Thread: Boar Convert... Maybe

Hey fellas, my brother gave me an Omega boar brush for Christmas, and I gotta say that I'm pleasantly surprised. I've used a few times now, and in terms of pure performance, I feel like it is superior to my badger brush in every aspect. Granted, I just use a middle-of-the-road badger brush, and the top of the line ones would probably be better; but honestly, now I don't know if I'll ever find out. I really like this brush!

There are only two drawbacks, as far as I can see, to this brush. First, it's not as pretty as a badger one. But who cares, really? Sure, I would prefer a nice looking brush, but that's just a luxury. Secondly, and this is my only real issue, it stinks. Now, I've never smelled an actual wet boar before, but this brush smells like a very potent wet dog, with a more musty undertone and sour washcloth top notes. I'm assuming this will eventually go away? How long will it take? Any tips on de-stinking my brush? Like I said, I absolutely love this brush, but this smell is a deal breaker. Thanks.

Hey, Chay.

I have a couple Omega X0005 series. I agree - they do an entirely respectable job. I don't find them inspiring, but I really like humble gear that faithfully delivers the goods (such as a Genco razor).

Should you get the itch to try a higher end Boar, the Semogues will finish you off. The more expensive boars are $25-35, and are wonderful. You'll find very experienced guys that swear by them. They don't hold as much water as a badger, so you may need do dip into some water for 2nd, 3rd passes, but I've not found that a problem. The Semogue 1305 (painted wood handle) and the 830 (acrylic handle) are universally praised. I use an 830, bought used from the Honorable Jeffe, and just love it. It's my most luxurious brush. Supposedly, the 830 is just the 1305 w/ a more dense knot and acrylic instead of wood. I covet a 620, which is supposed to be more stiff & scratchy. I have an ad up for one.

'Nothing wrong at all w/ your Omega. All I'm saying is that it gets even better for not alot of green.

Try shampooing your brush to reduce the malodorous tones. It will reduce with use, but I have found that some I just can't bring to my face until they have been washed a few times. I suggest you allow it to dry completely each time.

The problem is always finding what you really like. You get product A and it seems pretty good and then you try B and you think it's the best thing and then you try C and think nothing could be better than this.

Unless you limit yourself there is no limit.

it aint a pleasent odor is it , but dont worry to much it will dissapear as ya break the brush in , use a heavily scented soap to help speed the process

next he will try the black badger , and it is best of all. i started making my on and now i have 12 , all in wood of all sort.

I have a couple of Badger brushes... one a custom silver tip.

My Omega boar is superior in every way.

Completely razorbacks the hardest of soaps to the point that I can feel them quivering with fear in my bedside cupboard at the thought of coming into contact with the mighty omega boar.

Firmness of the bristles on the face while lathering is near on perfect.. especially for a face latherer.

Release of lather is great too. I always find badgers hog the lather to themselves.

Yep. I adore the mighty boar. Odour will pass.

Originally Posted by MykelDR

I have a couple of Badger brushes... one a custom silver tip.

My Omega boar is superior in every way.

Completely razorbacks the hardest of soaps to the point that I can feel them quivering with fear in my bedside cupboard at the thought of coming into contact with the mighty omega boar.

Firmness of the bristles on the face while lathering is near on perfect.. especially for a face latherer.

Release of lather is great too. I always find badgers hog the lather to themselves.

Yep. I adore the mighty boar. Odour will pass.

I completely agree. It seems like this boar brush whips up a lather with smaller bubbles, creating a creamier consistency. When I first got into wet shaving I read countless times that boar bristles were stiff and hard on the skin, so I opted for the badger. If there is anybody out there with coarse whiskers, and not too delicate of skin, do yourself a favor and give the boar a try. Especially if you're a face latherer.

Besides, if you don't like it, you're not even out twenty bucks.

I shampoed my boar brush about 6-8 times in the first 3 or 4 days I had it (leaving it soak in the suds for 10-20 minutes each time). The smell was mild enough by then that I couldn't smell it through my shaving soap, and it was completely orderless after 7-10 days just from normal shaving

I also soak it in hot water while showering. This reduces the "boar brushes don't hold as much water" issue quite a bit and seems to make the brissels feel a little softer too (but still plenty stiff to lather with).

I only have four brushes.. three are boar and one is badger two of the boar brushes .. well they arent worth their weight in poop.. the badger is pretty nice I like it but I really do enjoy the Omega. I am sure if I go for the higher end brushes I will like them all the better.. but I just cant get myself to shell out the big bucks for some of the better ones. I am one of those.. uh.. what do you call them... oh yeah .. CHEAPSKATES