Brush Question from a New FOG

I am new to the straight razor, but have been shaving for well over 50 years. I've been using a couple of old brushes from my dad and granddad, and although the both make lather, neither is in really good shape, or comfortable to my skin. I am not sure of the material, except they are NOT synthetic.

I am in the process of selecting a couple of new brushes, and have been reading as much as I can about the various options. I have decided that I will purchase a badger and a boar bristle brush in order to try them both. There is a plethora of information about the badger brushes and their grading, but I haven't been able to get my eye balls on anything about various grades of boar brushes. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance, Jack in Fiddletown

Hi and welcome. If I understand your post correctly, you're happy with the info on badger brushes and would like info on boars. Well, to my understanding there are no such grading for boar hair as with badger hair as badger hair comes from different parts of the animal, hence have different characteristics.

Having said that, I'm aware of Semogue claiming to use the 'best boar hair available' in some of their limited Edition brushes as well their Semogue Owners Club brushes. To be honest, the two reputable boar brush manufacturers, namely Semogue and Omega produce excellent brushes whatever model and variant - it then comes down to personal preference.

With regards to your dad and granddad's brushes, they are heirlooms, so it might be worth giving them a good clean with dish washing soap, followed by a mixture of cider vinegar and warm water, and finally regular shampoo +/- conditioner. You might be amazed with the results.

Ash

Thanks for the great information Ash. I think I will retire the 'Old Timers'.

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Originally Posted by turando72

Hi and welcome. If I understand your post correctly, you're happy with the info on badger brushes and would like info on boars. Well, to my understanding there are no such grading for boar hair as with badger hair as badger hair comes from different parts of the animal, hence have different characteristics.

Having said that, I'm aware of Semogue claiming to use the 'best boar hair available' in some of their limited Edition brushes as well their Semogue Owners Club brushes. To be honest, the two reputable boar brush manufacturers, namely Semogue and Omega produce excellent brushes whatever model and variant - it then comes down to personal preference.

With regards to your dad and granddad's brushes, they are heirlooms, so it might be worth giving them a good clean with dish washing soap, followed by a mixture of cider vinegar and warm water, and finally regular shampoo +/- conditioner. You might be amazed with the results.

Ash

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Ash gives excellent advise. Shop around and look/ask in the brush forum down there. If you are going badger, the 2 bands are stiffer, while the silvertips are softer. I use both, depending on the soap I use. The 2 band works better for me on the hard soaps, and silvertip and best badger on the soft soaps and creams.
It is a matter of personal preference as you will see. Good Luck!
Tom

Thank you Tom. I was looking at a 'Best' badger an an entry level as I can't see spending a large sum on a silver tip right now until I have more experience. Any brand better, in your estimation?

Boar is considered an entry level or budget type brush so they don't come in grades just as you won't see one in a large size or with fancy handles unless you have one custom done. All the size and grade distinctions go with the badgers which are considered the premium shave brush. You might also want to consider a horsehair brush. many years ago they were considered the alternative to badger until the Anthrax scares and then boar made it's appearance. Horse is coming back.

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Originally Posted by Eekspa

Thank you Tom. I was looking at a 'Best' badger an an entry level as I can't see spending a large sum on a silver tip right now until I have more experience. Any brand better, in your estimation?

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I can understand that consideration! I suppose that is why my best badger is a reknotted old brush with a new knot from The Golden Nib. If you have the skills to do it, you can reknot one of your old handles to an upgrade of best, 2 band, or silvertip at a lot less cost than buying a new brush. PM me if I can help. Or start a thread down in the brush forum and the guys will make recommendations to you..
Tom

Jack if you're looking for a best badger brush, I would suggest looking at either the Simpsons Colonel X2L (used mine today and despite owning several other 'premium' brushes, it's still one of my favourite all-rounder brush - good with both creams and soaps and with bowl or face lathering) or the Simpsons Commodore (comes in 3 sizes). I'm sure there are other brushes on the market which are equally good or even better at that price range but I for one, am very satisfied with my Colonel. The one thing with this hobby is that every single one of us have had different experiences using the same products and it comes down to trying a few and picking your favourite/s. hence you will often see the acronym YMMV (your mileage may vary) in several posts.