Thread: Source for Omega Brushes

Originally Posted by JimR

Sorry I missed this, Ronnie.

Yeah, the 31064 has a lot of fans. It's kind of a mid-size brush--I think around 25mm. The big professionals are around 27-28mm, but remember that the sizes have different feelings for boars than badgers, so try not to make too many parallels.

For a boar beginner, the 31064 might be the way to go...

Jim,

Just ordered one of the 31064. Let you know how it works

Ronnie

Originally Posted by gollum83

I'll third the recommendation on Shoebox Shaveshop. Gary has one heck of a nice selection of boar brushes, especially from Omega. He ships quickly too.

Thanks Gary!

Got one onthe way!

Ronnie

Originally Posted by RonnieNC

Jim,

Just ordered one of the 31064. Let you know how it works

Ronnie

Great to hear it! I hope you love it!

If you don't, let me know. I might be able to help you out.

Best,
Jim

Man I'm gonna turn into SBAD hahah

Originally Posted by SiRed8

Man I'm gonna turn into SBAD hahah

You're going to turn into Strongbad? Sweet!

But I think you should turn into Trogdor...burninating sounds like fun....

Originally Posted by JimR

You're going to turn into Strongbad? Sweet!

But I think you should turn into Trogdor...burninating sounds like fun....

Touche!

Jim have you heard of or tried these?

Omega #71278 - BARBERIA ITALIANA Commemorative Boar - Limited Edition

Koh-I-Noor #077J Banded Boar

Boreal #977 - Pro Model

Originally Posted by SiRed8

Touche!

Jim have you heard of or tried these?

Omega #71278 - BARBERIA ITALIANA Commemorative Boar - Limited Edition

Koh-I-Noor #077J Banded Boar

Boreal #977 - Pro Model

I was on the list to get one of the Commemorative line, but I just didn't have the scratch. I'm hoping that before too long I will...

The Koh-I-Noor and Boreal are both supposed to be good, but I haven't tried them. I wish Zach was around more, he's tried all the boars matter. He's the boar MASTER.
I am but a lowly sailor on his ship.

What is the difference between boars hair and badger hair?

Originally Posted by Visibility

What is the difference between boars hair and badger hair?

Boar provides nice water load, thus results in lather being well hydrated
The bristles are flexible. However the negative aspect of the boar is that bristles are rather brittle which is prone to breaking. To combat this it is generally advised to work lather in mug and use the boar on face via "painting" style method.

With badgers there are 8 species which can be found here for more detail.

In general there are 3 grades of badger: Pure, Best and Super. Other vendors refer to Best and Super in in finest or Silvertip but mean the same thing.

Pure accounts for 60% of badgers body. It tend to be medium in length, generally light tan but can vary to nearly black and less supple compared to other grades.

Best accounts for 25% of badgers body. It's a little longer generally light varying to darker tan and more supple.

Super accounts for 15% of badgers body. This is longest and most supple. Definately more luxurious compared to the other two. The hair is derived from the neck area of badger. The shaft is finer, tips are lightly colored and flaired. Flaired tips are designed to provide thermal insulation for badgers. With regards to brush, it allows it to hold greater volume of water when saturated. Water can then be infused into the lather thus creating a more moist better performing lather which allow for closer and of course less irritating shave. In essense, larger super tip = more flair tip = more water held = moist lather = better shave

Cost for these range from $55 to well over $800. The price difference is generally from different grade of bristle used, cost of handle materials and so forth. Supply and demand is also factor as well. Smaller manufacturers who "hand make" these tend to make them at lower volume and charge accordingly. Large manufacturers who employ more modern method employ more modern manufacturing methods can produce brushes more efficiently and consequently can sell them for less.

The issue here is, what are you buying, a badger bristle shaving brush or a status symbol? Think of auto manufacturers, why some sell $100,000.00 vehicles and others sell $8,000.00 respectively. Simply put, there is a buyer for every product.

What you as the buyer have to decide is what aspect of the brush is most important to you. A top quality brush that provides an exceptional shaving experience can be bought for around 100-200 by spending more than that you begin to enter into the question of diminishing returns regarding performance vs. cost. On the other hand, being able to tell your friends that you shave daily with an $800.00 shaving brush has its own value.

Most experienced brush users would agree in that you should buy the best brush your budget and your personal values will allow. One that you will never regret and the investment will repay you with a lifetime of superior quality enjoyable shaves.

Thanks. I ordered an Omega silvertip badger, I'll let you know how it goes.