atison
12-13-2011, 07:50 AM
Background: I've had a Vulfix 2234 for 5+ years and was happy with it, but always wanted something more out of my brush. I dubbed it my "floppy vulfix" as it has zero backbone, but built lather quite well and felt good to boot. The sensation is similar to a kitten pawing at your face with a 5lb boxing glove covered in feathers. It also is a lather hog that doesn't like to give it up without a little squeezing, but never left me without enough lather for 4-5+ lathers (not that I take that many passes).
The last 6 months though it has been shedding worse than a golden retriever so off to a new brush I went. Picked the Semogue 1520 for its short loft, its handle, extra 75% tops and good backbone.
Got it yesterday and immediately noticed the difference from the VDH boar I used for a few weeks when I started. First thing I noticed was ZERO boar funk out of the box. Upon swirling the brush on my hand (without getting it wet) I was shocked at the backbone and partially thinking I made a bad decision as there seemed to be no give whatsoever.
Once I got it soaking in water it loosened up nicely. I planned on shaving with it from day one so I can feel the break in process as it happens. Went to my Tabac and loaded it up and started working the lather on my face as usual. The sensation was awesome! I didn't expect the backbone plus the soft tips to be there on shave 1. This was more like Chuck Norris pawing at your face with an MMA glove covered in the best velvet. Not the slightest bit of pricklyness but a good massage on the face. You can splay out the bristles by pushing in a bit, or work it with the tips for a little more push into your cheeks.
This thing did some amazing things to my Tabac. I like a stiff lather more than billowy meringue and as I added drop after drop the lather kept a tight consistency but got slicker and slicker visibly shining on my face. After a minute or two of building I had plenty on my face and a good brush worth for extra passes.
Pass 2 gave plenty more coverage but the brush was getting a little bare of lather. Had to load a bit more for pass three.
Results. Fan-flipping-tastic shave. Loved the experience and I couldn't have picked a more perfect brush for what I was looking for. I need to work on loading to have enough soap for my usual 3 passes, but even if I have to reload I am happy.
After finishing and letting the brush dry a little, I inspected the tops of the hairs. And to my surprise I noticed that the majority of the tips are already split. If I had to guess, 60% or more are already split. I didn't expect this, but am glad that it seems to already be somewhat broken in for one reason or another.
I was about to pull the trigger on the 1305 for it handle and its following here and was worried the 1520 might have too much backbone, but I am happy with my choice. This brush is outstanding.
The last 6 months though it has been shedding worse than a golden retriever so off to a new brush I went. Picked the Semogue 1520 for its short loft, its handle, extra 75% tops and good backbone.
Got it yesterday and immediately noticed the difference from the VDH boar I used for a few weeks when I started. First thing I noticed was ZERO boar funk out of the box. Upon swirling the brush on my hand (without getting it wet) I was shocked at the backbone and partially thinking I made a bad decision as there seemed to be no give whatsoever.
Once I got it soaking in water it loosened up nicely. I planned on shaving with it from day one so I can feel the break in process as it happens. Went to my Tabac and loaded it up and started working the lather on my face as usual. The sensation was awesome! I didn't expect the backbone plus the soft tips to be there on shave 1. This was more like Chuck Norris pawing at your face with an MMA glove covered in the best velvet. Not the slightest bit of pricklyness but a good massage on the face. You can splay out the bristles by pushing in a bit, or work it with the tips for a little more push into your cheeks.
This thing did some amazing things to my Tabac. I like a stiff lather more than billowy meringue and as I added drop after drop the lather kept a tight consistency but got slicker and slicker visibly shining on my face. After a minute or two of building I had plenty on my face and a good brush worth for extra passes.
Pass 2 gave plenty more coverage but the brush was getting a little bare of lather. Had to load a bit more for pass three.
Results. Fan-flipping-tastic shave. Loved the experience and I couldn't have picked a more perfect brush for what I was looking for. I need to work on loading to have enough soap for my usual 3 passes, but even if I have to reload I am happy.
After finishing and letting the brush dry a little, I inspected the tops of the hairs. And to my surprise I noticed that the majority of the tips are already split. If I had to guess, 60% or more are already split. I didn't expect this, but am glad that it seems to already be somewhat broken in for one reason or another.
I was about to pull the trigger on the 1305 for it handle and its following here and was worried the 1520 might have too much backbone, but I am happy with my choice. This brush is outstanding.