Badger Brush recommendation

bothyhead

I've noticed hairs starting to come out of my shaving brush, and feel that I may need to purchase shortly. I see on ebay that you can pick up super badger brushes for around 50 eur (Bonds of Oxford St). Is there anything else around the 50 mark that you would recommend?

Many Thanks!

Gran Hermano

If I had to limit myself to just one brush it'd be the Semogue 2015 HD

Google Semogue 2015 and review and you'll see why

bothyhead

Cool, I haven't come across that brand before. Agoogling I shall go.

Thanks dude!

Spudzz

Gran Hermano wrote: »

If I had to limit myself to just one brush it'd be the Semogue 2015 HD

Google Semogue 2015 and review and you'll see why

Just ordered the Semogue 2015HD will let you know how I get on.:D

Gran Hermano

Spudzz wrote: »

Just ordered the Semogue 2015HD will let you know how I get on.:D

Do keep us posted on how you find it. Give it a wash with some shampoo when you get it, it'll help get rid of the badger smell when new.

Amalgam

..and if you intend to use a puck of soap in a mug, or just a shaving soap in general, a Boar brush works well with a shaving soap.

The Semogue 2000 on Vintage Scents:

http://vintagescent.com/shaving-brushes-c-5/semogue-2000-shaving-brush-p-24

..or more local, Shaving have the Omega range:

http://www.shaving.ie/products/Omega-Shaving-Brush-20102.html

I've jumped to a Boar brush for a puck of Williams I'm working through. The Boar makes light work of building up a lather, compared to the softer Badger.

Each type of brush have their particular strenghts.

coolmoose

Spudzz wrote: »

Just ordered the Semogue 2015HD will let you know how I get on.:D

Just ordered it myself there now...was in the market for a new brush. Where is the Vintage Scent shop located? Is it an Irish oufit?

Will let you all know how I get on with it too.

Gran Hermano

coolmoose wrote: »

Just ordered it myself there now...was in the market for a new brush. Where is the Vintage Scent shop located? Is it an Irish oufit?

Will let you all know how I get on with it too.

It's based in Portugal, you'll find the owner (Leon) on B&B and the usual fora.
Delivery takes around a week.

Spudzz

Spudzz wrote: »

Just ordered the Semogue 2015HD will let you know how I get on.:D

Just an update on my order.Still waiting for my Semogue 2015HD from Vintage Scent.
Has now been almost a week since I placed my order,and according to there website my order is still being "PROCESSED"
Has anyone else purchased from this company,and if so how long were you waiting for you order.

12bore

Ordered a couple of brushes and a La Toja stick off them a few weeks ago, took about 10 days for package to arrive.
My order also said processing for ages, I emailed them and they said they were too busy to update the status of the order, but that it had been posted a few days beforehand.

Spudzz

Spudzz wrote: »

Just an update on my order.Still waiting for my Semogue 2015HD from Vintage Scent.
Has now been almost a week since I placed my order,and according to there website my order is still being "PROCESSED"
Has anyone else purchased from this company,and if so how long were you waiting for you order.

An update on the update !!
Just received an E Mail from Vintage Scent apologizing for the delay in updating the status of my order ,from precessing to shipped ,it seems it was shipped last Tuesday:D so we wait and see.

bothyhead

Looking forward to hear how you get on with it!

Amalgam

12bore wrote: »

Ordered a couple of brushes and a La Toja stick off them a few weeks ago, took about 10 days for package to arrive.

What did you go for, 12bore, anything nice?

12bore

I got a 2000 and a 1305, both boar bristle. Having fun making lather.
The only other brush I have is a Vulfix #1 boar, found in a local chemist after a bit of hunting.

I am very new to DE shaving (started about 3 weeks ago), so can't give you any meaningful insight. But they look good, and seem to lather better than the Vulfix. People rave about them on the various shaving forums, and they are not very expensive.

Gran Hermano

12bore wrote: »

I got a 2000 and a 1305, both boar bristle. Having fun making lather.
The only other brush I have is a Vulfix #1 boar, found in a local chemist after a bit of hunting.

I am very new to DE shaving (started about 3 weeks ago), so can't give you any meaningful insight. But they look good, and seem to lather better than the Vulfix. People rave about them on the various shaving forums, and they are not very expensive.

3 weeks
3 brushes
I like your style sir

Amalgam

It is surprising more traders don't stock Semogue merchandise. I love their aesthetic, even their cheap brushes look good.

Shaving.ie

Amalgam wrote: »

It is surprising more traders don't stock Semogue merchandise. I love their aesthetic, even their cheap brushes look good.

It is a distribution issue. You will see this change soon from what I gather. There is something about the 1305 that I really like the look of plus from all accounts so far these seem to be top quality boar brushes also. Im looking forward to trying some out.

Amalgam

Shaving.ie wrote: »

It is a distribution issue. You will see this change soon from what I gather. There is something about the 1305 that I really like the look of plus from all accounts so far these seem to be top quality boar brushes also. Im looking forward to trying some out.

Well well..

http://www.shaving.ie/products/Semogue-1305-Shaving-Brush.html

Will you widen the choice, or just test the waters with that one?

Shaving.ie

Amalgam wrote: »

Well well..

http://www.shaving.ie/products/Semogue-1305-Shaving-Brush.html

Will you widen the choice, or just test the waters with that one?

Initially the 3 boar types but in the comming weeks the entire range. I have not tried out a Semogue as of yet but its about time I found a worthy replacement for my trusty Omega 48.

Amalgam

Shaving.ie wrote: »

Initially the 3 boar types.

Will that include the blonde boar Semogue 2000. That type soften up nicely after some use.

Shaving.ie

Amalgam wrote: »

Will that include the blonde boar Semogue 2000. That type soften up nicely after some use.

Yes. The 1520, 1305, 2000 and 620 should arrive this week I hope.

Gran Hermano

Shaving.ie wrote: »

Yes. The 1520, 1305, 2000 and 620 should arrive this week I hope.

If there's room for a 730 HD in your next shipment, I'll have to order
(730 HD, silvertip, higher density knot, Acrylic handle, top half in black, transparent lower half)

DonJose

I treated myself tonight and ordered the Shavemac 177

http://www.shavemac.com/shop/products/Shaving-Brushes/Silver-Tip-Badger/Shaving-Brush-177.html

It gets some rave reviews on B&B

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?ltr=S&t=8275

SeaSide

Spudzz wrote: »

An update on the update !!
Just received an E Mail from Vintage Scent apologizing for the delay in updating the status of my order ,from precessing to shipped ,it seems it was shipped last Tuesday:D so we wait and see.

Any sign of your gear. Ordered on the 18th but nought so far

Amalgam

Semogue brush prices seem to be on the rise..

http://vintagescent.com/shaving-brushes-c-5

This was in a Vintage Scent newsletter this morning:

The Semogue brand is quickly spreading around the world. To make competition
easier among resellers and to make Semogue brushes available in several
places of the world, the Semogue company agreed to have their price reviewed
and set a new suggested retail price.

Shaving.ie

Amalgam wrote: »

Semogue brush prices seem to be on the rise..

http://vintagescent.com/shaving-brushes-c-5

This was in a Vintage Scent newsletter this morning:

Any opinions on this? Especially from those who already own a Semogue. Do you think they are worth it at these latest prices. It is quite a hike in price for some of them.

Amalgam

The psychological barrier for me is 55-60 euro, at that point my mind starts drifting towards Shavemac buying scenarios.. The Semogue high density (HD) brushes are gorgeous mind you. I'd still buy a 2000 at the revised price, but it is just about the limit, for boar.

Gran Hermano

Got to agree with Amalgam, one of the attractions with Semogue
was that you were getting a great quality brush without paying
the premium associated with paying extra for the 'known names'.

I'm still interested in adding another Semogue silvertip to the stable
and I was planning on picking up a half dozen of their boars as
Christmas gifts. I've had a crazy day in work so haven't had a chance
to compare the new prices of the Semogue boars to the Omega equivalents
but with the weak dollar and sterling I might be looking at different options
- especially as I'm looking for the rare Simpson 2 band badger.

I rate the Semogue 2000 as better than my Omega 48 but a price
rise on it from €11.95 to €17.95 needs looking at.

bothyhead

Damn, I didn't go for the 2015HD like Gran Hermano suggested at the time. Ah well, that's what I get for procrastinating.

I would pay 50 eur for a good brush, but then I'd be buying it to use as a daily tool. I don't think I would fork out that amount to add it to a collection, which gets used on a rotational basis.

Gran Hermano

bothyhead wrote: »

Damn, I didn't go for the 2015HD like Gran Hermano suggested at the time. Ah well, that's what I get for procrastinating.

I would pay 50 eur for a good brush, but then I'd be buying it to use as a daily tool. I don't think I would fork out that amount to add it to a collection, which gets used on a rotational basis.

I managed to find the email confirmation for the order I placed in April for the 2015HD, I paid €39.95 for them compared to the current €55.95.

I still think the 2015HD is worth the new price, just not as much of a 'steal' as it was.

It's on the boar brushes that I'm finding the price rises harder to justify. They are now 1/3 more expensive than the Omega equivalents. Might be time to look at another niche boar player, Jaguar from Turkey. Maybe I just need to stop thinking boar brushes are cheap and cheerful and should cost around a tenner - even if they are Semogues

Some of the different Jaguar brushes

Amalgam

Ali's on Aungier Street have Jaguar on display, let me dig out a picture.. I have no idea if they sell the brushes or not, the man is of Turkish origin. His Father was a barber (retired), based in Germany I think.



The picture was taken back in April 2009.

Here's the Amazon.com Derby International Storefront.

http://www.amazon.com/shops/AAEAL4S4CJG99

Nice post Gran Hermano. Boar Season..

Gran Hermano

Amalgam, I was just about to ask you if Ali might have them!

I'll check with our Turkish blade/Arko supplier Melyus as to whether he can
supply any of the Jaguar brushes. Am tempted to pick one up to compare
to the Omega and Semogues.

Amalgam

The internet is an odd beast, funny to see people become fickle so quickly, Semogue put up their prices and less than 48 hours later people across several shaving forums are rooting out new markets and manufacturers.

Gran Hermano

I've exchanged a couple of mails with Melyus and he can supply me
with the Jaguar brushes for around the USD 15 price inc shipping which with
the current exchange rate comes in just over the €10.

I'll order one later and keep you posted on how I find it.

Spudzz

Spudzz wrote: »

Just ordered the Semogue 2015HD will let you know how I get on.:D

Received my Semogue 2015HD last Tuesday after 10 days waiting.:mad:
Some feedback on the brush.
The first thing that hit him was the smell of the Badger hair from the brush,boy was it strong,and the amount of water is can hole compared to my Omega Boar brush.
First shave with TOB cream was a treat,it was like being stroked "I would imagine"with a silk glove.
Great lather from this brush compared to my Omega Boar.
Would I pay the new price of €55 for this brush,well let me put it this way,there is no way that it is that much better then my Omega Boar brush which I will still be using on a regular basis,because I really do like the feel of the Boar hair on my skin:o.
Bottom line here is the Semogue is a very good brush with a really nice soft feeling touch on the face,it also gives great lather in seconds and over all I am very happy that I purchased it "at the old price":D,I cannot compare it to any other Badger brush because this is the first one I have used.

Amalgam

TEKNİK FIRÇA SANAYİ A.Ş.

The manufacturer's site with clickable close up pics of the entire Jaguar Boar brush line.

English: http://www.teknikfirca.com/jaguartrasfircalari_eng.html

Turkish: http://www.teknikfirca.com/jaguartrasfircalari.html

Gran Hermano

Amalgam wrote: »

TEKNİK FIRÇA SANAYİ A.Ş.

The manufacturer's site with clickable close up pics of the entire Jaguar Boar brush line.

English: http://www.teknikfirca.com/jaguartrasfircalari_eng.html

Turkish: http://www.teknikfirca.com/jaguartrasfircalari.html

Nice find, I had one posted to me from Turkey last Friday by Melyus.
Looking at the catalog I think it's either the 1071 or 1056.

bothyhead

I see that Chris has the Semogue 2015HD available. Damn, damn, damn, should I or shouldn't I?

http://www.shaving.ie/products/Semogue-2015HD.html

Gran Hermano

bothyhead wrote: »

I see that Chris has the Semogue 2015HD available. Damn, damn, damn, should I or shouldn't I?

http://www.shaving.ie/products/Semogue-2015HD.html

The only question you should ask your self is 2015HD or 730HD?

Shaving.ie

bothyhead wrote: »

I see that Chris has the Semogue 2015HD available. Damn, damn, damn, should I or shouldn't I?

http://www.shaving.ie/products/Semogue-2015HD.html

I would say yes you should! ... Seriously though I have to say they really are a nice collection of brushes. Now to decide which one I should keep! Luckily im a boar fan..

Gran Hermano

Shaving.ie wrote: »

I would say yes you should! ... Seriously though I have to say they really are a nice collection of brushes. Now to decide which one I should keep! Luckily im a boar fan..

Which of the Semogue boars has the same/similar handle to the 730s?
Is it the 620? (I can see the need increasing for a 'matching pair' in boar and badger ).

DonJose

I took delivery of a Shavemac 177 last week and it is excellent, I would recommend it to anyone. It is expensive at €89.40 + postage but you pay for quality. This brush holds an amazing amount of water and produces and holds a great lather. When you are finished shaving you simply give it a quick rinse and shake and its dry within hours.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?ltr=S&t=8275

http://www.shavemac.com/shop/products/Shaving-Brushes/Silver-Tip-Badger/Shaving-Brush-177.html

Shaving.ie

Gran Hermano wrote: »

Which of the Semogue boars has the same/similar handle to the 730s?
Is it the 620? (I can see the need increasing for a 'matching pair' in boar and badger ).

I'm not sure if they are exactly the same handle but they are definetly along the same lines. I think the black part of the 730 is larger and the 620 has more of a transparent acrylic layer set around the upper black part. I'll have a closer look tomorrow anyway.

Amalgam

Just a question for you lot, would you buy a shaving brush for a disposable user?

I have an Uncle I have a feeling would use one. Is brush & cream lather 'too thick' for disposables?

I think his main razor is a Gillette II, with a fixed head.

Shaving.ie

Amalgam wrote: »

Just a question for you lot, would you buy a shaving brush for a disposable user?

I have an Uncle I have a feeling would use one. Is brush & cream lather 'too thick' for disposables?

I think his main razor is a Gillette II, with a fixed head.

I think the lather you would brew up for DE shaving would be too thick and clog the blades but I would imagine thinning it out slightly with water could get a suitable consistency.

Shaving.ie

Shaving.ie wrote: »

I'm not sure if they are exactly the same handle but they are definetly along the same lines. I think the black part of the 730 is larger and the 620 has more of a transparent acrylic layer set around the upper black part. I'll have a closer look tomorrow anyway.

The handles are actually have a slight variation in design. The base of the 730 is round and the 630 is octagon like. The reverse is true for the top of the handles.

Gran Hermano

Amalgam wrote: »

Just a question for you lot, would you buy a shaving brush for a disposable user?

I have an Uncle I have a feeling would use one. Is brush & cream lather 'too thick' for disposables?

I think his main razor is a Gillette II, with a fixed head.

I used a boar brush with KoS or similar for several years with Mach3/Fusion
before I made the jump to DE and proper cream soap.
It's better than canned gel/foam but you do need to keep rinsing the
blade cartridge. Avoid the 'rich lather' English style creams.

I've one colleague who's taking small steps to using a DE and he's very
happy with his M3 and Proraso/Semogue combination for the last 6
months. A couple of others did the same for a month before buying DEs.

Another option is Kiss My Face cream, I've converted two others to use
it, albeit without a brush or DE, instead of the usual canned gel/cream.
(Kiss My Face creams are surprisingly good and cheap via iherb, I'm using
it as much as Proraso).

CrowdedHouse

Spudzz wrote: »

Received my Semogue 2015HD last Tuesday after 10 days waiting.:mad:
Some feedback on the brush.
The first thing that hit him was the smell of the Badger hair from the brush,boy was it strong

I got a Semogue 730 during the week from Vintagescent,I ordered on 20th September,so I got it at the old price €35.

It's a long time to be waiting I think and the packaging is the pits,just stuck in an ordinary envelope with bubble wrap so it got a fair battering on the way.I also ordered a bottle of Floid at the same time and no sign of that yet.
(I have visions of a sweet smelling sorting office !)

As to the brush itself it's OK for a €35 brush but if I'd paid €50 I think I would be disappointed.The handle is nice and unusual with clear/black acrylic,other than that there doesn't seem to be anything remarkable about it.That said I am just breaking in and the smell.....

Lads it absolutely STINKS,it's fading a bit but its revolting !

IMHO at these price points i.e 35 or 50 it's hard to beat the Kent BK2 or BK4,the BK2 while not the softest ever is very good for soaps and it a good all rounder and very well made.(great for £25 sterling)

bothyhead

CrowdedHouse wrote: »

Lads it absolutely STINKS,it's fading a bit but its revolting!

I read somewhere that one way to get rid of the smell is to wash it with shampoo - being hair and all that.

CrowdedHouse

Yep - washed it with both human and dog shampoo(4 Paws Magic Coat )

I've been using it all week,smell is fading but still there yet.

Amalgam

CrowdedHouse, is it soft? Not too prickly?

Not sure what to plump for, I like the Shavemac, but given the relatively short handle, it'll be like a tin drum, with the mug I'm using.. The Semogue looks a bit longer and I find their use of wood attractive.