Your suggestions for a boar brush.

[Laz]

I would have loved to pick up a Semogue 2009 Limited Edition, but didn't hear about the brush until it was sold out.

So I am thinking about the Semogue 2000 or the Semogue 1305. Which of these 2 would you pick up and ? If not these, why would you choose something else?

I appreciate your thoughts.

 

[Klarion]

I'll recommend the brand new Semogue 830 Boar Brush. Knot's supposed to be even more densely packed than the 1305 at the same size (22 x 55). As you can see, it also has an acrylic handle, solving some of the gripes people have about chipping paint on the wooden handles, or the lacquer wearing off prematurely.

Seriously folks, stop dropping your brushes!

 

[Groundhog]

I'll recommend the brand new Semogue 830 Boar Brush. Knot's supposed to be even more densely packed than the 1305 at the same size (22 x 55). As you can see, it also has an acrylic handle, solving some of the gripes people have about chipping paint on the wooden handles, or the lacquer wearing off prematurely.

Seriously folks, stop dropping your brushes!

That one looks very comparable to the Omega 31064, another good boar.

 

[barneyb]

+1 for the 830. I have the 1305 and the LE. While the LE is fantastic, I still think the 1305 is very good and the 830 appears to be an improvement. Great looking brush as well.

 

[dcrosso]

Omega 31064 and 31156 at shoeboxshaveshop.com. The 31156 has a similar shape handle as the 31064, but in a beautiful veined green. Both of mine came with a plastic stand and a travel tube that is functional.

West Coast shaving has the 31064 for $22, unfortunately they do not carry the 31156. The 31156 is approx. $25 at Shoebox.

I am currently using in my rotation a 31064, 31156, a Semogue 1305 and a Vulfix VS/1. The handles of the Omega's and the Vulfix are better quality then the 1305.

The Vulfix is getting well broken in and is getting soft , but still scrubby. The knot is small but I like the feel of it. I holds enough lather for a couple of passes. I also use it for my travel brush.

 

[Loner16]

I just got Leon's newsletter yesterday about the new semogue #830. I couldn't contain myself any longer, and I ordered it today!

 

[andrew98]

Semogue 830 (or better yet) the 620 (depending on your needs). I really like the 50mm loft on the 620 (I face lather soaps), and the acrylic handle on both of these brushes is really smart looking. I'd avoid the wooden handled brushes. I've read about paint chipping off the 1305. I also think acrylic is just an overall better handle material. It'll last forever.

-Andy

 

[Klarion]

I think, for "better yet", you meant to advise Laz to buy the 830 and the 620.

 

[Laz]

I am a bit bummed to hear that the wood brushes aren't holding up well. I like the look of the wood brushes and don't care much for the acrylic handles.

 

[Laz]

If I am going to go acrylic, Help me pick one of these two brushes:

Which one do you think would be the best?
Why would you purchase it?
What would you expect from the brush? Would it be soft or scratchy, more densely packed...

* [URL="http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/omega-31156--banded31156.html"]Omega 31156[/URL]

or

* [URL="http://vintagescent.com/shaving-brushes-c-5/semogue-830-shaving-brush-p-83"]Semogue 830[/URL]

 

[Ignatius]

If I am going to go acrylic, Help me pick one of these two brushes:

Which one do you think would be the best?
Why would you purchase it?
What would you expect from the brush? Would it be soft or scratchy, more densely packed...

* [URL="http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/omega-31156--banded31156.html"]Omega 31156[/URL]

or

* [URL="http://vintagescent.com/shaving-brushes-c-5/semogue-830-shaving-brush-p-83"]Semogue 830[/URL]

Laz,

I own the 31064, which I believe has the same or a similar knot to the Omega above, It is VERY soft. Not very dense; I don't think you need density in a boar brush in the same way you do a badger brush though, it will pick up soap very adequately.

I'm thinking of getting the Semogue myself, which I believe will also be very soft as well; most good boars are.

 

[andrew98]

I'd go with the Semogue 830, but I like a short-ish loft and relatively small brushes. 25mm (Omega) is big.

-Andy

 

[andrew98]

I think, for "better yet", you meant to advise Laz to buy the 830 and the 620.

You're exactly right. That's what I meant.

-Andy

 

[Laz]

Thanks for your help gents. I ordered the Semogue 830 and a La Toja shave stick from vintage scents last night. I can't wait to try them out.

Any suggestions on breaking in the brush?

 

[Razorburne]

this is probably a very naive question, but is there much a difference in the quality of lather capable from a Semogue boar as compared to a VDH I can pick up at a local pharmacy? Is it just looks (nice styled acrylic or wood handle versus a molded piece of tan plastic), or do they actually perform different...very curious.

 

[Laz]

this is probably a very naive question, but is there much a difference in the quality of lather capable from a Semogue boar as compared to a VDH I can pick up at a local pharmacy? Is it just looks (nice styled acrylic or wood handle versus a molded piece of tan plastic), or do they actually perform different...very curious.

From what I have been reading lately, there is a difference in the boat hair used in the Semogue brushes (as well as other high end boar brushes). This is what got me interested in trying one again. When I first started shaving with double edge razor, I purchased a cheap boar bush to hold me over until my badger arrived. I hated the brush. It shed and was very rough and scratchy. It could be that I never broke the brush in properly.

Anyway, since a high end boar brush isn't much more expensive than the one I picked up for 7 bucks, I thought I would try another. I am hoping that I will notice a difference, but won't really know until it arrives.

 

[Razorburne]

Laz,

Once it arrives and you get a chance to test drive it a bit, give us an update...I, myself, would be very interesting in your experience (as I currently have the VDH as my boar lineup and would consider upgrading if worth it).

 

[Laz]

Laz,

Once it arrives and you get a chance to test drive it a bit, give us an update...I, myself, would be very interesting in your experience (as I currently have the VDH as my boar lineup and would consider upgrading if worth it).

I sure will. I hear boar brushes take a bit longer to break in. I will update the post and keep you informed on the progress and impressions of the brush.

 

[Townyj]

I can definitely recommend the Vulfix 404 bristle/badger brush! If you want to add something to the mix with your 830 I have one and it looks great next to my 1305!

 

[Klarion]

I just recently ran into Zach's "Guide to the Boar". Fun stuff. I think every boar fan should do themselves the service of at least reading the first post.

Here it is, on Shave My Face