Thread: Looking for a good boar brush

I, too, am deep in this "rabbit hole". The last brush I bought -- a Rooney 1/1 in Finest Badger -- was in 2007, so I'm due for another (or so I tell myself); after all, I've only got four brushes. Anyway, yes, I want a boar brush... with an Eye-Talian flag handle.

The photo on the left is Slur's; on the right is a similar one, from Zenith (Click-R on the Zenith for the website)

Originally Posted by Slur

Attachment 336566

Here is an alternative handle from Omega. It has the same knot, and the same-exact shape of handle, but with the Italian flag. I like it because it is a heavier handle. The other one is my custom-made walnut Omega 48. I have a couple more but these are my favorite.

If you face lather, it might be too large for you since it has a 28mm knot and high bristles. The size of the knot and the ergonomics of the handle are up to you. They depend on your face and your hand. Try what fits you best. Semogue brushes seem to by fine, but I do not use them because they are too small for me.

So, what's my problem? As Slur explained above, it's the high loft -- Maggard's describes it as: "Knot: 27mm Handle: 63mm Loft: 64mm Total Height: 127mm"

OTOH, the Zenith is described as: "Green, white, and red handle with a 27mm boar knot. The loft is set at a short 47mm. The effective loft is 37-40mm from glue bump. Total weight is around 85 grams for the brush. The handle is 70mm tall with an overall height of about 115mm."

So, I'm facing a 50% greater loft with the Omega, but a 10% larger handle on the Zenith (not to mention a hefty difference in price).

Unless someone knows of one with both a short (flag) handle and short loft, it would seem that my only solution is to buy the Omega and find/acquire a short-loft boar knot (with the same characteristics as the Zenith).

Alternatively, what about buying the Omega and finding a brushmeister who can remove the knot, shorten it, and resocket it.

I'm open to suggestions.

I went with the 11126 because of the larger handle. I find the little nubby handles annoying. Looking forward to giving it a go.