lathering with the Omega boar

**peacefrog** · 12-09-2006, 08:42 PM

I've been using an Omega boar (the Proraso branded one from Target) for the last several shaves. So far I'm underwhelmed.

I don't seem to get the same mounds of lather with soft peaks. The lather I get seems wetter and evaporates on my face. I think the problem is too much water. When I shake out the brush, it seems to retain much more water than my badger brush. I'm not sure how to fix that.

The other thing that bothers me about the brush is that it leaves my face feeling slightly irritated if I use a scrubbing motion with it. Maybe that will go away as the brush softens with repeated use?

**_JP_** · 12-09-2006, 08:50 PM

It might soften with use. When using it on your face, try a lighter touch. There's no real need to mash it down when lathering.

**TraderJoe** · 12-09-2006, 09:25 PM

Bob,

When I first began using my Omega Boar, I didn't get good results. Over time, it softened up. It might be a good idea to make some "practice lathers" with the brush. In the meantime though, are you pre-soaking the brush with glycerine? That should help speed up the softening process. As far as the irritation is concerned, I can't say I ever expreinced that, but what I can say is that I really mash the Boar brushes into my face especially when using soaps, and definitely when using shave sticks.

I do also find the boar to work well with creams:

Keep at it buddy!

**huxley_knew** · 12-09-2006, 09:55 PM

The Omega was my first brush (I've banished the Burma brush from my memory..) and I recall that it needs quite a bit more pressure while swirling to really get the soap/cream/lather into the interior of the brush...that, and you'll probably want to keep working the lather a while longer than what you think is necessary...

Keep us updated!

Joe

**htownmmm** · 12-09-2006, 10:03 PM

Bob,

The Omega boar will soften with use. I normally whip lather for a minute,then check. if no peqaks have formed, I continue for another minute and by then the lather is exploding from the brush.

Marty

**peacefrog** · 12-10-2006, 07:21 AM

I'll keep at it, although I'm on the road this week and I'll probably just take my little Burmashave brush which is also boar. Has anyone experienced trouble with the amount water in the mix when using boar? That seems to be an issue for me because the boar doesn't let loose as much water when I shake it than my badger does.

**galpman** · 12-10-2006, 08:06 AM

I tried the Omega brush a few weeks ago after having used my badger for several months. I know that the boar requires a break-in period, but I felt for the extra $20 bucks at C&E for a Best Badger was a better brush.

So the question is, does it pay to have a Boar in your arsenal when Badgers are superior for the most part? By the wat, great lather Trader!!!

**TraderJoe** · 12-10-2006, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by peacefrog

I'll keep at it, although I'm on the road this week and I'll probably just take my little Burmashave brush which is also boar. Has anyone experienced trouble with the amount water in the mix when using boar? That seems to be an issue for me because the boar doesn't let loose as much water when I shake it than my badger does.

Bob, try shaking the brush out more, or just using more soap/cream. You'll figure it out eventually, don't worry.

Have a great trip!

Originally Posted by galpman

So the question is, does it pay to have a Boar in your arsenal when Badgers are superior for the most part?

I like the different "feel" that a boar has, and sometimes find that you can't beat a boar when lathering a soap.

Wouldn't be without one.

**android** · 12-10-2006, 10:38 AM

i've had the same brush for 4 months, and it works great! It did take some time to break in, though. I'd recommend shampooing it and then putting hair conditioner on it, that should soften it up some. I like the heft and the stiffness of this brush, and although I also like my C&E best badger brush, they are different. Stick with it a little bit more and I think will like it. Dont' overdo the pressure on your face, as boar is quite stiff, and you could end up looking like you kissed a porcupine (kidding!)

**Mottern Man** · 12-10-2006, 10:45 AM

I have the brush too.

It dose soften over time and i think mine feels great on the face.
I do have a problem with using it on creams but it is wonderful for soaps.

**SharpClaw** · 12-10-2006, 11:41 AM

I also own the Omega boar brush sold as a Proraso
It is good at making lather and its better than other
boar hair brushes i have tried. I own the His Tweezerman badger
brush, Omega Syntex and a cheap Delong boar brush that cost me 1.50.

All i love all my brushes except the delong.
I like having variety of brushes to chose from
its a little more fun lol.

The Omega boar brush is a fine brush
just remember ,that you can not make lather with it
using the same technique you used with the badger.

**izlat** · 12-10-2006, 09:49 PM

Very interesting. My Proraso / Omega does NOT keep enough water, compared to my silvertips and I have to add lots... In general, boar loads much less with water so I am very surprised to hear your results.

And yes, I have noticed it works better with creams (rated almost 10/10 by me) than with soaps (8/10) - which I myself would normally expect to be reverse for a boar brush.

I have sensitive skin but it feels pretty nice on my face, to be honest. No mashing, etc. And I also notice that it takes a while to build lather with it, especially in the large Moss scuttle.

Cheers
Ivo

**catatonic** · 12-13-2006, 05:48 PM

Ditto, my Proraso Omega doesn't hold water well at all. That was why in my old "shave den" pic, I had a small glass bottle around. It was to add water in a semi-precise manner to my shaving mug.

I do find it can make an exceptional lather though...the key is it needs room to operate. It's a MASSIVE brush (knot is so big I had to carve out a large knot brush holder to fit it), and it won't work very well in a small mug. I found it works better in a Latte mug.

**jazzman** · 12-15-2006, 05:13 AM

I think it's a great travel brush. I don't have to worry about losing it or damaging it by packing it before it's dry because replacing it won't be too painful at its price, and it works just fine.

**peacefrog** · 01-02-2007, 10:14 AM

I've tried hard to like this brush, and I've used it almost exclusively for a month. It has gotten softer; in fact I like the feel of it on my face now. But I just can't get consistently good lather with it. I've decided that life's too short to struggle with a brush when I've got another one that always delivers for me. So this Omega is going to be relegated to my travel rig where it will work quite well with the Arko stick.

**BroJohn** · 01-02-2007, 04:27 PM

I've decided that life's too short to struggle with a brush when I've got another one that always delivers for me.

Me too. I still have the Omega somewhere, but I'm a badger guy.

-- John Gehman

**sparky5693** · 01-02-2007, 04:41 PM

The omega is my one and only brush. It's the only one i've ever used. I can lather anything with it, its just a matter of learning how it works. I'd imagine it would be the same with any other brush. I do plan on purchasing my first badger when the forum brush goes live.

**Lil'Shaver** · 01-05-2007, 06:31 PM

I have both the Omega (boar) and a small C&E badger. I do like the badger better. It is worth the extra $20.
If any of you lurkers are reading this, then buy the badger first.
for what its worth..
dwight

**Jstone** · 01-06-2007, 11:50 AM

Just got my Omega yesterday and used it today for the third and final practice. It was exploding with mama bears soap. First two times not so much so I ran the brush under the faucet and just left it wet and used it like that.....boom...foam everywhere.