Semogue 1305 vs. Vulfix 2234

[shm]

I have a boar brush I quite like for its soft tips a Vulfix 2234, so I thought it might be fun to compare it to the whichever of my Semogues that has the dimensions closest to the Vulfix and it is the 1305.

The knot in the 2234 is rather small and none of my Semogues are that small, but the 1305 is the closest match and the lofts are almost identical, so I still think it will be a fair comparison.

Data

	Semogue 1305	Vulfix 2234
Hair type	Boar, Premium 90% tops	Boar
Handle	Wood, painted	Plastic
Weight [gram]	52.3	60.7
Knot diameter [mm]	21.4	19.9
Loft height [mm]	54.1	53.1
Total height [mm]	111.4	104.2

Test

Even though the 1305 has a slightly larger knot it doesn't feel more dense than the 2234 in dry condition - but then again it is very hard to detect a difference in density of a dry knot.

The brushes were soaked in warm water while showering and then loaded with Palmolive Classic Shaving Soap (EU version).
Before I loaded the brushes I just checked the feel of density of the wet bristles and now I could definitely tell that the 1305 was more densely packed.

Loading: Loading the brushes on the wetted puck for 30-45 seconds and they picked up soap without any problems. I loaded the 1305 for a bit longer than the 2234 due to the larger knot.

First pass: The 2234 felt almost silk like it was very smooth, whereas I could just feel a little prickliness from the 1305. Backbones felt equal at this point.

Second pass: The 1305 felt a little softer in the tips now, but still not quite as soft as the 2234. The 1305 splayed a bit more than the 2234 but it felt more firm, a clear indication of a denser knot.

Third pass: As the second pass, and the 2234 definitely has a softer backbone than the 1305.

Fourth pass: Equal to the third pass.








Result

I have always felt that the Vulfix 2234 had some nice soft tips, and with this comparison my sentiments have only been confirmed.
It is obvious that the slightly larger knot of the 1305 is more densely packed than the 2234 even if the size is taken into account.
That higher density of hairs are showing in the backbone of the brushes as the 1305 is more firm, without I will call the 2234 floppy (although some might).

Should I choose between these two brushes I would have a very hard time doing so.
The Vulfix has some delicious soft tips, but the 1305 has just a little more backbone and a slightly better handle, so...
Well, luckily I don't have to choose between them

All I can say is; in the 2234 Vulfix have made a really nice boar brush, and I am quite keen on trying one of their larger knots to see if it matches this one in the softness of the tips and if a larger knot will give a better backbone.
Hmm...I think I came across a place where they sell Vulfix brushes - well, it can't hurt just to look

[Balj86]

Awesome review! I had no idea Vulfix's made nice boar brushes! I think its because of SAD (Semogue Acquisition Disorder) LOL! Do you own any Vie Long Boar brushes Soren? If so, how do you compare it to a Semogue?

[DavidB]

I had a Vulfix 2233 boar with the premium bristles and absolutely loved it. I think I was a little too aggressive with face lathering, because fairly soon, the bristles were breaking. Still, it was a great brush, with super soft tips. And my favorite handle shape, hands down.

By the way, where does one purchase a Vulfix 223X boar brush? I can't recall where I purchased mine.

Dave

[Unkas]

I got my Semogue 1305 today and I love it, fantastic brush! I see you're a Dane so I can recommend Connaught Shaving since they carry Vulfix brushes and ship to Denmark.

[Oscroft]

Great review Søren, thanks - if the Vulfix is up there with Semogue quality, then it really must be a good brush!

[Captain Coconut]

Great write-up, Søren, I really love these comparison/reviews.

If I could make a suggestion, you might think about making a compiled list of these comparisons, possibly on your wiki-page (maybe it could even become a sticky on the Shaving Brushes page). I know many people use your comparison/reviews, and it would be great to have them all in one place.

[oversaturn]

Wonderful review, Soeren!

I had a 2234h boar in the past, but its lack of density and backbone (specially when compared with my Omegas or Semogues) didn't fit my taste.
I ended up re-knotting mine with a TGN Finest XH knot.

I had a Vulfix 2233 boar with the premium bristles and absolutely loved it. I think I was a little too aggressive with face lathering, because fairly soon, the bristles were breaking. Still, it was a great brush, with super soft tips. And my favorite handle shape, hands down.

By the way, where does one purchase a Vulfix 223X boar brush? I can't recall where I purchased mine.

Dave

Take a look at connnaughtshaving, they have a good selection of Vulfix boars, including the "London series" ones.

[Captain Coconut]

Søren, have you compared (or could you possibly) the Vulfix 2234 to the 404 mixed? Or has anybody else?

[shm]

Søren, have you compared (or could you possibly) the Vulfix 2234 to the 404 mixed? Or has anybody else?

The 2234 is the only Vulfix I got, so unfortunately I can't make a comparison.

[oversaturn]

Søren, have you compared (or could you possibly) the Vulfix 2234 to the 404 mixed? Or has anybody else?

I had the Vulfix 2234h boar. As I said, it lacks density and backbone, specially when compared to Omegas or Semogues. I'm not saying it is a bad brush, but I surely didn't fit my tastes - hence, the re-knot.

As for the Vulfix 404 Grosvenor bristle&badger, I have it and like it. It is an entirely different brush, and for me, much better than the Vulfix 2234h boar. The handle is one of the best in all of the shavedom, sturdy and heavy, and the knot is simply a pleasure to use - it is a larger knot, and has enough backbone and density. The badger percentage in it is low (maybe 85% boar and 15% badger or so), but a great brush nonetheless.

[shm]

I had the Vulfix 2234h boar. As I said, it lacks density and backbone, specially when compared to Omegas or Semogues. I'm not saying it is a bad brush, but I surely didn't fit my tastes - hence, the re-knot.

As for the Vulfix 404 Grosvenor bristle&badger, I have it and like it. It is an entirely different brush, and for me, much better than the Vulfix 2234h boar. The handle is one of the best in all of the shavedom, sturdy and heavy, and the knot is simply a pleasure to use - it is a larger knot, and has enough backbone and density. The badger percentage in it is low (maybe 85% boar and 15% badger or so), but a great brush nonetheless.

"Thank you" very much Oversaturn - now you have tickled my curiosity and that is normal a bad thing for my wallet

[oversaturn]

"Thank you" very much Oversaturn - now you have tickled my curiosity and that is normal a bad thing for my wallet

At least, it is not expensive! And if you buy it, you surely will not be disappointed.
The British shop diamondedge has a good deal on it.

[turtle]

I smell another review brewing

[shm]

At least, it is not expensive! And if you buy it, you surely will not be disappointed.
The British shop diamondedge has a good deal on it.

That particular brush is not expensive, but combined with the others... I caved three times watching that site

[Captain Coconut]

I had the Vulfix 2234h boar. As I said, it lacks density and backbone, specially when compared to Omegas or Semogues. I'm not saying it is a bad brush, but I surely didn't fit my tastes - hence, the re-knot.

As for the Vulfix 404 Grosvenor bristle&badger, I have it and like it. It is an entirely different brush, and for me, much better than the Vulfix 2234h boar. The handle is one of the best in all of the shavedom, sturdy and heavy, and the knot is simply a pleasure to use - it is a larger knot, and has enough backbone and density. The badger percentage in it is low (maybe 85% boar and 15% badger or so), but a great brush nonetheless.

Thanks! I already ordered a 404 from diamondedge, so I'm glad to hear this. I'm worried that the 2234 would be too floppy for my tastes, so I'll skip that one.

[ODJ]

I absolutely love my 1305. Love it so much I sold my Simpsons Duke 3 because I never use it and picked up a second 1305 to rotate.

[Foyle]

I've got a 1305 on the way from Techichi. He had a stock of new ones he was selling for $20.00 shipped. It looks like they're all gone now. I'm glad I was able to snap one up. I haven't had a boar since I stupidly sold my SOC, and I've always loved the green and cream paint scheme on the 1305. It reminds me of a billiard ball for some reason. It's timeless. I can't wait until it arrives.

[oversaturn]

That particular brush is not expensive, but combined with the others... I caved three times watching that site

Oh Søren, you're just being true to your philosophy - when in doubt, buy all of them, right?

Thanks! I already ordered a 404 from diamondedge, so I'm glad to hear this. I'm worried that the 2234 would be too floppy for my tastes, so I'll skip that one.

The404 Grosvenor is a great brush indeed. Enjoy it!

[shm]

Oh Søren, you're just being true to your philosophy - when in doubt, buy all of them, right?

Well, I did the no-no thing and just took a look (I should know better) at the other Vulfix's and couldn't help myself, I felt sorry for the 404 and didn't think it should travel alone so a 2234h Silvertip and a VS5 boar ended up in the cart as well
Now, my next task is to look for my spine. I can't remember where I put it last

[AndreasDK]

Søren:

Take a look at the Vulfix 2189 bristle.

I think it is a better build quality than my 1305, which I consider VERY good quality.
Thinner hairs, lower lower loft and smaller knot - but ever so nice :-)