Trying out Boar

I had a poor experience a few years ago trying a boar brush, & have stayed away from them ever since. Well, recently I decided to give them a try again. I've got several in now to try. I think this go-around is going to be better than my previous attempt. Here's what I've acquired the past couple of weeks.

Are there others I should consider?

  

That’s a better than great start. You got most of my favorites covered right there but if you start liking them be sure to pick up a Semogue Owners Club. That is my favorite boar brush. Only wish they made it in a 27/28 mm knot.

They all look good. I started with the Stirling Kong synthetic, moved on to high end badgers and now do at least 7/10 shaves with one of 4 boar brushes that I have.

I've likewise recently given boar another shot. So far, still utterly unimpressed.

Years ago I tried a Semogue 620. Either used it or hand lathered-then-towel-dried & stropped it 5 days a week minimum, for more than six months. It never got comfortable for me to use -- skritchy/pokey as hell. I'm not talking "scrub"; felt like some parts soft, but also really pokey/ sharp bristles. I still have it around......for use as a computer keyboard duster.

Early last week I received the Jade Omega 011842 from Connaught. I did the soak in the refrigerated water bit for two 24 hour cycles and have used or hand lathered and towel stropped every day since. Still feels prickly/pokey to me. I can see that the (light colored hairs) tips are split, but there are these dark, thick hairs interspersed that I presume are the culprit. but they're all over the place. I tried plucking a few but gave up.

hrug: Guess boar just isn't for me. I'm willing to try stuff if I can sense a glimmer of reason to, but my experience with boar has not made me want to try any more. It'd just be me throwing good money after bad. I'd rather spend 5+ times as much and get a quality badger, or pay similar for a quality synth. YMMV, and all that, all contrary views accepted, but this has simply been my experience.

You have a good collection.
Semogue and Zenith boar brushes might be an alternative if you want to try more 'luxurious' knots.
Have fun.

Very nice collection.
I have a 1305 and love it. Looking to get one of the new brushes in the Semogue lineup.


Greetings from Santa Rosa, CA

Trying out a boar has to be a commitment of more than a few shaves.  Even using the refrigerator technique it will take a matter of weeks of using a Boar brush to begin to break it in so that you can really experience what they are about.  Better to commit to one or two brushes and then use them once a week each.  Remember to soak int warm water for at least 15 minutes before using it.  

I have been really enjoying boar brushes lately, my favourite is the Semogue 2000

https://www.fendrihan.ca/products/semogu...gJ-FPD_BwE

JoeLr I don't think you should judge boar brushes on the Semogue 620 - I bought one of those a couple of months ago and I do not like it at all and I am a boar brush fan.  I think its a terrible knot.  My boars that I like are the Semogue Owners Club, Semogue 2000, Semogue 1305 and the Omega 10049.  I also recommend using a reasonably abrasive lather bowl on boars during the break in period to help accelerate the split end formation.

I had a poor experience a few years ago trying a boar brush, & have stayed away from them ever since. Well, recently I decided to give them a try again. I've got several in now to try. I think this go-around is going to be better than my previous attempt. Here's what I've acquired the past couple of weeks.

Are there others I should consider?

  

What is the brand of those brushes with the badger image on the handles?

I had a poor experience a few years ago trying a boar brush, & have stayed away from them ever since. Well, recently I decided to give them a try again. I've got several in now to try. I think this go-around is going to be better than my previous attempt. Here's what I've acquired the past couple of weeks.

Are there others I should consider?

  

What is the brand of those brushes with the badger image on the handles?

Sorry I didn't identify the brushes. Photo of the 5 brushes, left to right, the first 3 are B & B Essential Boar brushes with an Omega knot. My understanding is these brushes don't have the typical Omega bristle in them, but a finer bristle. It is not the same bristles as in the B&B 10th Anniversary brush either. I'm new to boar brushes, but what I've found is they are a wonderfully soft bristle, not at all like the other Omegas I have. I lathered the purple brush once & let it dry, then used it. Soft & wonderful. I didn't know boar could be this good! The other 2 B & B Essential Boar brushes I purchased in case I liked the first one. I love it, so I'm keeping the other two as backups. The other two brushes in that pic are Omegas, 10108 & 100049. The second pic is a Mondial brush, one lather & I used it, super soft & plush. This brush was recommended to me after I explained what I was wanting (not stiff or scrubby). I'm glad I took the gentleman's advice, this is a terrific introduction to boar. And the last picture is an Omega Jade, a brush repeatedly referred to as the best boar brush by numerous gentlemen.

All in all, I'm quite happy with how I've ventured into the land of boars. Having several allows me to try different brushes & find what I like, & don't like. Just like badger & synthetics, there are many types of bristle used, & that makes a difference in the performance & attributes of the brush. Loft plays an important role in how the brush performs. I'm amazed how, after a few lathers, some brushes are soft & dense & extremely pleasurable to use while others need to continue having lathers, rinse, & dry cycles. I've learned that to get the brush broken in, the drying between uses is key. The drying is what aids in the splitting of the bristles. Some brushes are ready after one lather, others may need 10 - 30 lathers.

I used to be a badger snob using my Paladin's, M&F's, Rooney's, & others. But I've discovered the enjoyment of using a boar brush & will continue being a boar user. I'll also be a badger user & a synthetic user. I've allowed my horizon to be expanded & I like the new view!

Well done. IMO all you have to do is a. Put them all in a glass with enough water to barely cover the tips, put them in the fridge, take them out in 3 days and give them a good wash, b. Use them to finalize the brake in process and c. Consider putting the larger knots in a handle and correcting their loft to your preferences (use the green handled as a reference). That is it.

Omega boar brushes are awesome. Have fun!