Semogue 830 - First Shave

[dreadpirate]

Used my Semogue 830 for the first time this morning. So I have been using a Rooney 1/2 in Super for years. I recently got an Omega 10290 to give boar a try, and discovered I love the exfoliating effect and the lather produced by a boar brush. But I wanted a boar with a bigger knot, more loft, and a heavier handle; I don't like wood or ABS plastic - too light for my liking. The resin handle of the Rooney is an example of a great brush handle, IMHO.

My initial impressions of the 830:

1. Well made, attractive brush.
2. Great handle; feels much more substantial than ABS plastic; feels more dense than wood. Facets provide a good grip, as does the flair at the base.
3. Very soft! Feels more like pure badger than boar, on the first shave no less!!
4. It seemed to splay a bit. And in that I was some what disappointed.
5. Requires a bigger charge of soap than the Rooney badger; but so does the Omega. I guess boars are like that.
6. GREAT lather, just like the Omega boar. And this is another reason I love boar brushes. If you use a shave stick, it REALLY whips up a nice lather. I find that the soft badger leaves a soap film behind when I use a shave stick, that will actually clog the DE razor.

All in all, I like the brush; but I need to use it for a couple of weeks before I can make an informed opinion.

 

[Mick]

Nice write up. Thanks!!!


I find that I need to use more product and keep dipping the tips in water to help build a great lather when I use a boar brush. It's just one of "them thar thangs" that you have to do to get a great lather with a boar brush

 

[shaverjoe]

I, too, am just getting started with an 830. If you find it splays too much, consider a 620. Not as soft, but still a great brush. I have a 610 on the way which has the same loft as the 620 but same bristles as the 830.

Used my Semogue 830 for the first time this morning. So I have been using a Rooney 1/2 in Super for years. I recently got an Omega 10290 to give boar a try, and discovered I love the exfoliating effect and the lather produced by a boar brush. But I wanted a boar with a bigger knot, more loft, and a heavier handle; I don't like wood or ABS plastic - too light for my liking. The resin handle of the Rooney is an example of a great brush handle, IMHO.

My initial impressions of the 830:

1. Well made, attractive brush.
2. Great handle; feels much more substantial than ABS plastic; feels more dense than wood. Facets provide a good grip, as does the flair at the base.
3. Very soft! Feels more like pure badger than boar, on the first shave no less!!
4. It seemed to splay a bit. And in that I was some what disappointed.
5. Requires a bigger charge of soap than the Rooney badger; but so does the Omega. I guess boars are like that.
6. GREAT lather, just like the Omega boar. And this is another reason I love boar brushes. If you use a shave stick, it REALLY whips up a nice lather. I find that the soft badger leaves a soap film behind when I use a shave stick, that will actually clog the DE razor.

All in all, I like the brush; but I need to use it for a couple of weeks before I can make an informed opinion.

 

[celestino]

It is a fantastic brush and my favourite boar, besides the 2010 LE.

 

[acissa]

I have been using the 830 for a few weeks now, after having used a Shavemac 177 for almost two years exclusively. The 830 is my first boar brush. I have really enjoyed it, and it has made it hard to go back to badger. It works soaps really well, lathers nicely, great for face lathering, looks great, and at a great price.

 

[dreadpirate]

Ok - now I can say that I am extremely happy with my Semogue 830. This morning I used Valobra shave stick and lathered up a rich dense lather that was enough for three passes. No splay from the brush, and a close comfortable shave using my Gillette ball end old type. This is EXACTLY what I wanted in a brush. Not as stiff as my Omega 10290, but with plenty of backbone. Soft, but with enough "scritch" to make my beard stand up nicely. Gentleman, This is my brush.

 

[mistercitizen]

I, too, am just getting started with an 830. If you find it splays too much, consider a 620. Not as soft, but still a great brush. I have a 610 on the way which has the same loft as the 620 but same bristles as the 830.

What are your thoughts on getting the 610? Are you looking for a softer brush than the 620, but since the loft is less than the 830 are you anticipating less splay? (Forgive me if I'm wrong about the difference in loft between the 830 and the 610/620.... I'm making an assumption based on memory that the lofts of the 610/620 are less than the 830.... maybe I've got it switched??).

Ben

 

[CyberJCM]

The 830 was my first Semogue, and it is still one of my favorites. It is one that the breaking in will truly enhance its performance! Enjoy it!

 

[shaverjoe]

What are your thoughts on getting the 610? Are you looking for a softer brush than the 620, but since the loft is less than the 830 are you anticipating less splay? (Forgive me if I'm wrong about the difference in loft between the 830 and the 610/620.... I'm making an assumption based on memory that the lofts of the 610/620 are less than the 830.... maybe I've got it switched??).

Ben

What you mention is the primary reason-same loft as the 620 with tips like the 830. The 620 was my first boar. As it has broken in, I have really started enjoying it. The 830 gets a lot of love and for $22, I thought I would give it a shot. I really like the feel of the bristles, but I'm not sure I like the higher loft. This led me to buy the 610- that and the fact it is a great looking brush at a great price. Plus, it's a pretty safe buy- if I don't like it, I imagine it would go quickly on the BST.

 

[dreadpirate]

I continue to enjoy the 830. I actually did think about the 610/620; but the 830 is really what I want. To each his own; and there are plenty of cost-effective boar bristle brushes out there.

 

[SOS]

1. Well made, attractive brush.
2. Great handle; feels much more substantial than ABS plastic; feels more dense than wood. Facets provide a good grip, as does the flair at the base.
3. Very soft! Feels more like pure badger than boar, on the first shave no less!!
4. It seemed to splay a bit. And in that I was some what disappointed.
5. Requires a bigger charge of soap than the Rooney badger; but so does the Omega. I guess boars are like that.
6. GREAT lather, just like the Omega boar. And this is another reason I love boar brushes. If you use a shave stick, it REALLY whips up a nice lather. I find that the soft badger leaves a soap film behind when I use a shave stick, that will actually clog the DE razor.

All in all, I like the brush; but I need to use it for a couple of weeks before I can make an informed opinion.

I agree with you on all points, the 830 is my favorite boar brush over Omega's and the SOC. It's has some very badger like qualities while still retaining it boar behavior. If it was 5mm shorter in loft it would become the best brush on the market for me.

 

[dreadpirate]

I agree with you on all points, the 830 is my favorite boar brush over Omega's and the SOC. It's has some very badger like qualities while still retaining it boar behavior. If it was 5mm shorter in loft it would become the best brush on the market for me.

Now that I have used the brush for a while now, I like it even better. I hear what you are saying about the loft; but I think the brush is able to hold more lather with the extra loft. The foot print is just right for me, so I am a happy camper (er, ah, shaver).

 

[Z-TON]

Thank you very much, very good review!
I also got a Semogue 830 recently, and it's nice brush.

 

[superkreep]

Great review. I have a Semogue 2000 and an Omega 48. They are both wonderful, my Chubby 2 is used less and less. Also have a Semogue 620 en route !

 

[cryhavoc]

I continue to enjoy the 830. I actually did think about the 610/620; but the 830 is really what I want. To each his own; and there are plenty of cost-effective boar bristle brushes out there.

How would you compare it to the Omega 10290, not counting the handle?

 

[Shave_Rat]

I like the splay on the 830. It made me realize I prefer bigger brushes that have that splay. It's a great brush for sure.

 

[dreadpirate]

How would you compare it to the Omega 10290, not counting the handle?

That's a great question. The 10290 has a smaller knot and is much stiffer, but the brush tips are still reasonably soft. They are both very different brushes; the 830 with a bigger foot print, firm, but not as stiff as the 10290. For using a shave stick (which is my usual mode of shaving), I like the 830 better. If you want to charge your brush from a cake of soap, the 10290 is pretty sweet. The stiffer brush lends itself well to that scenario, IMHO.

It really boils down to what you want. I have both, so I get some variety.

 

[Jerry4roo]

I have had the 830 since August, and it is amazing. I was using a cheap Tweezerman which is good at times. I had problems lathering Mystic Water samples until I started using the 830. It made the soap pop with lather. Great brush!

 

[baskas]

My brush is starting to break, only what I did not like when boar did not hold water like badger is doing. Everything else is superb and acrylic handle is beautiful .
Probably I would not ever try to use it but this forum sucked me in so deep...

 

[jwenthold]

Thank you for the review! I just order the 830 as my first "real" brush. I have been using the Shea Moisture brush from target for about five months, which is mediocre. If this brush is as great as the reviews claim, I am set! I found my blades (feather and astra), soap (cella, mikes natural), and Razor (Merkur 37c) so the perfect brush will round things out nicely.