Ah, Omega boars! I love ‘em. If you are a wet shaver of a certain vintage (i.e. before the introduction of synthetics that actually work) then there’s a pretty good chance that your first “proper” brush was an Omega.
Me, I started with Omegas and went all around the houses in terms of brush choices. These days, I am back to where I started. Yes, I have a few brushes in rotation, but Omegas probably get more face time than anything else. Turns out, the things that make them attractive for beginners are still attractive to me today:
But which model to choose? There are some well known models that get a lot of love. Take for example, the 10065 – let’s call it the “Baby Boar”. The knot size makes the 10065 a great choice for face lathering…but that handle has always bothered me a little. For someone with tendon issues in their hands, its shape isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world. I like my 10065 and wouldn’t be without one (I have spares, just in case) but something that’s more substantial and comfortable for my hands is welcome.
How about the 10049 Pro? This model is the standard “Big Boar” of the Omega line up. It’s true that I like big boars (and I cannot lie). There are no problems with handle comfort here. Nevertheless, I must admit that sometimes - just sometimes - the 49 can feel a bit like overkill as a face lathering brush. If you don’t mind getting lather all over the bathroom it’s great fun, but unless you regularly perform a 6 pass shave, it’s probably bigger than you truly need.
If only there was a happy medium between the two. Well, the other night I reached into the back of a drawer and pulled out an Omega box containing a brush I had purchased some time ago and then, for whatever reason, left untouched. I have been breaking it in for a couple of days and guys, I think this might be “the one” for face lathering.
It’s not too small, it’s not too big. In fact, it’s “just right”. I think that the goldilocks Omega boar for face lathering is the Omega 10108!
It's a model I rarely see people using or talking about, but that big, comfy handle combined with a short (55mm) yet wide knot provides all the characteristics I look for. In use, the overall dimensions remind me a lot of the Zenith B03-A26, a much-loved brush, but whereas that brush has almost too much backbone and knot density for a masher like me, the Omega knot splays easily and gently, with just enough resistance to provide that pleasant level of scrub. Furthermore, because of its shorter loft compared to the 49, with the 10108 you can hit the sweet-spot of splay / scrub without having bristles spread out so wide that you are in danger of swamping your face and lathering the inside of your ears or nose by mistake!
So, gentlemen, my recommendation is that if you are boar fan and you like to face lather, then the next time you are looking for something cheap to bump up an order and qualify for free shipping, throw an Omega 10108 in your cart and give it a try. I think you will be glad that you did! Me, I am going to acquire another one and stash it away…just in case.
(I apologise for the crappy, backlit photo. It's either that or block the light by standing in front of it).
Me, I started with Omegas and went all around the houses in terms of brush choices. These days, I am back to where I started. Yes, I have a few brushes in rotation, but Omegas probably get more face time than anything else. Turns out, the things that make them attractive for beginners are still attractive to me today:
- They're Cheap (I can get a basic model for less than 5 Imperial Credits)
- They're Cheerful (Look at those jaunty colours!)
- Once broken in, they’re a joy to use and perform like champions.
But which model to choose? There are some well known models that get a lot of love. Take for example, the 10065 – let’s call it the “Baby Boar”. The knot size makes the 10065 a great choice for face lathering…but that handle has always bothered me a little. For someone with tendon issues in their hands, its shape isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world. I like my 10065 and wouldn’t be without one (I have spares, just in case) but something that’s more substantial and comfortable for my hands is welcome.
How about the 10049 Pro? This model is the standard “Big Boar” of the Omega line up. It’s true that I like big boars (and I cannot lie). There are no problems with handle comfort here. Nevertheless, I must admit that sometimes - just sometimes - the 49 can feel a bit like overkill as a face lathering brush. If you don’t mind getting lather all over the bathroom it’s great fun, but unless you regularly perform a 6 pass shave, it’s probably bigger than you truly need.
If only there was a happy medium between the two. Well, the other night I reached into the back of a drawer and pulled out an Omega box containing a brush I had purchased some time ago and then, for whatever reason, left untouched. I have been breaking it in for a couple of days and guys, I think this might be “the one” for face lathering.
It’s not too small, it’s not too big. In fact, it’s “just right”. I think that the goldilocks Omega boar for face lathering is the Omega 10108!
It's a model I rarely see people using or talking about, but that big, comfy handle combined with a short (55mm) yet wide knot provides all the characteristics I look for. In use, the overall dimensions remind me a lot of the Zenith B03-A26, a much-loved brush, but whereas that brush has almost too much backbone and knot density for a masher like me, the Omega knot splays easily and gently, with just enough resistance to provide that pleasant level of scrub. Furthermore, because of its shorter loft compared to the 49, with the 10108 you can hit the sweet-spot of splay / scrub without having bristles spread out so wide that you are in danger of swamping your face and lathering the inside of your ears or nose by mistake!
So, gentlemen, my recommendation is that if you are boar fan and you like to face lather, then the next time you are looking for something cheap to bump up an order and qualify for free shipping, throw an Omega 10108 in your cart and give it a try. I think you will be glad that you did! Me, I am going to acquire another one and stash it away…just in case.
(I apologise for the crappy, backlit photo. It's either that or block the light by standing in front of it).