Semogue Brush Preferences

[Kostas1]

830. It does everything well.

+1...although I'll probably eventually pick up something with a shorter loft for comparison's sake.

[Balj86]

Semogue 1800!

[menghai]

I got a 1305 a few months back, and have hardly used anything since. I am likely going to get a 620 at some point soon.

[Triad]

I have a 620 and 830 if i had to only keep one well........that would suck!!

[Danricgro]

I have a 620 and 830 if i had to only keep one well........that would suck!!

+1 I love em both!

[shm]

ALL OF THEM!

Big +1

[DEGuy]

Height 97mm; handle 45mm; bristle Loft 50mm; knot diameter 21mm.

Just picked up a 620 and a 1438. I have to say the 1438 is getting all the love from me. The 620 is nice, but the 1438 is fantastic! I'm thinking of adding a 830 to my Semogue lineup as my favored boar brushes. I have an SOC, but I prefer the 1438 to the SOC. Excellent lather control and this brush, even as new, builds a great lather. The SOC, a favored Semogue by many of its dedicated user, has to robust a loft for me. Semogue boars are simply exceptional boar brushes. I used to use Omega boar only--no more, now it's nothing but Semogue--the Portuguese know how to make a boar brush.

[itsmedave]

I own an SOC 2 Band, TSN LE Mix, SOC Boar, and an 830. I am curious as to what current Semogue model comes closest to the 2010 LE (since those are really rare).

[CHSeifert]

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.

Do you own both the LE 2011 #2 Bristle and the LE 2011 #2 2-band Badger ?
How would you rate the LE 2011 #2 2-band bagder up against the SOC 2-Band ?

I know shm, Søren, thinks the SOC 2-bander is a little bit softer at the tips and overall a better brush - but since the hair, specs and form are so close, one would think they would be very close......
I consider adding the SOC 2-Band to my collection, but I already bought the LE 2011 #2 2-Band badger (coming to my home next week) - so maybe these 2 are too close to own both or ?
I face lather exclusively and only creams and croaps, not soaps.

[Samjax]

Do you own both the LE 2011 #2 Bristle and the LE 2011 #2 2-band Badger ?
How would you rate the LE 2011 #2 2-band bagder up against the SOC 2-Band ?

Nope...my comparison was with my Semogue 2011 LE #2 and my Semogue SOC Bristle with Cherry handle.

In that regard - the LE#2 was a bit softer and "bigger" on my face - not quite as much backbone as the SOC - but very close. Neither was good for more than 2 good faces of lather - you may be able to coax a 3rd with enough loading time. I recently traded the 2011 LE #2 and kept my SOC Bristle - just wasn't enough difference between them to keep them both. Both my SOC Badger and SOC Bristle have the Cherry handles - so I opted to stay with the matching set.

None of my boars however are good enough to be in my current rotation - they are all decent brushes - but they are running with some pretty fast company.

[SEnSE]

I own an SOC 2 Band, TSN LE Mix, SOC Boar, and an 830. I am curious as to what current Semogue model comes closest to the 2010 LE (since those are really rare).

Or the 2010 B&B custom boar?

[Oscroft]

I have 610, 1305 and SOC boars, and a SOC badger 2-band. The SOC 2-band is excellent, but it's badger and is a lot more expensive than the others - and it's boar brushes that Semogue is really known for.

Which would I recommend for a first Semogue? Based on my own experience and what I've heard from others, I'd say a 1305 or a 620 - whichever of those you like the look of best.

[Danricgro]

My SOC holds enough lather for 5 passes. My 1305 and 830 hold plenty for three passes and my 620 is almost there. I have not had any problem with my Semogues holding enough lather once they are broken in. They seem to do a better job of it than some of the really densely packed badger brushes.

[tfinch]

I own the 2000, 1305 and 1460. All are great brushes, but only the 1305 is in regular rotation for me. It's a monster performer.

[itsmedave]

Or the 2010 B&B custom boar?

I may have it wrong. I'm thinking of the 2010 Badger Model with the white handle.

[SEnSE]

I may have it wrong. I'm thinking of the 2010 Badger Model with the white handle.

There's also a B&B custom boar with blue glue.

[Agravic]

ALL OF THEM!

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

I have a 620 and 830 if i had to only keep one well........that would suck!!

+1 I love em both!

Big +1

Duly noted. I couldn't decide between the 620 and 830, so I got them both . SBAD here we go!!!

[letsdisinfect]

I have a 620, 830 and a 1250. Lately I've been neglecting my badgers to rotate through those three!

[ThomasB98908]

Read my review of the 1305. Its a great brush at a fairly cheap price. I do love the looks of the 1438 though, and may get one so I can rotate my brushes so they have time to dry (every other day).

[warhawk]

I love the 620 which is my one and only go to brush. I am impatiently waiting for my SOC from Vintage Scent.

WARHAWK