Omega Boar Bristles Too Long?

Maybe I am doing something wrong, but I bought an Omega boar brush that looked good but doesn't lather well at all. The lather gets lost in the deep bristles. This thing has bristles 2-1/2" long, it has no bloom, and when mixing lather in a bowl the brush just sucks it up and won't release it when trying to apply it to my face. I also have a pure badger brush that has some decent backbone and lathers up beautifully. Its bristles are about 1-3/4". So I'm wondering if I trim down the Omega if it will perform any better? Any advice?

Trimming any hair on a brush isn't usually recommended. We have discussed this before. To trim properly takes some expertise and the right cutting instruments.

I figured that would be an issue. I measure this again with a metric ruler and it is 60mm. My Kingsley pure badger is 45mm. And the Omega seems to mat a lot even drying and just does not have a bloom (or bulb) like the Kingsley. Kind of disappointing because I was looking for some extra backbone in a brush. Very disappointed in the Omega.

As you used a better boar brush the tips will split making it more comfortable and softer. If you trim the tips off they may never split. All of the trimming must be done at the base of the knot.

Thanks. I found another thread on here that suggested using an o-ring to shorten up the bristles above the knot. I may try that.

What I did that seemed to quicken the break in period of my last boar brush was to leave the lather in after my shaves. Did this for a couple weeks. This would probably help get more lather out also as you already have some built up in the brush.

I know it sacrilege on here to leave lather in but I have done it with multiple brushes with no ill effect

I've got an Omega 10098 and I really do like it. It is very greedy with the lather but I find a few paintbrush strokes with the side of the brush will lay a thick coat of lather on my face after the initial scrub with the tip.

This is the Omega boar brush I use https://www.maggardrazors.com/produc...shaving-brush/ with a just over 2 inch loft. No problems making lather or it disappearing into the knot. Possibly use more product and less water to start. Yes, I don't think boars are noted to bloom much at least my Omega has not bloomed much.

Bob

@Hart: Yup, that's the one I got. Guess I just have to use it more to get use to it and break it in.

I have an Omega boar and it has bloomed very little, but it is a good brush. If you want a boar that will bloom, both my Semouges have bloomed out (model 830 and 620). The 620 eats MWF alive.

I've done a fair amount of experimenting with boars and my favorite knot is an Omega 20248 shortened up to about 52/53 mm.
http://s19.postimg.org/t1vaq9c6b/P1010003.jpg

NOS Dubl Duck.....whipped up a good lather in my scuttle then I felt like I was painting a picket fence when I applied it to my face.Attachment 162396 I probably won't use it again. Cool looking brush though, box and all.

I have 2 Omega Boar Brushes my first was a 10066 it has served me well so I got another Omega Boar a 10049 I really like this Brush it make lather like none of the other Brushes I own. I have Badger Brushes, Badger & Boar Brushes but I like my Boar Brushes the best. This is just the way it worked for me they may not work so well for others.

I have a Muhle Boar that is also too long to lather correctly and I doubled a rubber band right at the base of the brush. Works pretty well

I have a long haired brush or two (4) like that. I love it. Paint that creme on and dip the tips in water and go to town.
My Omega is new. The other 3 are vintage. Fun brushes!

I'll try the rubber band trick and see if that works any better. I get a great lather with my Kingsley pure badger and have been leaning on it. But I want the Omega boar to be a good brush. We shall see.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RustySterling

Maybe I am doing something wrong, but I bought an Omega boar brush that looked good but doesn't lather well at all. The lather gets lost in the deep bristles. This thing has bristles 2-1/2" long, it has no bloom, and when mixing lather in a bowl the brush just sucks it up and won't release it when trying to apply it to my face. I also have a pure badger brush that has some decent backbone and lathers up beautifully. Its bristles are about 1-3/4". So I'm wondering if I trim down the Omega if it will perform any better? Any advice?

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A 98 will lather totally differently to any badger brush. You will use more soap most likely but your ratio to water has to be spot on if you only want to make small amounts. The 98 is ideal if you want to make a lot of lather eg if shaving your head as well as your face.
I see no benefit to putting a rubber band at the bottom. You may simply need a smaller brush.

Yeah, that's what I felt, I need a smaller brush. Obviously trimming is out. But I will try what a couple others said would help -- an o-ring or rubber band.

I know this will sound odd but the only Omega I own was filthy dirty when I got it. I tried to lather it up with no luck, and although it did not smell bad I noticed the water that I soaked it in had a tint to it. I took it to the sink and used some shampoo on it. t took a second wash with shampoo to get it clean and when I used it next it lathered very well. It still took a while to break in and does not lather as well as my Badger, but still scrubs and lathers very well.

Every boar brush needs a period of at least 3 weeks daily use to break it in. Until it's fully broken in the lather will not reach it's full potential. The larger the knot the longer the break in period. I'd build lather in a bowl 2 or 3 times each day until it starts to perform. As mentioned as it breaks in the bristles will start to split helping both the lather and the feel of the brush on your face.
Boar brushes also hold more water and need a good soaking before building lather. I leave mine soaking in the shaving bowl or sink whilst I have a shower.
Hope this helps.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RustySterling

I figured that would be an issue. I measure this again with a metric ruler and it is 60mm. My Kingsley pure badger is 45mm. And the Omega seems to mat a lot even drying and just does not have a bloom (or bulb) like the Kingsley. Kind of disappointing because I was looking for some extra backbone in a brush. Very disappointed in the Omega.

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I have an Omega 10005 and the loft is 55mm. I could see myself having a problem with 60mm, probably works like a stiff paint brush. Why don't you try one of these for $15 or thereabouts. I also have a travel Omega boar with 45mm loft and it cost $10.

I have 3 omega boars. A 10005, which has a 55 mm loft. A 10077 which is 48mm loft. And an 81052 which has a 58 mm loft. All are amazing brushes. Just wish the 10005 had a little more backbone. all 3 are still breaking in but are nice and soft on the face. IMO omega brushes are some great sub $20 brushes.

I have been exploring some shorter Omega boars. I'll probably pick one up soon but I've blown my shaving allowance for the month on a couple of shave ready straights off ebay. Thanks to everyone for your kind comments. And I am trying the rubber band trick that was recommended.

When I used that Dubl Duck long bristle brush I felt like Moe from the 3 Stooges should have been wielding it, slapping me silly.....
woo woo wooo wooo nyuck nyuck nyuck

I have an Omega 10049 with a 64mm loft. Just now getting it broken in and love it, especially when using harder soaps. I soak it before using and give it a good shake before hitting the soap.

I agree! I had a 10098 and could not get used to that loft. I like my other boars but that was too big in my opinion.

Frankly, I'm amazed it hasn't been mentioned before, but if the lather ends up in the knot maybe you want to try applying less pressure while lathering.

LOL. Pithor, I actually thought of that and no difference. I'm working with it and each time it gets a little better.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RustySterling

But I will try what a couple others said would help -- an o-ring or rubber band.

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This trick is for over-bloom brushes
Works with knot with soft bristles as silvertips,best badger
If the bristles are long and tough (for example an Omega Boar) this trick will make things worse.

Found out already that the trick does not work. So I'm just working with the brush as is and hoping for the best.

Once its broken in itll work out better. They are still a lil greedy with the lather compared to badger brushes but they can get the job done. Here is my boar brush with some tabac.
Attachment 163338