Semogue Excelsior 830 Break in? (I searched.really I did)

[Cagliostro]

I've never owned a boar brush but have heard many nice things about them and well I did do a search and didn't find much on the specifics of care, breaking in weather it needs to be done or not etc, I have been back into wet shaving for a few years now and my sole partner since getting back into it has been my Tweezerman badger brush. I find it to be a great little beginner brush that serves a purpose beyond beginnings, tidy little work horse it is. Recently I got a Semogue Excelsior 830 in a PIF and wow it is a little eye catcher very well made I can tell and I have heard nothing but goodness about it, I am sure it will be in my little rotation for a long long time.

And here are my questions.

What sort of care do these types require?

I hear they need break in time, other times I hear they don't.

There is no smell...yet...or dose that come out when wet? And yes I know that too will go away in use.

If break in is required isn't it some thing like 10 latherings or some thing? I dunno lol

So yes, new to boar but impressed by the quality and feel of it, what you say gents?

 

[Cagliostro]

Sides a bump...

I threw it to the wind and did a "break In" lathering a bit ago with my puck of Williams modern of course, soaked my boar in hot water a few minutes and added a couple drops to the top of the puck and after a bit went ahead and started the process. Got some back bone to it I say and very nice feel while lathering the puck, I didn't lather any thing but my hand after I got a nice little heap of lather on the brush and in the bowl. I applied said lather on my wet hand just for kicks, I feel like saying "Did you know?" Heres a discovery I made during the first break in step, the Williams I have long called a worthless hockey puck actually produced some fair amount of lather...and it was SLICK

So...the rumors I hear about boars ARE true, these things can take a hard soap or a soap that would not lather with a badger and force the issue. Now...I will have to try a shave with this supposed newly reformed puck to confirm, but it still made me go HUH? Wonders never cease I suppose in the shaving world, specially to think that Williams might actually become viable as a shavable soap for me.

 

[PFP_Dad]

I tried my first boar just a couple weeks ago and found it to be so good that I bought another. They destroy any soap that faces them and yet still feel great on the face. I find the dedicated break in a bit silly, just shave and it'll get softer.

 

[semi]

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/139297-How-To-Break-In-A-Brush-amp-Get-The-Funk-Out

 

[lowjax]

I've had 2 new boars (Semogue 1800 and VDH Boar) and haven't broken either in other than just using it.

 

[celestino]

Most boars will take 10-20 uses to break in. Depending how well they thoroughly dry and such. The 830 is the best boar brush, in my opinion! Enjoy the brush.

 

[tinashubby]

Since it was a PIF, was it new or used? If it was used, it likely has lost its funk and is already broken in...

 

[Cagliostro]

Thank you semi for that, I swear I can't find a thing some times, and well the search brings up so much it is hard for me to find just the one to post in.

Oh no this was brand new in the package along with all else I received, so nope totally new and thus why I am asking all about these wonderful brushes as I have never had one and well I had to ask because I don't want to goof with it and mes it up.

I'm all excited to shave tonight so I might just use the boar, then again never used one humm...we will see! I'll just go with PFP and use it, the break in did sound a lil silly too.

 

[Mick]

Boar brushes need to have their tips split before they are considered broken in.

The best way to do this is to use the brush and let it thoroughly dry (2-3 days) before using it again.

It is the use and complete drying that causes the tips to split which then softens the brush.

After about 2 months of using it every 2-3 days a boar brush will be broken in.

Just keep looking at the tips of your brush. When you see more than 50% of the tips have split, you can consider yourself past the break in period and your brush should perform the same, lather after lather from that point on.

 

[tinashubby]

Okey dokey on new!
My Boar brush didn't have much funk at all compared to my Badgers. Regarding break in, it will be an on going thing for several weeks, and then pretty much stop. Mine was real soft right from the get go.

 

[Cagliostro]

Wow this is insightful glad I asked, I didn't know a thing about brushes needing broken in really as I don't think badgers need it lol and my first brush is a best badger I think thats hat Tweezerman is made of. I haven't smelled any funk yet unles I am not so keen on spotting that, at any rate this brush might just be just the thing to coax a great shave from my Mama Bears Toasted Coconut...my badger apparently aint cutting it with that soap most likely as it is one hard sucker lol.

 

[mistercitizen]

I am waiting on an 830 boar as well as a SOC boar (they're in the mail). I was told to just use it to break it in. I've never used a boar brush before so all I know is that the hairs have to split which will take time. I imagine that comes down to how many wet/dry cycles more than anything..... and maybe the type of bristle. Of course you can break them in by doing lathers on your hand in the same manner. I think the point that the B&B member who told me to just use it was to not be too concerned on "breaking it in". Just know that it will take a while before it will perform that way it's supposed to perform in the end.... and don't pass judgement on it based on how it performs "pre-break-in". As for the "funk".... all brushes, both badger and boar, lose the funk eventually. I doubt anyone has a brush that's like Jerry Seinfeld's car that he couldn't get the BO stink out of. If there is a brush like that out there.... that would be an interesting thread.

Ben

 

[baskas]

Maybe this will help you (at least I know what I can get very soon )
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...ne)-break-in?p=4629736&highlight=#post4629736
Good choice.
J>

 

[not4pr0phet]

I only have one Semogue, but from what I understand, they need very little to break in. They don't have the funky smell that Omega brushes frequently do, and the tips are usually pretty soft to start with. As the hairs split with use, they do continue to get softer.

 

[jmsodpc]

i used a boar brush for the first time a couple days ago....amazing how badger/boar lather differently.


i prefer badger vs boar.

 

[BC1]

How is this brush for face lathering?

 

[NCJack]

I used and loved my 830 right out of the box, great feel, great "flow through", no smell, and it works face, bowl, mug or....what have you

 

[Sfbagger]

+1.
An 830 will be very nice out of the box and just get better.