This is my first boar brush. It is a used Omega boar brush(I got 4 brushes in a lot all that were all in used condition). I have no ideal how old this brush is. It feels super soft to skin. But the brush has no backbone and zero scrubbing feeling. When I face lather with this brush it feels more like a mop rather than a shave brush. Is a brush in this condition considered to be spent? Or is this normal for well used boar brush? Thanks
Omega Boar brush end of life
- Thread starter lilbump406
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Either that or when it starts to loose bristles constantly. I would change it as soon as as it doesn’t feel right (too soft, too,floppy) to you. @ivan_101 uses his 12-18 months for instance. I kicked 3-4 in the last 4 years.
You didn't specify a model (or show us a photo). Some Omega models are floppy, some are medium backbone, some are with a very strong backbone. But generally backbone will decrease with time.
Lovely.
Even better.
You’ve now reached boar nirvana.
Enjoy it.
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- #5
I will get some pics of this brush. I've only used a Simpson t2 and t3 Trafalar synthetic brush up and too this point. These 2 brushes have a way more agressive feel to them than this used Omega boar brush. When I splay (break the knot) of this brush in to my face; it stays splayed with no spring back. If this is normal;No harm no foul. Thanks again for all the replies gentlemen.
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- #6
That’s a very well broken in boar. If you’re not happy with the backbone there are other, stiffer offerings from Omega too.
That will be floppy compared to others. The design is meant to be held by a pinch grip on the bristles. Between the thumb and forefinger. See some classic Italian barber videos for technique. That stiffens it up a bit.
Having said that, I use mine holding the handle and it works fine for me.
Having said that, I use mine holding the handle and it works fine for me.
"Boar" just indicates the source of the hair, not the backbone. There is a great deal of variety available within the boar family - thank heavens.
Mr. Shavington
Knows Hot Turkish Toilets
Not that any of the hairs ever belonged to a boar.
I wonder if there were ever shaving brushes made with boar hair. I assume they would be a medium brown in colour. Would be interesting to know what boar hair feels like and how it performs in a brush, compared to pig bristle or badger.
Curious if anybody knows.
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- #12
Thanks again for all the knowledge gentleman. I got the complete lott for $20.00. So I've got $5.00 invested in this brush.
This is Omega 10048.
You bought a brush that is basically on the floppy side even out of the box. Mostly because of the loft - usually with different batches varying from 68 to 70mm. After some 50-60 shaves it enevitably becomes a floppy mop.
You bought a brush that is basically on the floppy side even out of the box. Mostly because of the loft - usually with different batches varying from 68 to 70mm. After some 50-60 shaves it enevitably becomes a floppy mop.
You bought a used boar brush?
Interesting…
Not many people do that because boars tend to be fairly inexpensive.
Yours can be had for about $12.50 new.
To answer your question; IMO a brush has reached the end of it’s life when it starts constantly loosing (i.e., clumps of) hair, the brush insert is falling out, or when the handle (wooden ones do that more than resin ones) is coming apart. With good care, boar brushes may live ten years or more, badgers even longer.
If the brush has no backbone and zero scrubbing feeling, as you put it, is not a sign that a brush has reached the end of life. Neither of the above two qualities changes significantly once a brush is broken in.
Boar brushes in particular can be quit stiff and scrubby when dry, but become softies with little spine once they are broken in (i.e., the boar hairs have split).
It seems you just happened to buy one of those.
The Omega Professionals, like your 10048 (a.k.a Pro 48), have fairly long bristles and once broken in they feel a bit like paint brushes and the length of their bristles accentuates the soft feeling.
I like Semogues, their Torga C5 boar has nice backbone, and Zenith (e.g., 507 series) makes nice boar brushes with backbone too. I prefer both brands over Omega, but many other shaver do like that brand.
Hope that helps…
B.
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I bought a lott of 4 brushes. 1 synthetic 2 boars 1 badger for $20.00.
Perfection!
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- #18
Thanks for the reply. Don't get me wrong the brush feels amazing. But this is my first boar brush. I've always used simpson synthetic brushes. So I did not know what to expect. I was expecting a much more aggressive feeling. Thanks again for the reply.
If you want some soft scrub and backbone, an Omega 10065 or 10066 should do you well for about $10 new. I love my 10065.
Face feel being a subjective thing, but density, loft vs knot size, hair selection and treatment all affect them.
And I’ve found that a cold/cool water soak gives a stiffer backbone that tap hot/warm soaks. So you could see how that works on yours
Indeed, Omega brushes can be bought for very little money. And I will never buy a used brush. This is unacceptable to me.
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