that was a really good thread with good ideas.I bet that Mr Gomes was really grateful for the ideas.I wanna go so badly to visit his factory in Portugal(Semogue)Great brushes and cheap,sad that theyre not well known outside Portugal and Spain and good that you are helping to spread the fame of them.
...I'd use every brush at least once before shipping it out. In regards to the other stuff, I can't help you.
Oh yes, we are always thinking on renewing brushes. The latest brushes that were made, the 730 in Portuguese Oak handle - later renamed to 2015 - and the high density silvertip brushes, all came from ideas that I picked up from everal forums and customer requirements and wishes. Yes, that's right, Semogue isn't well known outside this country or the Iberian peninsula, but I like to think that I'm helping an old factory, the very last in its business, to aim for new heights. Call me patriotic, but it makes me feel good.
Thats great Leon.Semogue and Vie Long represents a lot for people like us.I hope to visit someday the Semogue factory and meet Mr.Gomes.
If I were running a shaving brush factory, I would understand how difficult it would be to please everyone, so, I would likely make something that's very classic, very tasteful, and very useful. In addition, something very different. And if I were to ask the opinion of a large group of people, I would also ask supporting questions, such as how many brushes they have, and what they like or dislike about the brushes they have; I would try to put some weight behind each and every opinion, that way you could take some with a grain of salt, as we say to describe worthless opinions, like "I want a brush handle made out of leather" versus the opinions of those who have tried all of what there is out there; the the opinions of those who have already compared a Semogue to a Rooney/Vulfix/Simpson/Shavemac/Plisson would have the greatest weight. Back to your questions: Most of us who use a brush are attempting to connect with the past, with the old ways, or with tradition. And for that reason we don't want a shave brush made out of a Porsche gear shifter. For the handle, I would stick with wood, acrylic, or lathe turned plastic/faux ivory. I would pass on horn. There are shapes that look good and are popular, and then there are shapes that perform well and are ergonomic. I would prefer the latter; a combination of attractive yet easy to hold, and won't tire me out if I want to whip a lather for 3 minutes. The 2015 handle is both attractive, ergonomic, solid, and reminiscent of better times as well. To ask what is most popular is a tough one on a forum, with regard to getting a useful answer. When you ask that question, most will think "What would the cognoscenti say is the most popular? +1 to that!" I think that none here are in a position to improve on Sr. Gomes' work, myself certainly included. But, what would we buy? I think something different than what we already have. Good luck, Leon!
Save Your Money I wish you all the best if this is what you wish to do, however the market is quite flooded in my opinion. I do not believe that brush shaving will ever be what it is here in USA that it is overseas.
Erm... I think paying a graphics designer 50 euros for a few hours work on packaging (once) - would prove it self to be far more profitable then saving pennies on something that is not sold. Good luck with that, if I know small and old family business, you'll be doing most of the work, while they rise resist to change.
You did of course read that the factory is in PORTUGAL, and is selling worldwide? Gentlemen, please research before you speak. This thread is quite old, and Semogue brushes are becoming quite popular. Their brushes are popping up all over, and they are releasing new models as we speak. Also, if people are buying the brushes online, then box design really has little to do with sales--it's the product, my friend. Have you ever bought a high end brush? Other than Kent, do ANY of them have fancy packages? I know that Simpsons and Shavemac have simple cardboard coffins...but they sell because the users talk about them, and people listen.
Yes, time runs fast, indeed! I remember when I first presented you with these brushes. I'm happy I'm to blame its worldwide reputation. Right, Semogue isn't the only one not expending time and money with fancy boxes - simply plain boxes do its work, although I admit that fancy boxes are more appellative, but more costly at the end.
Leon,tell Mr Gomes to make more boar brushes,please.I got the 1305 today and its a great brush.I cant believe how cheap it is.A Vie Long similar to that one would cost me almost 21 euros (boar brush and yes with a fancy box but I dont use the box for shaving...)
Interesting idea. I'd experiment with modern plastic resins for the handles, not unlike those used by tobacco pipe manufactures(ex. Savinelli). A well refined recycled material might be interesting marketing point. Design wise, it would be interesting to modernize the basic design to more current simplistic shapes(such as a plain cylinder without the lathe shaping). Think what German industrial designer Gerd A. Müller did for fountain pens back in the 60s. The Lamy 2000 is still in the forefront for form and function. Mixing aluminum inlays in with the modern resins might be fun too. They'd need prominent marketing and a solid warranty. Cheers.
