Lets see if I can put in the right info: I have been wetcshaving for 3 wks now. Been using VDH boar brush and have been practicing all the skills on here. I can make a pretty darn good lather with that cheap brush, and I like the feel of it, not so big that it smothers my face, not so small that I can't get enough lather. Been looking at semogue, I like the look of their 830 (the red acrylic handle is sexy) so would that be a fair upgrade, keeping the things I like while improving appearance and a little brush density increase? Oh, and my spending range is up to about 50 bucks for now.
Which brush-
- Thread starter MRoney
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Another option I have been considering is the muehle synthetics. Anybidy know if they have a similar scritch to the boar brushes?
I just got an SOC and I find it to be a wonderful brush - and it's not even close to being broken in.
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Which one did you get?
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Are they the same company?
Simpson special in best badger would be my recommendation. Not too large, good quality and well within your budget. And it'll last for years.
No, they are two different manufacturers. They both make good boar brushes.
They're the two high end manufacturers who do primarily boar brushes. Most other name brand shaving brush makers focus on badger brushes and maybe have a boar or two. With SOC and Omega it's the opposite. They are mostly boar brushes, but with a handful of badgers as well.
My impressions have been that semogue are a bit better made and for the most part (excluding painted wood handles, basically) look much nicer. You can get a solid omega (with an awkward handle) for about $7 (mighty midget) or a very nice (one of my favorite boar brushes, the 1470) Semogue for $11-15 or so. They also have pricier models available. The semogue has the boar SOC (which is I believe their priciest all-boar) that is very nice for around $40 if memory serves. And Omega has some "professional" (aka larger) brushes that are popular with some and I believe are around the $20 pricepoint.
If you want a boar, I'd recommend the Semogue 1470 first, and the Omega mighty midget second. Pocket the $30-40 you save for liquor. If you want to splurge on high end boar, I don't think you can do better than the Semogue Owner's Club (SOC) and it should be right around your budget, in truth though, I like my 1470 just as well as I like my SOC.
My impressions have been that semogue are a bit better made and for the most part (excluding painted wood handles, basically) look much nicer. You can get a solid omega (with an awkward handle) for about $7 (mighty midget) or a very nice (one of my favorite boar brushes, the 1470) Semogue for $11-15 or so. They also have pricier models available. The semogue has the boar SOC (which is I believe their priciest all-boar) that is very nice for around $40 if memory serves. And Omega has some "professional" (aka larger) brushes that are popular with some and I believe are around the $20 pricepoint.
If you want a boar, I'd recommend the Semogue 1470 first, and the Omega mighty midget second. Pocket the $30-40 you save for liquor. If you want to splurge on high end boar, I don't think you can do better than the Semogue Owner's Club (SOC) and it should be right around your budget, in truth though, I like my 1470 just as well as I like my SOC.
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Thanks so much, I didnt want to buy a "keeper" until I knew how to use them. I honestly thought boar was the poor mans brush, but after using my cheapy I see that even cheap boar actually does the job well and comfortably. One final question, is there a durability difference between boar and badger or does that all come down to construction and use factors?
no difference in durability from what i've experienced. if you buy a painted Semouge, you can expect it to chip/crack etc. Almost all of the 1305's and painted Semogues show some signs of wear in the form of chips or cracked paint.
i don't use Boar often, but when i do, it's the SOC.
wood handle, engraved logo, natural hair, and under $30 shipped.....it's a keeper.
I have sold all of my boar brushes at my last big thinning.
The Muhle synthetics are fantastic brushes but nothing like a boar brush.
I replaced 4 Simpsons badger brushes (wee scot, case, beaufort, and duke 1) with a single 19mm Muhle to use as my travel brush if that tells you what I think of them.
If you get one for home use you may want a larger knot like their 21mm brush
BUT.....
Like I said above. They are NOT like a boar brush. Think super silvertip badger and you will be on the right track
In your price range of $50, I strongly suggest that you consider the Semogue Owners Club in boar. This brush is held in high esteem on this board, but then so are all of the Semogue boars. At your price range you can buy a truly GREAT boar brush. I like the Semogue 610 for face lathering, a real bargain IMO. Today I used the SOC in my scuttle, this is going to be a wonderful brush once the tips do their split thing.
I prefer my badger in Silvertip and have upgraded my "bargain" badger brush purchases with brushes exceeding $50, so I'll make no suggestions other than listen to the Turtle.
I prefer my badger in Silvertip and have upgraded my "bargain" badger brush purchases with brushes exceeding $50, so I'll make no suggestions other than listen to the Turtle.
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Badger brushes are not better than boar, that being said boar is not better than badger. Both of these brush types can be used to make a good lather.
Also badger doesn't equal quality, you can't use the hair type to determine it. There are many poorly made badger brushes, as well as boar brushes out there.
I personally don't see any reason to pay a lot of money for a brush. There's just so many good inexpensive brushes out there that do the job well.
OK guys, I'm in shock and awe that no one has pushed this brush
for $20 @ WCS I think you cant go wrong and if you don't like it, it should sell quickly on the B/S/T
for $20 @ WCS I think you cant go wrong and if you don't like it, it should sell quickly on the B/S/T
Semogue 830 or SOC are both great brushes.
You could always go with a Frank Shaving custom synthetic for $25 delivered. You can ask them to set the loft at your preferred height and these things will make tons of lather!
Good luck to you.
You could always go with a Frank Shaving custom synthetic for $25 delivered. You can ask them to set the loft at your preferred height and these things will make tons of lather!
Good luck to you.
Another vote for the SOC. The density and quality of the boar bristles is outstanding. The handle is a nice shape and is very comfortable in my hand. I was also amazed that it worked great right out of the box, and continues to get better every time I use it (and it's still not even a month old.) I can't wait to see how great the SOC is when it's finally done with the break-in period.
Nick
Nick
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Great, thanks again. And I may just get the B&B brush, just waiting for another color... we will see when one strikes me
