Just got my Semogue SOC boar with the cherry handle and I like it! I pulled it out of the package and gave it a sniff, nothing, no stink whatsoever. So I gave it a soak and proceeded to use it and it seems to work great right out of the box. I have read a lot of stories about how it can take a little longer to break in a SOC over some other boar brushes but I can't find any fault with how it is working on its first use. It's firm but in a good way, lathers fine and feels very comfortable on the face. Am I crazy or has anyone else found their SOC completely usable and comfortable when it was brand new?