After posting here with the desire to purchase my next brush, I had many helpful responses. I was leaning heavily towards an upper-end Badger, as I only owned a AOS pure badger at that point. Many B&B members were pushing me in the direction of boar for what I was looking for...

I pulled the trigger on an Semogue Owners Club cherry boar from VintageScent.com and the wait begun. During that time, I NEEDED something else...an immediate fix like a junkie! I went to SuperiorShave and talked to Jarrod. He hooked me up with the Vulfix 2236 (which I love, this is by no means a downplay on it).

Well well...the SOC came yesterday!! I opened it, and my first impression was WOW - that wooden handle is really unique compared to the horn and black ebony handle I currently have. Nice looking brush! I took it home, defunked it a bit (although I must say I was expecting much worse :) by soaking it in warm water, waiting for it to spread, and then "washing" it with baby shampoo...

I loaded the brush with some soap and BOY OH BOY did it lather up very well! Shocked at this point. Love the feel of the handle and the backbone in the brush...rinsed the brush, shook it a bit and gave it a few swipes on the towel. Stuck it on a stand next to the fan and went to bed. Woke up not 6 hrs later, and the brush was already starting to bloom, with some hairs already splitting. Very surprised at this point.

I haven't used it to shave as I'm really just breaking for a few days first...but my initial impression is very high, particularily when you consider the price

My only concern (one I didn't think was really a problem) is the glue that has come out of the knot and into the base of the brush. After opening it, I did some research and it appears this may be normal. Can anyone verify that this?

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Signed,

A possible boar convert.