I may buy a Semogue Owners Club boar brush at some point. If I were to do so, is there any appreciable difference in the durability of the ash handle vs. the rose handle, esp. given exposure to water? I'm not too experienced with either type.
I have a 2000 in Ash and a SOC in Cherry. I don't soak either brush prior to use. I rinse and wipe them down after use. Both have held up very well. The 2000 is the favorite of all my brushes.
OK, so no noticeable difference as far as you've experienced. I see you really like the 2000 and put it ahead of the SOC according to your preference, even though the SOC is twice the price. Seems the SOC wouldn't be worth it, then. Maybe I should just stick with my 1305 & be happy with that.
I haven't noticed any real difference in the durability. I like the looks of the wood on the SOC better. I prefer the shape of the 2000 handle as it reminds me of my first brush, a Omega 10005. The knot of the 2000 is larger with more loft then the SOC. The grade of hair is different, but not all that much different. I paid about $20 for the 2000 and the SOC was $30 shipped from Portugal during the last sale. I think I like the 2000 better because the knot is larger. If you like large brushes, go for the 2000. If medium is more your thing, go for one of the other offerings. IMO, they are both great brushes. Get whichever one appeals to you more.
I don't think I'd like a large brush. I have three brushes that are medium-sized, which feels about right. I suppose I'll keep an eye out for a sale on the SOC if I'm to ever get one, as I'm in no rush. It sounds like you got a great deal! I appreciate the info.
I just want to add something, I have the SOC Rosewood handle and I soak the brush before I use it. I have had it for several months and it has held up fine! The knot did fall out once but that some freak issue with the epoxy, but it glued back in just fine! The wood still looks just as good as it did when it was new. However, it took me a while to break the brush in, but it is deffinately worth the wait!
OK, thanks for the info Iradke! I was hoping to hear that, because if I do end up getting one, I prefer the look of the rosewood.
It's Cherry wood and Ash isn't it, unless they just changed the handle materials recently? I have the the cherry in both the 2 band and boar holding up fine, I just don't soak the handles.
Yes it is. I was just too lazy to look up the handle types . I should also state that only a small portion of the handle (around the collar) is under the water when I soak mine...my brushes tend to tip at awkward angles while soaking, causing a part of the handle to be submerged...but as mentioned, no damage has been done so far.
