Semogue 1305 vs Semogue 1520

[persco]

I am thinking of getting a Semogue boar brush, but would like opinions as to the difference between the 1305 and the 1520. Anyone use both? Do you have a preference for one or the other?

Here are the specs and pics (from Fendrihan.com):

Semogue 1305

Bristle loft: 55 mm
Knot diameter: 22 mm

SEM1305.jpg

Semogue 1520

Bristle loft: 50 mm
Knot diameter: 21 mm

SEM1520.jpg


Thanks!

s.

[superbleu]

I had the 1305 and sold it to get the 1520 and have been pretty happy with it.

They are both nice brushes, but I felt the 1305 was a little too floppy for me.
Take that with a grain of salt as the Rooney stubby 1, Simpsons CH1 and 45mm D01 haired Shavemac's are the types of brushes I prefer. And I almost exclusively face lather.

Also you might want to consider getting the 620 vs the 1520 if that is the direction you want to go. the 1520 handle looks nice, but the paint isn't very durable and seems to be prone to chipping/flaking off.

[soapbox]

I've got a 1305 and confess it is a bit floppy, but I like it, especially for a sub-$20 shave brush (I use soaps and don't usually face lather). It's better than a similarly-priced Tweezerman. I don't have the 1520 but, given the price, I might get one after the new year.

[persco]

I had the 1305 and sold it to get the 1520 and have been pretty happy with it.

They are both nice brushes, but I felt the 1305 was a little too floppy for me.
Take that with a grain of salt as the Rooney stubby 1, Simpsons CH1 and 45mm D01 haired Shavemac's are the types of brushes I prefer. And I almost exclusively face lather.

Also you might want to consider getting the 620 vs the 1520 if that is the direction you want to go. the 1520 handle looks nice, but the paint isn't very durable and seems to be prone to chipping/flaking off.

I think you've told me what I was looking for. I also lean toward a short loft, and face-lather 99% of the time. Thanks, I'll check out the 620, too. But I do like the handles on the 1305/1520.

s.

[Dpflaum]

I have the 1520 and it is very very scrubby. Granted I haven't got it completely broken in, but it is super stiff.

[theperfectstorm]

Sounds like a quick coat of sealant should fix the handle situation. Considering my experience with the labels on my other Semogue I think I would have sealed the 1520 anyway. Now I know for sure.

[bman40]

Sounds like a quick coat of sealant should fix the handle situation. Considering my experience with the labels on my other Semogue I think I would have sealed the 1520 anyway. Now I know for sure.

Can I ask what you used to seal it with? Laquer?

Barry

[Uncle Shakey]

You won't go wrong with the 620. I own both 620 and 1520 and really loke the feel of both on my face but I really love the feel and heft of the 620 handle. Not to mention that I just plain looks good.

[jhclare]

I also have the 1520 and 620, bought at the same time. I lather with boars for at least a week to break them in before shaving with them. These brushes need two weeks of use before you can make a judgement about their performance. The tips really split and soften up.

I think the knot is the same on both the 1520 and 620 (the dimensions are the same at any rate).

I prefer the shorter loft than the 1305, but I do like the 1305's handle! A good compromise would be a 1305 handle with the 1520's knot. :-)

I find the 1520 handle the right size, but the 620 is more hefty, yet a bit too short for me, so I'm using the 1520 more.

They are fantastic brushes for the money, and I seem to be using them more than my badgers these days. You can afford to buy them all :-)

John