing wrong with floppy brushes but they require some adjustment when loading, especially switching from boars.

 

[Toucan]

I thought badgers were universally, unanimously accepted as better quality?

 

[Soldierdan]

I thought badgers were universally, unanimously accepted as better quality?

Not true, there are many that swear by the boar and wouldn't switch to badger if paid. Its a personal preference thing.

 

[celestino]

I also think it's caused by the typical mistake when switching brushes - not enough soap. I haven't used an Omega badger, but I believe they have high lofts and are relatively floppy. There's nothing wrong with floppy brushes but they require some adjustment when loading, especially switching from boars.

+1 i would also suggest loading more soap. Good luck.

 

[NSmalls]

When I switched from a pure to an Omega Silvertip 636 I had some issues at first getting a good lather with VDH. But I also have hard water. Once the brush bloomed and broke in the problems disappeared and the brush lathers like a pro.

 

[fsturnz]

Thanks everyone. I know the silvertip is mush more full, and is more fan shaped than the old boar. I'll try your suggestions, and be patient. I'm sure I will finf the right method...just needed a little encouragement!

 

[franz]

Just load the heck out of it! 60 sec or more on the puck should do the trick. Good luck.

EDIT: To the extent that you're using cream, same principle: more product!