My next boar will likely be an Omega, just so I can compare it with a Semogue. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Both Omega and Semogue are very nice but so are many other makes. Yesterday was a Cased Badger that I really enjoyed from Peerless.
I have an Omega 81569 @ 53mm handle 53mm loft and 24mm knot. I had given this to my son and he dropped it and cracked the handle, so I replaced it with a restored synthetic. The Omega, I repaired and weighted it, but he was so happy with his synthetic, he didn't want the Omega back. The bristles are not even broken in yet, so still quit stiff. PM me if your interested in it ... no charge.
It's really too big. Go smaller. Omega boar anything is a good choice though. Tried synthetic yet? I quit boar and Badger after I went synthetic. Might be worth a look too.
Great plan. The only issue I see is that you need a good quality badger for a fair comparison. They tend to be a bit more expensive. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
The Omega is one of the best buys in shaving. You need to break it in, let the tips fray and then you get soft tips with a nice backbone.
The badger I have at the moment is a pure badger that was part of this set I ordered a few years ago and is the only brush I have ever used. I like the shape of the handle and the size of the loft but the knot could be bigger in my opinion. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050K7ZHG/?tag=thshde-20
If you must buy a boar, look to Stirling soaps or omega. I always recommend synthetics, which there are a ton of good ones (maggards, whipped dog, and Stirling come to mind).
People tend to like either Omega or Semogue boars, at least that is the impression I get here on TSD (and my own experience as well). My own preference is clearly for Omega knots, but for others it is the other way around ... so don't follow recommendations from others, but try for yourself. There is no "best" boar brush ... there's only "best for you".
@LSUfanBR Have you looked into our local TSD brush guru @Jayaruh ? He has VERY high quality brushes at great prices. I have found that the best synthetic knots are the black tuxedo and the game changer knot. I will give some pic examples below: Jayaruh brushes: Black tuxedo knot: Game changer knot: The black tuxedo is simply the softest knot in existence, yet it has decent backbone. The game changer knot is also quite soft (though not as soft as the tuxedo), but has more backbone. I should mention that Jayaruh (Jim) has both, but I only own a game changer with one of his handles (is is the far left brush in the top pic), but I do not have one of his black tuxedo brushes...but he does have them.
I've never tried them, but I some people like Zenith brushes that are made in Italy. They can be found on Ebay.
I had that, felt like was using a wallpaper brush. The bristles are great, but over all too big. But everyone likes different things.
