Thread: Problem with boar brushes ?

Badger's don't have antibacterial hair. AoS was just trying to sell you the more expensive badger brush.
I use brushes made of boar, badger, horse, camel, and synthetic depending on my mood. They all feel different and they all feel good.

I used shaving oil in the beginning to give me a little bit more protection while I learned blade angle and lathering. Now I only use it
to add a little bit of luxury when I do a full on shave with steaming towels.

Wow!!!! You just saved yourself a whole lot of $$$$$$$$$$$$$

Boar, badger, horse or synthetics are all a matter of personal preference. I prefer badger and then boar. I don't like synthetic or horse hair brushes enough to own one. All things considered, there is no brush more luxurious than a 3 band silvertip badger.

I am new to straights but have tried more brushes than I care to admit (DE shaver). It is rumored that AOS Silvertips are made by Shavemac. I have owned an AOS and Shavemac silvertips and can personally tell you that the rumors are probably true. Shavemacs are some of the best brushes at ANY price point. You can spend more but the knots won't get better.

I would recommend a Shavemac brush with out any reservations. However I would not pay AOS prices for one. Buying a new 26mm Silvertip directly from Shavemac will run you about $135 shipped to the US. You can go onto their website and pick a handle, material, color, knot size etc.. You can basically get a semi custom brush for that $135. That's not a bed deal at all.

While you are at it, pass on the AOS straight. I have one and its great, but its not worth $300. I believe they are made by Dovo and can be purchased for about $150ish.

Originally Posted by azgabe

Wow!!!! You just saved yourself a whole lot of $$$$$$$$$$$$$

Boar, badger, horse or synthetics are all a matter of personal preference. I prefer badger and then boar. I don't like synthetic or horse hair brushes enough to own one. All things considered, there is no brush more luxurious than a 3 band silvertip badger.

I am new to straights but have tried more brushes than I care to admit (DE shaver). It is rumored that AOS Silvertips are made by Shavemac. I have owned an AOS and Shavemac silvertips and can personally tell you that the rumors are probably true. Shavemacs are some of the best brushes at ANY price point. You can spend more but the knots won't get better.

I would recommend a Shavemac brush with out any reservations. However I would not pay AOS prices for one. Buying a new 26mm Silvertip directly from Shavemac will run you about $135 shipped to the US. You can go onto their website and pick a handle, material, color, knot size etc.. You can basically get a semi custom brush for that $135. That's not a bed deal at all.

While you are at it, pass on the AOS straight. I have one and its great, but its not worth $300. I believe they are made by Dovo and can be purchased for about $150ish.

Good post. +1 on the Shavemac.

Originally Posted by criswilson10

Badger's don't have antibacterial hair. AoS was just trying to sell you the more expensive badger brush.

The top line of AOS brushes have undergone a process where a beautiful virgin wood nymph painstakingly injects colloidal silver into the base of each strand of hair before tying the knot. The silver releases itself slowly over time through the tips. This of course gives them their antibacterial qualities, explains their name, and justifies their cost.

A lot depends on how you lather, boar is generally stiffer and can whisk a lather in a cup or on you face, but as said will soften with use.

There is a world of difference between a quality Badger and a cheap Badger knot, personally I think everyone should own a quality or custom brush.

Semoque does make some great, inexpensive, Boar brushes. Any brush should be cleaned with a vinegar soak and shampoo every few months.

Really, it boils down to personal preference and if you face lather or bowl. We do have some great and knowledgeable, brush makers on this forum. And it is true you can buy a custom for less than the price of a Quality Name brand, but ether is a lifetime purchase.

Don’t use oil, tried it but I found I made my brushes weird. You will have to clean your brushes more often as they will absorb the oil.

There are lots of great brushes out there made from all kinds of materials as others have already said.

I always take things with a pinch of salt when a salesperson gives me reasons to buy their stuff over something else. If you are happy with your boar brush, then what is the issue? If it starts to funk up the place give it a shampoo. When I got my current badger brush it smelt like wet dog at first.

There are pros and cons for each bristle type and you just need to figure out what your needs are then research what's available and then get what suits your budget. What I mean is if you want to lather hard soaps you will want a brush with more backbone, but if you mainly use creams you could go for something softer for more comfort. All brushes will soften with use though.

Originally Posted by Porl

When I got my current badger brush it smelt like wet dog at first.

lol When I got my first Omega Boar it smelled like an open toiletpipe for a week. That is normal and will wear off completely after about two weeks. The Proraso Boar I got after that only smelled a few days.

What the OP should definately do is get a inexpensive boar just to see what they're like. I don't use badgers because they are too soft for me and therefore not worth the money. I facelather and like the rougher massage of boar bristles while lathering. I have a Muhle STF which is very soft - too soft for me. I rarely use it.

Don't worry about bacteria. Believe me, that will not be a problem, even if you use the brush every day and don't let it dry through between uses as some people proclaim to do. Just keep it out in tho open after use and it will never mould or get smelly on you. Mine always smells like the last cream I used.

Part of the fun in the beginning is trying out all the different stuff. Have fun doing so!