Thread: Boar Brush Question

I keep reading about how stiff the bristles of a boar brush are, so my question is: exactly how stiff are they? I realize this can be difficult to answer, but if you guys can compare it to something I might be able to figure it out. I have heard lots of great things about boar brushes so if you guys could also give your favorite/recommended boar brush I would really appreciate it.

I don't use boar much but have read how a lot of guys love em. They soften up as you break them in I know that. Out of the 3 or 4 vintage brushes I have they all feel different. Your going to have to get your hands on 1 to find out yourself how hard hard is :<0) What do you use now ?

Right now I have a Franks silver tip brush. Just wanted to try a boar brush.

I use them almost exclusively. The thing to remember with a boar brush, unlike badger hair, the bristles absorb water and soften. I soak mine for a few minutes before I use them. it is a matter of trying them out, I would recommend going with Omega or Semogue.

Around here they have new boar at the drug stores. It is definitely the other end of the spectrum from what your using. The good thing that includes price wise if your going with another Frank's. I will say I pull mine out when I feel like my face needs a little more scrubbing. Another good choice IMO is black badger. They both pick up a lot a lather off a puck right away. Those that use boar will chime in I am sure. You can buy real nice boar and that makes a big difference. If you going to go that way wait for good advice :<0)


As one beats me to the post button .....

Length and grade of bristles will effect stiffness, as it does with badger brushes. Boar brushes generally are not very expensive, so it's a pretty cheap experiment if nothing else; you should totally try one. I think most people would agree that Omega or Semogue are the best place to start. I personally have a couple of Semogues, and I like them a lot. The 1305 came highly recommended to me, but instead I have an Owners' Club (one of their largest brushes) and a 610 (one of their smallest). I often think that I would like to have one in between and that I should have listened to my friend's advice; the 1305 will be my next brush- I really am just holding out to find an excuse to buy something else with it so that I make the best use of the shipping cost. Both brands are pretty widely available on the popular shaving gear sites. Give it a try!

I would just order one.

As stated, they are not that stiff starting out, and are not "scritchy" like a pure/black badger and will soften up nicely as you break them in.

I have the Omega 10066 in my Den and use it in the rotation. It is a $9 brush. What is there to lose?

FYI-The paint on the Semogue 1305 will chip off pretty quickly. You might look at a lucite or resin handle if you try a Semogue.

I agree with Lince's advise. Buy one. Good quality boar hair brushes are usually a lot cheaper than their badger hair counterparts.

I own several brands of boar brushes--two Omegas, one Vie-Long and a Semogue w/ Lucite handle that provide me with great lather. After a short break-in period, I have found almost no real marked difference between how they feel on my face and my badger hair brushes. Of course, that is just my personal opinion.

+1 to the comments above (Lince, MBR1965, easyace)
The tips soften after break-in and you then have a brush with more backbone which many users find helpful.
I use the Semogue 1800 as my everyday brush for almost two years with great results.
Fortunately I have not been stricken with BAD, but take small comfort thar if it hits me, I will be looking for Boar, and the price point never gets to more than a fraction of that of the Badgers...

Originally Posted by easyace

The thing to remember with a boar brush, unlike badger hair, the bristles absorb water and soften. I soak mine for a few minutes before I use them.

In my experience, badger bristles absorb much more water than boar bristles.