Semogue Brush Preferences

**sorasevilbro** · 08-25-2012, 10:54 AM

I'd like to hear B&B's opinions on all Semogue brushes. I don't own any myself (as of yet) but I would really like to purchase one, and it is currently high on my list of things to buy when I make a few more bucks. The only history I have with boar brushes is a VDH boar, and my Omega pro 98 (99? The one I have has a very long black handle). I really like the Omega but I find that the handle is a bit too long for my comfort. Anyways, I've been wanting to get into the world of Semogue boars for quite awhile, so I would like to hear all opinions, critiques, reviews, likes, dislikes, and preferences on all of Semogue's Boar brushes.

Tell me what YOU think B&B! And as always, be courteous and respectful.

**bosenberg** · 08-25-2012, 11:45 AM

I have three. SOC, 620, and just recently a 2030B. I love them all but if i had to keep just one it would be the 620. Cotton-ball soft tips after two months if use and more than enough backbone to easily handle tallow soaps. And the clear handle looks amazing.

The soc is larger, a little floppy, and not as soft. Its a fantastic brush, very high quality but more expensive.

I just got a 2030b and still trying to break it in. Very stiff backbone with a taller but narrower knot compared to the 620. Not as soft yet either. But the heavy, brass vintagey handle almost makes it a must have. Great on soaps

**lt114** · 08-25-2012, 12:42 PM

I own quite a few Semogues, mostly boars, and I love them all. To start out, you would do well to get a 620 or 1305. These brushes are two of Semogues most popular brushes, and they're both fantastic for either soap or creams, bowl or face lathering. The SOC is a step up from either of those, and possibly the best non limited edition Semogue boar you can buy. The SOC is also very versatile. I exclusively face lather and the SOC has plenty of backbone to handle hard soaps in my experience. It will take you around 30 lathers to really break in the SOC, so you will have to be patient if you go with the SOC. You should also look at the 1800 and the 1205. The 1800 is very similar to the 1305, but it has slightly more backbone.

You could always just pick one that looks nice to you, in your budget, and start that way. I don't think you can go wrong whichever Semogue you pick. More information on your preferences would also help recommending a Semogue.

Vinage Scent has easily the best prices on all Semogues, and Leon is great to deal with.

If you want to try out a Semogue badger, the SOC 2 band is a great brush.

**ratshaving** · 08-25-2012, 01:39 PM

I only have the 620 and have had it just longer than a week and can already tell it will be my daily driver... it has even completely converted me to face lathering !

**VT_Hokie** · 08-25-2012, 01:57 PM

I own 4 semogue brushes and my favorite and subsequently the least expensive is the 1470.

Stellar little soap monster and is great for face lathering.

**OzoneAz** · 08-25-2012, 02:11 PM

John, the question here is do you face or bowl lather?

Honestly you can pick any one out of a hat and you won't be disappointed. Here are my recommendations...

Face Lather - The 620 is a beast when it comes to soaps. From my experience Semogues destroy soaps (in a good way), the 620 wrecks them (again in a good way). No soap has a chance. However, personally using the 620 is a "pita" when it comes to bowl lathering and the time required to break in. I would say the 620 is the most sold Semogue brush in BST only because guys don't have the patience for the break in period and give up on it too soon.

Bowl Lather - I would give the bowl lather award to the Semogue 2000. With a 62mm loft this brush does "work"... in a bowl. Plus she's a blond which gets extra points in my book.

Versatile - If you are looking far versatility you can't go wrong with the Semogue 1305. The reviews speak for themselves. Probably the most recommended Semogue brush on B&B.

Creme Dela Creme - Yes you guessed it... The SOC. There is a reason why the called it "Owner's Club". In my opinion the SOC is what other boar brushes wish they were. If your plan is one and done, then the SOC is the one you want.

**Danricgro** · 08-25-2012, 02:23 PM

830. It does everything well.

**sorasevilbro** · 08-25-2012, 02:35 PM

I do in fact subscribe to both kinds of lathering, depending on how I feel, but I seem to bowl lather much more often then I face lather, so I will keep that consideration in mind. I've heard a great many things about the SOC and it sounds like a winner, though I am quite enticed by the descriptions everyone gave of the 620. I will keep taking suggestions though, before I reach a decision.

**SliceOfLife** · 08-25-2012, 03:32 PM

+1 the 1470 is my favorite. SOC and if you can find one 2010LE were both excellent as well. Before these three, my favorite was an 830.

Originally Posted by VT_Hokie

I own 4 semogue brushes and my favorite and subsequently the least expensive is the 1470.

Stellar little soap monster and is great for face lathering.

**sgtd** · 08-25-2012, 03:36 PM

SOC 2-band is very nice. I'd highly recommend it.

**lt114** · 08-25-2012, 05:40 PM

The 830 is another brush that is certainly very nice.
You might have an issue with it after 40+ lathers, because it does loose backbone. For some people that might be an issue, but for others its not a big deal.

**celestino** · 08-25-2012, 06:57 PM

ALL OF THEM!

**Sfbagger** · 08-25-2012, 07:29 PM

I have several Semogues, including both boar and badger SOCs. My two favorites are the 1305 and 1250. They're great with soaps or creams, feel wonderful on my face, and for me, the handles have the perfect shape. The SOC boar is just too big, bloom-wise, for me.

Pick what looks interesting; you can't go wrong.

**deruitem** · 08-25-2012, 07:31 PM

620

**Vivasanti** · 08-25-2012, 08:48 PM

I have both the 620 & 830, great great brushed.

**Docd** · 08-25-2012, 08:54 PM

If you ever get the chance, pick up a 2011 LE bristle. The #1 takes time to break in...alot of time. Never the less, those are great brushes with dense knots.

**SEnSE** · 08-25-2012, 09:25 PM

SOC non-identical twins.

/endthread

**brother cavefish** · 08-25-2012, 09:43 PM

i have both SOC boars and a 1305-great

**Batman** · 08-26-2012, 11:47 AM

620 and waiting on a new 1305. The 620 is amazing. I may get rid of my badgers and stick to Boar. The only think that made me buy the 1305, is that the handle of the 620 gets pretty slippery...

**Samjax** · 08-26-2012, 01:13 PM

I own (or have owned) the 830, 2000, 2011 LE #2, SOC 2 Band and SOC Bristle. The ones that I am keeping will be the two SOCs. The LE #2 is a great brush though...but not that much better than my SOC Bristle, if at all.

The SOCs (Badger or Boar) represent somewhat of a standard at their respective price points. If a person wanted to spend $100 to $120 on brushes, they would be hard pressed to get a better pair than the two SOCs. Is the SOC 2 Band as good as my Chubby 3 Super? Umm...no! But, it's a whole lot less money and probably would suit a lot more people's shaving style than the Chubby 3 does.