Thread: Semogue poll!

Hi folks,
I have a Semogue 2015 brush - oak handled, gorgeous, soft yet stiff. It's my go-to brush, but the varnish on the handle is cracking, crazing and failing, due to the really hot water that comes out of our hot water tap. I've decided to replace the brush in the New Year with another Semogue silvertip brush (since I love the bristles so much), but it will be one with a plastic handle as I'm hoping that that will withstand the water temperatures better. I'm adding the 1305 boar brush as well (along with a bunch of goodies from the creams and AS selection), but am unsure as to which of the silvertip brushes I want. I'm also unsure as to whether to go for the HD knot versions or the normal density, as I haven't read any reviews from people who have both knots versions of a brush (if anyone does, PLEASE post in here and let me know how they compare).
Product descriptions of the brushes can be found here if people would like to see details.
Thanks to all who vote and comment.

I've just given my own brush to a dear friend,
so I had to pick another.
My choice is the HD with the acrylic handle.
It bloomed so well after the first couple of uses, its unreal.

If you buy a Semogue brush buy on with an acrylic handle. I've heard many reports from different forums that the finish is coming off of the ones with wood handles handles. I have a 620 and a 1502 right at the same age. The finish is coming off of the 1520 wooden but the 620 acrylic looks like new.

Olivia - was the brush you gave away one of the non-HD versons? If so, does the HD version feel any different on the face to the non-HD? I'm wondering if the extra bristles make it any stiffer or floppier. The main hangup I have about buying an HD one is the fact I want a brush that feels JUST like my current Semogue, if possible, so don't want to buy the HD version and then find it doesn't feel the same.

Uncleshakey - that's exactly why I'm getting a new brush, if you read my post - the wooden one I own is a lovely brush, but I suspect my extremely hot water is having an adverse effect on the finish - it's started cracking and is coming away very near the bristles.

I have the 730 HD. This is the one I would choose - unless you prefer a bigger handle in which case take the 2040 HD. It is definately worth paying a bit extra for the HD.

Mosley the other brush was a tulip cut from another manufacturer.

The hair of the 750 HD is more and finer. All nother feel. Really gentle.

Originally Posted by tavli

I have the 730 HD. This is the one I would choose - unless you prefer a bigger handle in which case take the 2040 HD. It is definately worth paying a bit extra for the HD.

Yep, it definitely looks like the poll is reflecting that - 3 for the 2040HD, 2 for the 750HD. Not the avalanche of responses I was hoping for, but still helpful. Keep those votes coming folks, I'm not buying this brush til March, so hopefully by that time I'll have enough votes to show a clear winner.

My thinking is that the inside of the knot hole is not finished or the metal ring damages the finish when it is installed. This is letting the water soak into the wood and get under the finish. You may want to check because the 1305 has a wooden handle too.

I don't know from numbers, but I have a Semoque that has fairly stiff badger bristles, a dense knot, a horn handle, and it's a great brush. It absolutley shames a Plisson I thought I had to have.

Originally Posted by UncleShakey

My thinking is that the inside of the knot hole is not finished or the metal ring damages the finish when it is installed. This is letting the water soak into the wood and get under the finish. You may want to check because the 1305 has a wooden handle too.

Given that the issue with mine is nowhere near the knot hole or steel ring, I'm pretty sure that that's not the issue. I'm fairly sure it's the finish they've used that's the problem - the finish is fairly brittle (it chipped fairly easily on a different part of the brush when I dropped it from a very low height onto linoleum earlier in the year), so when the wood is heated a lot and expands slightly, the finish cracks, letting in a little water, which swells the wood further, and so on and so on.

Bruce - where did you get your brush from? Haven't seen any horn ones on Leon's site, but wouldn't mind a horn one if it's within my budget.