Looking for Omega bristle users recommend brush for soaps?

Hi all.

Neither my Edwin Jagger Chatsworth Best badger, or Muhle Synthetic are ideally suited for use with my new love (Mitchell's Wool Fat!) or indeed my D R Harris soaps - lacking the necessary backbone.

I have only just noted how inexpensive the Omega line of bristle brushes are - and most models seem to be available from one of my preferred UK web retailers - Connaught.

Since price is a big issue for me (but so is a decent lather from my soaps!) could anyone recommend a good Omega bristle brush?

Many thanks.

Al.

EDIT - Doesn't have to be Omega I guess - but they just seem incredibly cheap.

I do have this Omega boar brush OMEGA 10066 Pure Bristle Shaving Brush and after breaking in it works well. OTH I have a Muhle XL synthetic silver tip brush that works like a charm to lather up either MWF or DR Harris Arlinton puck soaps.

Bob

Kryton - pm Cudarunner - uses Omega Pro. I've tried 2 Omegas - they're okay. If its backbone you want, the Semogue 620 (now that we have a US distributor) is probably the one. In a prior thread, JimmyHad said he had some badgers that had as much backbone as his boars.

I like the Omega Syntex a lot. It gives me a much more consistent lather than any of the natural hair brushes. Synhetic is considered blasphemy here, I'll have to live with that. They too have to be broken in.

I've recently acquired a Semogue 610 and a Semogue Owners' Club, and I've been very pleased with them both. Not sure about the availability of Semogue brushes in the UK, but it's worth checking. Boar brushes are generally much cheaper than badger, and Omega and Semogue seem to be competitively priced. Some say that Semogue brushes hold up better, but each of them seem to have a pretty faithful following. I guess it probably comes down to which is the most readily available to you and then whatever your eye or gut tells you. Good Luck!

Any of the pro series omegas (48,49, big pro) will do the trick.

Perhaps you can squeeze the hairs of your current brush with your fingers while loading it up to create more backbone? I think it's worth a shot, could save you a few bucks.

My suggestion is do more experimenting with what you have. I'm a believer in the "you don't need specialized brushes for soaps or creams concept". I have a couple really floppy brushes and I have no issues making great lather with Harris and MWF. You can also try putting a rubber band around the base of the brush and see what happens.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KrytonsJaw

Since price is a big issue for me (but so is a decent lather from my soaps!) could anyone recommend a good Omega bristle brush?

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They're all good but my choice is the 10098. It's still a good idea to soften your soap first by letting a little hot water sit on top for a minute.

From Omega's bristle I have tested 2 of 10065
OMEGA 00065 Pure Bristle Shaving Brush
another model with a knot like this one
OMEGA No.31025 Pure Bristle Shaving Brush
and the 10098 Pro
OMEGA 98 Professional Pure Bristle Shaving Brush

From all of them i like the 10065,cheap simple effective.

A big thank you for everyone's valued input.

As it was, I ended up going for the Progress Vulfix 404 Grosvenor mixed badger & boar brush

I just couldn't quite find a design of Omega that I liked, but when I saw the Vulfix 404, and read the almost universally excellent reviews at the above retailer and also on Amazon, I figured that was the one to go for.

Received it this morning, and it certainly seems to be just what I wanted - Going to test it out shortly.

As ever, the input from everyone here is extensive, so I almost feel I should apologise for not having gone ahead with anyones recommendation!

Thanks again.

Be sure and let us know how it works out for you.

Bob

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BobH

Be sure and let us know how it works out for you.

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Happy to report its a brilliant brush. Very firm backbone, but yet surprisingly soft on the face. Lathered up a DR Harris soap with ease. Yet to try it with the Mitchell's, but that will definitely be next.

An absolute steal at £11 (or $18, depending on which side of the Atlantic you call home!).

http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/a...024_180321.jpg

That is looking good, thanks.

Bob

I have the Omega Badger and Blade special edition, and it will do a number on MWF. I like my Semogue 830 a little better, as it blooms out more than the Omega, making it easier to bowl lather.