I have been asked how the Semogue 1800 and Semogue Owners Club compare to each other, and since I didn't knew I had to find out.
Comparison here we go:
I soaked the brushes while showering and then lathered up with Nivea for Men Shaving Cream.
First pass: Applying the lather I could to my surprise feel a different in the prickliness of the brushes, the SOC was definitely more prickly than the 1800. The SOC splayed more as well and that was also what I had anticipated as I have always thought the SOC to be a larger brush than the "standard" Semogue's with this handle design. But looking at the data, the loft height is closer that I thought and I can't say that the splay is because of the loft, I think it is more a question of the combination of hair quality and how the hairs are assembled in the knot.
Second pass: For this pass I used painting motions and the SOC still splay more thus covering a larger area, and it was also still noticeable more prickly; another surprise. I would not have thought beforehand that I could feel a difference using those motions, and it must be because there are more shorter hairs in the SOC, otherwise I can't explain it.
Third pass: Nothing new; a light prickly, splaying SOC versus a soft firm 1800.
Fourth pass: As above. The splaying is visual when the brushes are put on the base to stand; the SOC is more open the hairs doesn't "go back" to their initial position whereas the 1800 looks pretty much like when it was dry.
Data
Result
I really thought the SOC would have softer tips than the 1800 because of the Special grade hair, but once again the Semogue 1800 has given me a positive surprise and judged only by the feel of the hair it is the winner, although I must say I like the size of the SOC handle better.
Now, if just Semogue would make a SOC sized brush with a 1800 undyed knot in a cherry handle I think I would have found my favourite boar brush - please Santa
Comparison here we go:
I soaked the brushes while showering and then lathered up with Nivea for Men Shaving Cream.
First pass: Applying the lather I could to my surprise feel a different in the prickliness of the brushes, the SOC was definitely more prickly than the 1800. The SOC splayed more as well and that was also what I had anticipated as I have always thought the SOC to be a larger brush than the "standard" Semogue's with this handle design. But looking at the data, the loft height is closer that I thought and I can't say that the splay is because of the loft, I think it is more a question of the combination of hair quality and how the hairs are assembled in the knot.
Second pass: For this pass I used painting motions and the SOC still splay more thus covering a larger area, and it was also still noticeable more prickly; another surprise. I would not have thought beforehand that I could feel a difference using those motions, and it must be because there are more shorter hairs in the SOC, otherwise I can't explain it.
Third pass: Nothing new; a light prickly, splaying SOC versus a soft firm 1800.
Fourth pass: As above. The splaying is visual when the brushes are put on the base to stand; the SOC is more open the hairs doesn't "go back" to their initial position whereas the 1800 looks pretty much like when it was dry.
Data
| 1800 | SOC | |
| Hair type | A mix of Extra 75% and Premium 90% tops | Special grade boar |
| Handle | Wood, natural, beech | Wood, natural, cherry (or ash) |
| Weight [gram] | 53.4 | 60.5 |
| Knot diameter [mm] | 21.4 | 24.2 |
| Loft Height [mm] | 54.7 | 56.5 |
| Total height [mm] | 112.0 | 117.0 |
Result
I really thought the SOC would have softer tips than the 1800 because of the Special grade hair, but once again the Semogue 1800 has given me a positive surprise and judged only by the feel of the hair it is the winner, although I must say I like the size of the SOC handle better.
Now, if just Semogue would make a SOC sized brush with a 1800 undyed knot in a cherry handle I think I would have found my favourite boar brush - please Santa
