Im wanting to get a Semogue brush and im looking at the Semogue 830. Hows the quality of this brush in terms of backbone and softness? Is it better than an Omega Pro 49(my current brush)? I usually bowl lather too so would this brush do well for it?
Never used one of those but I LOVE my 1250. Everything about it , the Wooden handle, the grip, the bristles. So just buy a Semogue, Trust me.
I chose the 830 for my first boar brush and I really like it. While it is great for face lathering - I had a great shave the other day using MWF - it also does a great job in a bowl. The size to me is just right. I have never used the Omega 48 or 49, but I know they are bigger. The 830 becomes very soft in the tips when broken in, and has good backbone. I think you will enjoy it.
One note: it does take some time for the 830 brush to break in & bloom to the fullest potential. The images I posted above are NOT right out of the box. They are shown after many uses and fully-bloomed. Your first few uses, you may be somewhat disappointed in the floppiness or stringiness of the knot. In time and with use, the tips will soften and the brush will gain body—but not overnight. To expedite this process, I thoroughly lapped the brush vigorously on a dry towel following and before every use. Eventually it transformed to a fully-bloomed boar—from left to right in this photo: I'm not a fan of big splayed brushes, so I 'tube' the brush after each use (an empty bathroom tissue tube slipped partly over the knot). The result is a more 'controlled' bloom as seen in the earlier photo of the two side by side.
One of my favorites. For me, great for face lathering with soft soaps. BTW - the 830 has the same knot as the 1305 which is the Vintage Scent's best selling brush for a long, long time. Both the 830 and the 1305 are winners. Ed
Yep, you're probably may be looking at a comparable time (possibly much less) depending on how often its used and/or your drying routine.
I wasn't going to buy my brush till next month but what do I find in my email but a 10% off coupon from maggards! I couldn't resist so I ordered my Semouge 830 and a tuck of perma-sharp blades to try.
Both the 830 and the 49 are excellent brushes. I have and frequently use both. I would say the differences you inquired about are this: the 830 will feel initially softer and have less back bone and will continue to soften. The '49 has much scritchier bristles to begin with and pretty substantial back bone, but they will soften tremendously with use. Eventually you'll wind up with two great brushes of about equal softness and the '49 maintaining just a bit more back bone than the 830.
I just got my brush today and it's a beauty. It's smaller than I thought it'd be but I guess all brushes look small next to a Pro 49 lol. Right outta the box I could tell the bristles were great quality. I did a test lather and it made a rich lather pretty quickly. My only complaint is that I wish the logo was molded into the handle and not a sticker that's gonna fall off after a few lathers. I'm still happy with my purchase though. I think for Xmas I'm gonna get a Whipped Dog Silvertip, I don't own any badger brushes.... Yet....
