So much advice, even some personal emails...thank you all. I think to keep in fair and compare it to my whipped dog silver tip, I want to keep it the same size (or close, at least). So, I have narrowed it down to two boar brushes. Quick feedback if you have a moment between these two: Omega 10066 (now called the 80266 from my research) or the Semogue 1305. They are about the same size, loft, and knot very similar, and even the price....so what do you guys think? Thanks!!!
All other things being equal, I give the edge to Omega. Their brushes seem to break in just a little bit faster. ... but you can't go wrong with either of your choices. Both excellent. (psst... pick the Omega! )
I have 2 Semogue Boars,i consider them as the "Diva" Boar brushes,good looking handles and fancy bristle bloom I have to work more on the break-in period to see the final results. Omega brushes work as they came out of the box,yes some of them have cheap plastic handles but are the "tool for the job".
Not one bad bit of advice in this thread. Although, especially if you bowl lather, you owe it to yourself to get an Omega 10098.
Have to say I'm glad to see peoples opinions of the 10049 are positive. I decided I wanted to try out a boar, but I also needed a "drying" stand (the whiskers don't grow quite quick enough to need a shave everyday, and still getting the hang of things/using a cartridge type so irritation is an issue, and I don't like putting the brush away still damp). Looked around and found a decently priced little kit with a stand, bowl, and 10049 and pounced on it. Then a few hours later I started kicking myself for not bothering to look around and find out opinions on the brush. So, glad to see my hair trigger buying habits haven't gotten me into trouble....this time.
"Drying" stands are NOT a necessity. All but one of my brushes in rotation is in stand. The rest get a good shaking, towel wipe down, then just set up on the shelf, bristles up (I figure there's a reason for a flat bottom handle). Been doing this for almost six years - not a single issue. You're very correct not putting away a damp brush, if by that you mean putting it in the medicine cabinet or a closet. All mine sit out all the time and get sufficient air circulation to avoid mold and mildew.
Well it really is more of a want, and I figured the flat bottom was so you could stand it on the counter while you did the razor work lol. The majority of my shaving stuff goes in a drawer out of the way, so definitely have to let brushes get good and dry first.
+1for the Semogue 1305! I've had mine a little over a month now and I love it more and more every day!
I just recently acquired a Semogue 1250. I also own an Omega 11575. Now I know neither is fully broken in yet however I prefer the Semogue over the Omega.
HEAR! HEAR! Right on, Steve! There is some shaving "truth" out there that is little more than someone's preference that has somehow been elevated to moral imperative. I remember reading a bunch of hoo-hah rules for how you "must" treat a cast iron skillet. I never followed a single one and have been using my cast iron for YEARS incident free. I've recently begun breaking other shaving traditions, too! Without a whole lot of rhyme and very little reason, I have started some shaves straight ATG. Not for noobs. Not every day. And not every razor. However, I've gotten some very nice BBS shaves - just 1 pass ATG plus touchups. (and no... I'm not one of those guys who can skip a day and no one notices!) "It's your shave. Enjoy it your way."© <— This is why I am a swardenite!
If you are a face latherer, I would suggest the Omega 31064 brush, as it is one of the top rate Omega brushes. It is especially good if you are a hard, triple-milled soap person. T'he Omega's with the 31XXX numbers have different boar hair than their other brushes. Very soft tips, in fact, almost as soft as badger. Yet these brushes have the backbone needed to attach hard soaps, and produce excellent lather. The handle is stunning, and large enough to grip comfortably. Acrylic. The other suggestion, would be the Semogue 1800. Again, a wonderful hard soap brush. It consists of a 75% Best, with 90% Premium hair, for a soft tip, yet superior backbone. So as not to get the hated "flop" we hear so much about. It is a lather machine, that won't disappoint. And again, a handle this is large enough to grip without slipping from your hand. It is unpainted with a ash wood handle, that gives it a vintage appearance. These brushes are more expensive than your $10 variety, but life only lets you go around once, so why do it cheaply and keep wondering what you have missed.
