Thread: vdh boar brush?

Hello, I am new to straight shaving, got my razor and went and bought the premium vdh kit. I washed with shampoo as directed and still got some shedding from my first use. Is this normal? I know I need to upgrade my brush soon, I was just in a hurry to get to shaving. Any input for a budget friendly brush? Thanks!!

hi, a semogue 1305 is a nice boar brush imo .or the Excelsior boar from semogue .salute and good day sir.

Boar brushes are usually pretty reasonable. Probably around $30 would be considered a lot to pay for one. Check all the main makers. Most make at least a couple.

A shave brush may shed a few hairs the first few uses but if it continues to always shed then it is a dud. Boar brushes do need a break in period usually about 2 weeks of everyday use to get to their softest feel. Is there a reason you feel you need to up grade soon? I have an Omega 10066 boar brush that works just fine and is around the $10.00 mark. It makes a good lather as will my badger and synthetic brushes.

Bob

I was given the same kit you have, and all I use is the bowl. The soap wasn't bad, but wasn't great either. The brush I still have but almost never use. I have almost moved it outside a few times to assist with cleaning up my lathe after turning.

Semogue and Omega make some nice brushes. If you want to go for something better look into a decent badger brush. I have 6 brushes atm , including the VDH one.

~Gary

I was curious if this one should be shedding and if the boar brushes are good to use. This I my first rodeo outside of barber shaves. I'll keep on with it and upgrade my equipment as long as its not a lemon lol. I plan on upgrading someday. Just trying to get an idea. Need to upgrade my soap and aftershave after I get my vintage Solingen razor restored.

If it sheds a couple of hairs every once in a while I'd continue to use it unless u don't like the way it feels. I have that brush and a few others. All I require from my brushes it to get soap onto my face . There are beautiful brushes out there but I'll admire them from afar as I sink my money elsewhere ( hones gaaahhh)

I washed it with shampoo and a little conditioner prior to use. Seemed to lighten up the stiffness. A few rinses and them let it sit in hot water while I showered. The lathering with the soap could use a little more practice. I soaked the puck and dumped the excess water before trying to get a lather. Once I had a bit to work with I moved to the empty brush soak bowl. I got a decent lather, but I am looking to add a bit of shaving cream to it to get a thicker lather next time.

Originally Posted by Jake77

I washed it with shampoo and a little conditioner prior to use. Seemed to lighten up the stiffness. A few rinses and them let it sit in hot water while I showered. The lathering with the soap could use a little more practice. I soaked the puck and dumped the excess water before trying to get a lather. Once I had a bit to work with I moved to the empty brush soak bowl. I got a decent lather, but I am looking to add a bit of shaving cream to it to get a thicker lather next time.

Boar will always have backbone/stiffness but a couple of weeks of daily use will get the bristle ends to split and soften up. The break in will make a big difference in how the tips feel.

If you want a thicker lather load more soap before going to the bowl or use less water for the amount of soap you have on the brush. Some soaps need quite a bit of working to get the lather thick too.

Bob

It could be my technique or soap issue. I would like to add cream for a "super lather" but also to keep some lubrication between my skin and blade.