Semogue 2011 LE1 Badger Owners

[jepeck]

Quick update. This brush is breaking in nicely after about 6-7 lathers. It has softened quite a bit and is looking to be a keeper. It still has some scritch, and I agree with the above poster that mentioned the 50 or so rougher bristles as the cause. They are way softer and less prickly after just a few lathers though and I could see it fading considerably after a few more weeks of use. For me this is already not an issue, and I enjoy the sensation.

It is beginning to feel like a Simpsons best with a stronger backbone and less bloom, and is quite a bit different than other 2 bands I have tried. I quite like it, and my experience has me thinking about a size 2 to complete the collection. For future owners out there if you find the brush to scratchy but like the short loft, removing the rougher bristles would probably remove any scritch. If you don't want to go through this process or prefer a longer loft, the size 2 would be a good option. As mentioned earlier, the density is very good and worth the extra coin for me over how I can imagine SOC 2 -band is packed but I value density highly.

 

[SliceOfLife]

It compares to a Rooney Finest? Holy crap. I may have to try Semogue badger again.

 

[xillion]

It compares to a Rooney Finest? Holy crap. I may have to try Semogue badger again.

Ian I know you are a big fan of Rooney Finest, I am too. The LE1 badger reminds me a lot of my Rooney Finest 1/1 in terms of scritch and backbone. I would love to hear your thoughts on the 2011 Semogue Finest LE Badger.

Vintage Scent looks to be the only place with LE1 badgers still in stock.

 

[Greg1911]

I regard my 2011 LE badger 1 as one of my best brushes, but I only have 25 brushes

 

[CHSeifert]

I regard my 2011 LE badger 1 as one of my best brushes, but I only have 25 brushes

Only 25, you're sick

A man with respect for himself should have at least 50+ brushes

I only own 13 brushes, I feel naked with my tiny little brush collection

 

[Greg1911]

Only 25, you're sick

A man with respect for himself should have at least 50+ brushes

I only own 13 brushes, I feel naked with my tiny little brush collection

I sold quite a few to get down to 25...

 

[menghai]

Yikes. I have 3 and feel guilty.

 

[jepeck]

Final Update: I've now used this brush about 20 times and it has opened up nicely. The prickly feeling has completely disappeared and the brush is now a pleasantly scrubby knot with phenomenal backbone, good flow through and it produces a nice thick lather. This brush requires patience, but it rewards owners who are able to stick through the initial break in period. It will never have Thater softness (Not what I'm looking for anyway) but the difference between my first use and now is significant. I've also had the chance to try a Rooney's Finest over the past few weeks. I agree that the LE1 is a very similar brush, perhaps a tad less refined and lower grade hair than the Rooney with the difference being like comparing Simpson Best to Super. Of the 15 brushes I've tried this would rank near the top now.

 

[Leon]

Final Update: I've now used this brush about 20 times and it has opened up nicely. The prickly feeling has completely disappeared and the brush is now a pleasantly scrubby knot with phenomenal backbone, good flow through and it produces a nice thick lather. This brush requires patience, but it rewards owners who are able to stick through the initial break in period. It will never have Thater softness (Not what I'm looking for anyway) but the difference between my first use and now is significant. I've also had the chance to try a Rooney's Finest over the past few weeks. I agree that the LE1 is a very similar brush, perhaps a tad less refined and lower grade hair than the Rooney with the difference being like comparing Simpson Best to Super. Of the 15 brushes I've tried this would rank near the top now.

Patience definitely has rewarded you. Good to know you noticed a real improvement of the brush throughout this period. Not only boars need breaking in.

 

[Rocket]

I now own a LE Size 2, too.
It's a wonderful brush with a beautiful handle and great (not supersmooth but also not scritchy) hair.

Unfortunately for me it is a bit too floppy. Having read comments of the Size 1 causing "brush burn" I was aware and thinking a Size 2 should be the better choice.
Now I think I should better have spied on the smaller 1.