The fella who gave me his Semogue kept complaing that his brush was too stiff and I would ask him if he soaks his brush. I got a blank look. So I explained to him about soaking.....he said he didn't have time for that. I explained how it prolonged the life of the brush and break in and bristle wear etc. ......blank look. Then he finally gave me the brush. Now , every time he see's me he's always asking me how the brush is doing ? Fine I reply..."works like a dream". Blank look....... what's a guy to do cept shave .