Observation about boar brushes -- am I crazy?

[Greg788]

I have 2 boar brushes -- a Semogue with bleached hair (ca. $20) and a cheapo $10 Omega with natural brown hair.

I swear the Omega lathers better. Is it possible the bleaching removes oil or something and negatively affects "latherability" ?

 

[Doc Dan]

Which Omega do you have?

 

[Greg788]

Which Omega do you have?

The 10066

 

[Teppanyaki]

I don't know, but I would think that after lathering with a brush a few times that any residual oil would be removed by lathering and rinsing. If there is a difference, I would chalk it up to bristle number/size and how you lather.

In fairness, I can't remember the last time I saw a post about a problem boar brush; once they break in, Semogue/Omega/(I forget the other major brand) should all be good.

Hope this helps!

 

[Doc Dan]

The only 10066 I've handled had bleached hair, so I can't say. I'd assume that it is just the characteristics of that particular bunch of hair. Omega makes a nice brush and many people prefer them.

 

[Greg788]

I don't know, but I would think that after lathering with a brush a few times that any residual oil would be removed by lathering and rinsing. If there is a difference, I would chalk it up to bristle number/size and how you lather.

In fairness, I can't remember the last time I saw a post about a problem boar brush; once they break in, Semogue/Omega/(I forget the other major brand) should all be good.

Hope this helps!

It may also be that the Omega has a stiffer backbone, too, now that I think more about it. The Semogue is like the badger silver hair of boar, if that makes sense

 

[Ravenonrock]

I will say that the 66 is a fine little brush. I like both Semogue and Omega, bleached and natural. I can’t tell much difference with the bristles for producing lather myself.

 

[Tanuki]

I face lather. My 10066 has the backbone I love. Omega typically beats Semogue and Zenith in my book, but I enjoy them all. In my experience, unbleached knots require several shaves (or some break in process) before they lather as well as a bleached knot on shave 1.

Generally I find that loft and density have a bigger effect on lathering than bleached vs unbleached once boar knots are broken in.

 

[lasta]

It may also be that the Omega has a stiffer backbone, too, now that I think more about it. The Semogue is like the badger silver hair of boar, if that makes sense

Stiffer hair, lower density.

Most Semogues I've tried are floppy-ish, expands during lathering and introduces more air bubbles.

 

[Greg788]

I may need to buy another Omega. Question: is there a version of the 10066 with a nicer handle?

 

[Greg788]

One other question: which Semogue boar has the stiffest backbone?

 

[Kyle89]

Are they both sufficiently broken in?

Also, I think we're all a little crazy in a way lol.

 

[nav]

I have 2 boar brushes -- a Semogue with bleached hair (ca. $20) and a cheapo $10 Omega with natural brown hair.

I swear the Omega lathers better. Is it possible the bleaching removes oil or something and negatively affects "latherability" ?

I've always found unbleached badger and boar hair perform better than bleached hair.

 

[Doc Dan]

I've always found unbleached badger and boar hair perform better than bleached hair.

On or off the boar?

 

[nav]

On or off the boar?

Depends on how co-operative the badger and boar are!

 

[NorthernSoul]

I may need to buy another Omega. Question: is there a version of the 10066 with a nicer handle?

Take a look at the Omega 11137 with ash wood handle. Great brush.

One other question: which Semogue boar has the stiffest backbone?

Pick a Semogue with a larger knot and lower loft. I'd suggest the C5 Torga boar. 24mm knot with ~50mm loft.

 

[musicman1951]

One other question: which Semogue boar has the stiffest backbone?

I would suggest the badger/boar combination if you're looking for great backbone - the Mistura. Great brush, but the tips are not quite as soft as most.

 

[gpjoe]

I would suggest the badger/boar combination if you're looking for great backbone - the Mistura. Great brush, but the tips are not quite as soft as most.

The SOC Mistura is my favorite natural bristle brush, with my Connaught Jade a close #2.

 

[NorthernSoul]

One other question: which Semogue boar has the stiffest backbone?

Mistura

The SOC Mistura

The OP asked about boar brushes. The Mistura is a great brush, but not strictly speaking a boar brush!

 

[musicman1951]

The OP asked about boar brushes. The Mistura is a great brush, but not strictly speaking a boar brush!

Absolutely accurate. You will note that I mentioned it as a badger/boar combination. If one is looking for great backbone I would consider it a reasonable possibility. Certainly if including badger hair in your boar brush is illegal in your state you would ignore it as a choice.