Thread: Boar brush recommendations please

This is probably been covered before, many times.

Right now I've only used very inexpensive badger brushes. One I have is so soft I call it mushy and I don't care for it. The other two have stiffer bristles but I still consider them soft to my face. I've been reading about boar brushes and they seem to have some advantages. Or, disadvantages based on personal preference I assume. I am picturing some of them being so stiff they are uncomfortable to some people. Maybe me. I read they are very good for face lathering. I want to be familiar with face lathering as well as using warm lather, scuttle, hot water and towel, etc. Right now I'm learning how to shave different ways and have not figured out what I like best. I think it's time to try a boar brush. I read an article in a forum (A beginner's guide to boar brushes / the science of the boar shaving brush) that is interesting. The author recommends an Omega #48 professional brush as a first boar brush and judge from there. So, I'm looking for it but haven't found one yet. It is not on SRD I don't think. Maybe I didn't search correctly.

Any recommendations on a boar brush to start with is appreciated. As well as any personal likes/dislikes regarding them and how they compare to badger.

I don't need anything fancy. I am looking for good quality but don't need extra expense based on handle material or anything like that.

Thanks for any help.

If you want to try a tried and true boar brush, give the Semogue 1305 a try.

I have one, it id definitely not my go-to brush by any means, but for me, the fun of this hobby is being able to change it up now and then.

Yes, give one a try, many really enjoy the boar brushes and they're not expensive by any means.

Originally Posted by Phrank

If you want to try a tried and true boar brush, give the Semogue 1305 a try.

I have one, it id definitely not my go-to brush by any means, but for me, the fun of this hobby is being able to change it up now and then.

Yes, give one a try, many really enjoy the boar brushes and they're not expensive by any means.

I found the brush on SRD but it has it labeled as "Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle Shaving Brush" and doesn't mention "boar" anywhere in the description. Is it a boar bristle or synthetic brush?

I also just found it on ebay and while it isn't in the brush name it is described as a boar bristle brush.

Just ordered an "Omega Shaving Brush #10048 Boar Bristle aka The PRO 48". Looking forward to getting and using it. Supposedly this is about average for boar brushes. What are some of the more specific differences in boar brushes? I'm not much of an experimentor. When I find something I like I stick with it. I miss out on some good products with this theory but this is my personality. One thing I like is I don't end up with a bunch of stuff sitting around unused. Two things I know I like are Mitchell's wool fat soap and Castle Forbes pre-shave. When I find a brush I like most I'll probably use that one (or type) forever.

Originally Posted by Jack0458

I also just found it on ebay and while it isn't in the brush name it is described as a boar bristle brush.

I bought my 1305 from eBay it was about 15 dollars or so, they are definately not synthetic. I use one 2 weeks out of 3. I much prefer it to the marshmallow that is my badger brush. It will take a bit of use to break in but will be good. My other brush is a no name chemist shop natural bristle brush which I like almost as much. For the money give the semogue a go.

Hi Jack, I am sure you will like the Omega 48 it is a great brush, mine took about 20/30 shaves to break it in, YMMV. Also you may like to consider the Semogue 620 not an expensive brush but a great performer imho one I use on a very regular basis. Good luck.

When you read that a brush is pure bristle it means that its pure boar.

omega makes an excellent boar brush.I prefer it on soap pucks and for a daily driver.ymmv of course .

I have the Pro 49 which I believe is the same as the 48 only a different handle. It's a good brush but I prefer my Semogue. The 1305 is supposed to be excellent and I know I want one. Semogue has a hair grading system for boar; how much of that is marketing I don't know. The 48 was a good frugal choice to get your foot in the boar door. Be sure to give the brush time to break in before you give it a judgement and remember to soak a boar for a decent amount of time. How long you soak it affects the stiffness up to a point, but after 5-7 minutes I think you hot a ceiling. Boar is excellent for MWF FYI.