This was my first boar brush (accually my first premium brush at all) and i have no regrets! Although everybody says that it has a slow breaking in process, I loved using if from the first try, and i understand you may think it looks weird, but I find it classy lol!
This is my daily brush and I love it...and I love the style too...that's actually part of the reason I bought it:) I love the color scheme and the performance.
It's a beautiful brush. If you don't like the look get the 830-same knot, acrylic handle. Agree that performance is outstanding. Better than all but the most expensive badgers.
I have the Semogue 1305 Excelsior Superior Boar Bristle Shaving Brush. This is my go to brush for everyday shaving, as you stated the performance is awesome. As far as the design and colors I am fine with it, the performance again is the best I can make/keep a great lather with this brush and the price is right, shave on! Thank you for your review it really helped me to understand why I enjoy this brush so much! :)
When I first started re-knotting I didn't have a source for boar knots so I used the 1305. Easy to cut the knot out and the knot is awesome. I probably bought 10 of them. They look fantastic in the old Ever-Ready's. I PIF them and don't sell them.
I recently picked up the safety razor for the first time... After stumbling across one of your videos Nick Shaves!.....I'm now addicted. Thank you. I very much enjoy your videos, and advice. No looking back for me. Good work!
I agree with the dyed boar bristles that made to look like a badger hair. I think the design and the colour combination with the metal rim on top is very nice. Have you seen Semogue 1250? It is basically same handle as 1305 with same size knot but the bristles are natural(blonde) undyed boar bristle with handle is a plain wood colour. I guess it would be a good alternative to people like you who likes the handle and the knot of 1305 but prefer it without the 'make-up' so to speak.
I totally agree on the quality of this knot for the price. Really a step ahead of the Omega when it comes to the bristles and it feels like a good compromise between boar and badger. The handle isn't for everyone, but I like that it stands out among my other brushes. Great review, keep it up!
Hi Nick!. I own a 1305, a 1470 and an Omega 1305 and perhaps the 1305 is the best balanced of the three, and I find it to be a very attractive lady. Aesthetics are quite subjective and personal and I obviously respect your point, but if this brush is so successful, is due to its performance, but to its looks as well. There have been complaints about the finish coat peeling off and you better don't drop it, but other than that, I think it's a must have in any wet shaving aficionado. Keep up the good work!.
Semogue started to treat their brushes somehow, as they don't come with any kind of funky smells anymore. It's a nice touch. Got 1250 and SOC recently, none of them had any kind of stink.
Nick, just received the Semogue 1305 yesterday; used it today. Love the fact you don't like the handle but state the performance is excellent. We all have personal likes/dislikes. I happen to LOVE the look of the brush, dark green and crème are a very sophisticated color scheme, especially with the touch of red on the logo. But also appreciate that you don't like look. It's what keeps you real, and why I keep coming back to your vids. Oh and I bought the Semogue 830 on your recommendation, and it's my absolute favorite. Thank you!!!
It's a classic classy shaving brush. You will find as you use brush more & more the paint on the handle will begin to crack up -- may not even have to wait that long before you see this. Some dislike that "well-worn/well-used" look others think nothing of it, and others like the oldie worn look. I'm of the latter, like the naturally occurring worn look. Boar's not as easy to lather, I find a good 5-min (minimum) vertical immersion of the brush in hot water gets the brush to do in a shave what it should. (Before I use them for the first time, I break in my boor brushes by soaking them in water creating lather with them with a bar of ordinary bathroom handsoap, and then leaving the brush to completely dry out for hours with the soap on it. You'll find the hand soap's stearic acid tames, literally makes a *gentle lamb* of your brand new boar brush. Then completely rinse your brush, let it dry upside down. And again repeat the same cycle: cold water, brush left to dry with the handsoap's lather on for hours,...rinse. You do that 2-3 times (over 2-3 days), and your boar will be as soaking as badger. You've got a classy shaving brush there Nick that you'd 've seen a bloke use in the '50s & '60s. Use it 'wholesomely', don't be too gentle, this 'ain't badger' :) , this brush thrives in 'full use'. Trust me: from much use & worn looks might even become one of your favourite, go-to brushes.
Good review Nick. I've got the Italian Barber edition 1305 which is the green/white/red Italian flag theme and the undyed knot which I really like the looks of. Like you, I don't care for the dyed boar her knots, but this is a great performing brush as are most all Semogue brushes in my opinion.
The semogue 830 is my favorite it performs just as good if not better than the 1305 and is beautiful, plus it's acrylic so it's not going to rot or chip.
I have the same problem with my 1305 eating up the lather. Cleaned it in cider vinegar and used hair conditioner, same result. Now I just use it with creams and bowl lathering so I can get more soap.
It's the bleaching that breaks the hairs in. If you've every gone from your natural hair to having bleached your hair once, you'll probably notice right away that it feels much silkier and finer.
I like this brush too but unfortunately I dropped it in the sink once and the paint chipped. Its gotten worse over time too. It will most likely be my last brush with a painted handle. But I still use it regularly.
Same as what Paulhfilms said! (Like his vids too) This is my favorite boar behind the Stout synthetic by Fine and my Simpson's Captain 2 Best Badger. Loyal fan.
I don't mind the look, kinda like it. My problem with it came later when the knot came out. Yep, popped out of the handle mid face lather. I've since glued it back in and am still using it but when it is done I probably won't buy it again.
Hello, good video, but one detail, the hair of that brush is not wild boar, it is made with pig hair, you can consult the manufacturer Semogue. a greeting
Nickshaves nice you got me into boar brushes first when I got mine in I said no way but once broke in i use more then my super badger lol great. Razorock xxx still my fav but haven't venture out much
Hi Nick,thanks for the great reviews & vids! This one is especially timely. I bought this brush last week as my first venture into the boar brush world of shaving. Ive only used it twice but you're right, its fantastic. Probably THE most comfortable brush I've ever used. Personally, I like the look of it but I can see where you're coming from. I think if they kept the shape but used the same material & colours as the 820/830 they'd have the best brush on the market. As a matter of interest, how long to break in?
Gr8 video! Information is spot on, imo. I've had mine for about a year. Once broken in, abs fabulous! Super soft on the face, and it lathers beautifully! I prefer to use it for creams, but it also works gr8 with the soaps. Luv the way it's made. Don't completely agree on the ugliness ;-) I really like the retro look. The green and creamy white go well together, I think ;-)
I really like the look of this brush, it's so old school cool in my opinion. But is there an old school looking brush you like? I'd love to see. Thinking of getting this brush or something old school cool like this.
the paint on mine started coming off so i removed all the original paint and painted it all red looks alright but still works and performs amazing my inly semogue but wow semogue makes the best boar brushes in the world i also have the omega. 10066 like the one nick compares it to and theres no omega boar that comes close to even the cheapest semogue im about to start a semogue boar collection and also gonna pick my first silver tip badger and also going with semogue i like the 2band one only cost around 70
I have this brush and for a boar hair brush it's great. I happen to love the retro look, lol. I prefer badger hair, but I use this brush for when I haven't shaved in a few days because of the better backbone than badger. My only real complaint about this brush is mine seems to shed like a cat. Maybe that's normal for boar hair. But I have at least 2 or 3 hairs in the bowl every time I use it.
I have this brush and I like the way it performs, however it lost quite a few hairs when I was first breaking it in. Have you had this issue? It feels like the center of the knot isn't as dense as the outside anymore.
Thanks Nick! Great video as usual. You've just got me into safety razor shaving in the past month and loving it! This video inspired me to try a boar brush so I went for the Semogue 830. Same knot apparently but with the acrylic handle. Also have the Wahl Pure Badger brush. Very nice, great face coverage. Could you do a video on Alum blocks? I noticed that you use them to obtain grip during a shave and JQ from Q Bros uses one post shave as a post shave treatment to the skin. What are the benefits and uses ? Thanks. Keep up the great vids.
I would like to see you review a horse hair brush nick. :) BTW: You got me into DE shaving. I haven't looked back since. Thank you very much. Also I have this brush. It was my first Boar brush. Its fantastic once I broke in. I did end up selling it for a pretty boar though.
Hey nick day 1 first shave with my 34c I never new... I bet God shaves with this razor. Any how what is a great budget brush those Simpson brushes are Hella expensive but I bet they feel like a soft animal on your face anyway great videos.
Hey Nick! I want to buy my first boar hair brush, but i can't decide between the Omega 10066 - the Omega 10049 - and the Semogue 1305. I live in Hungary, so i have to order it from England, whitch one would you recommend? Thanks, also great videos, keep up the good work! David
Ive had this brush for awhile now and I have to say I do not like it. The issue I have is that it does not let go of the lather at all with any soap or cream I've tried with it. I have to use the roll method over and over to get it to get rid of its lather. Don't no if I'm doing something wrong but .... I don't have those issues with any badger brush
As usual a very thorough review. Of the few boar I own the Semogue 2000 is my favorite Are you still on your orthopedic rotation? I just found out Thursday that my fractured 5th metatarsal isn't healing as desired. It's been around 3.5 months. Because of this it's been determined that surgery is the only option. Watching the surgery on UA-cam was very interesting.
Thanks for the great review.. how do you think this brush compares to the Semogue 620? I found the 1305 brush fantastic for face lathering but it is a cream/soap hog.. I went through some expensive cream in no time with this brush :) All the Best..
Didn't you have an 830? They have the exact same knot. Semogue brushes are a little controversial too, some people find them impossible to make a lather with. I got a 1305 months ago and found that i simply could not load enough soap onto it, even if i put in tonnes of cream into the bristles I would only ever make enough lather for 1.5 passes. I bought an omega boar brush afterwards and it exploded with lather immediately.
+qwergg I had a 620 and got rid of it 6 months after purchase is the only brush I have owned that would not hold a proper lather between passes, shame as it felt great.
I have a Semogue 1800 and I use it only for creams, they burst into life. A big-pea sized amount lasts 3-4 passes.. I have to ask the thing to slow down sometimes so that I can catch up with it...
Nick: FWIW, I have both the 10066 and the 1305, and I prefer the 10066 and its sibling the Omega S-Brush. There are specific soaps that the 1305 just doesn't seem to lather as easily or well, although with most soaps I agree that it does well. I agree also that the '66 is a beautiful brush, but looks are subjective, e.g. I can't stand the aesthetics of a metal handle brush, but many people like them, and were I to get one as a gift I wouldn't toss it If it performs. Ultimately, I put more emphasis on performance. But I will say that there is a limit to ugliness: I'll never touch the Merkur Futur, solely on the ground that it is ugliest thing I have ever seen. Its shape reminds me of the robot in "Lost In Space." Aesthetically, the Futur screams out "Danger, danger Will Robinson."
My 1305 is my favorite brush. Looks?? Who cares?? This brush out performs my Art of Shaving badger and my Omega Boar 10065. If it works learn to love it's looks. Like those not-so-pretty girls you used to date that treated you like gold.
I have a Semogue OC boar, it is fully broken in but for some time now I can't create sustainable lather with it. The lather just completely disappears. What is wrong with the brush?
I had the same issue with a 620, did not matter how long i loaded for, first pass would be great with lots of lather sitting on the brush. Second application for next pass all the lather would just go to shit and I would have to reload the brush. Is the only brush I have had this issue with and I have omega boar, shavemac 2 band and a Muhle silvertip fibre.
Nick, I love you man. But your thoughts on the aesthetics are off on this one brother. But I respect your call. "Fantastic brush" :-) . Appreciate your thoughts and videos.
Looks like you have love, hate, love relationship with that brush haha, kinda crazy but ok...for me, a brush is brush. So far I haven't been able to find a issue with any of the ones I have. Inventory is between 20 to 25 off top my head but at the end of the shave..guess what, it's a brush. I been wet shaving for bout a year,I try not to get involved with the ups and downs cause I enjoy it so much. Throw some Frank Sinatra and have O.S.S...anyway love your input anyways as I'm still a beginner after a year I guess. I couldn't get this scientific over a brush ha, not bashing you Nick...shave on bro, praying to the shave gods for O.S.S.
Thanks for the review. why not get the knot put in a different handle (or do it yourself if you're handy)? You really seem to like the knot quite a bit. Keep the videos coming.
Agreed, I to find this brush unattractive, that's why I haven't purchased it. I have other Semogue brushes in the natural wood and acrylic finishes and they are some of my favorite brushes but they have a higher price point. Perhaps Semoque gave the 1305 a basic finish to balance out the expense of this brush being handmade and to keep the cost down so it could compete with brushes like your Omega model 10066 and other brushes in the $10 - $15 price range.
Nick have you ever used Cremo shave cream? If not I think you might be surprised with it being a product carried in local stores. I am curious about what are your thoughts about it.
The Omega 10098 boar bristle brush is 27mm knot x 65mm loft. Over 5 inches in height. A big brush. Which is what I wanted. The reviews are very good. I've just ordered mine from Amazon. West Coast has a very good price I see: www.westcoastshaving.com/Omega-10098-Professional-Boar-shaving-Brush_p_1501.html This may be the father of all boar bristle brushes. Under $15! Hope you'll review it. I'm looking forward to getting mine.
Here are the Two Best Shave Brushes on the market today? are Simpson King Charles III Coronation Chubby 3 Fiber brush with special handle it has Softer Hair a real bargain is a Brush Monster at 40mm reasonable Price for its size. The Trafalgar's T-3 has a little Harder hair, more affordable in the long run, it's a 29mm? buy one and measure it for yourself?? ' It's a clone of a 30mm Chubby 3 Super Badger Shaving Brush without paying for the Super Badger Price. 1, No need to clean your Brush, 2, No need for Brush Stand, 3, NO SOAKING time ready to Go, 4, Fast drying time, 5, Badger or Boar Brushes can and will fall apart Sooner than Later. Your mileage may vary? ?, 6, No Break in time, 7, No need for a Brush Stand 8, Modest Price for its size. Rinse Brush in Cold Water and let dry. I have used it for 5 Years with No Hair Loss. Derby black it's better same price as the green Blades. wheelchair larry
About a dozen shaves. It is the wet/dry cycle that does the breaking in. But, it will not reach its full softness until about one year. Give it a shampoo with your hair shampoo and let it dry before your fist use.
That brush is just beautiful!! Ivory and Briitsh Racing Green on a Belle Epoque styled handle, just stunnig!
This was my first boar brush (accually my first premium brush at all) and i have no regrets! Although everybody says that it has a slow breaking in process, I loved using if from the first try, and i understand you may think it looks weird, but I find it classy lol!
This is my daily brush and I love it...and I love the style too...that's actually part of the reason I bought it:) I love the color scheme and the performance.
It's a beautiful brush. If you don't like the look get the 830-same knot, acrylic handle. Agree that performance is outstanding. Better than all but the most expensive badgers.
I have the Semogue 1305 Excelsior Superior Boar Bristle Shaving Brush. This is my go to brush for everyday shaving, as you stated the performance is awesome. As far as the design and colors I am fine with it, the performance again is the best I can make/keep a great lather with this brush and the price is right, shave on! Thank you for your review it really helped me to understand why I enjoy this brush so much! :)
Moved on from the Omega brushes to this 1305 as my main boar brush and I could not be more happy with it!
It's just about my favourite brush - a great performer. I'm one of those guys that loves the retro styling. 😉
When I first started re-knotting I didn't have a source for boar knots so I used the 1305. Easy to cut the knot out and the knot is awesome. I probably bought 10 of them. They look fantastic in the old Ever-Ready's. I PIF them and don't sell them.
An old Everready C4 handle with the 1305 knot would be perfect.
I recently picked up the safety razor for the first time... After stumbling across one of your videos Nick Shaves!.....I'm now addicted. Thank you. I very much enjoy your videos, and advice. No looking back for me. Good work!
I personally love the looks of this brush. Different strokes!! All of my Semogue brushes perform exceptionally well, this one included.
This is the video that inspired me to get my 1305. Love it. Both looks and performance.
I agree with the dyed boar bristles that made to look like a badger hair. I think the design and the colour combination with the metal rim on top is very nice. Have you seen Semogue 1250? It is basically same handle as 1305 with same size knot but the bristles are natural(blonde) undyed boar bristle with handle is a plain wood colour. I guess it would be a good alternative to people like you who likes the handle and the knot of 1305 but prefer it without the 'make-up' so to speak.
I totally agree on the quality of this knot for the price. Really a step ahead of the Omega when it comes to the bristles and it feels like a good compromise between boar and badger. The handle isn't for everyone, but I like that it stands out among my other brushes. Great review, keep it up!
Hi Nick!. I own a 1305, a 1470 and an Omega 1305 and perhaps the 1305 is the best balanced of the three, and I find it to be a very attractive lady. Aesthetics are quite subjective and personal and I obviously respect your point, but if this brush is so successful, is due to its performance, but to its looks as well. There have been complaints about the finish coat peeling off and you better don't drop it, but other than that, I think it's a must have in any wet shaving aficionado.
Keep up the good work!.
Semogue started to treat their brushes somehow, as they don't come with any kind of funky smells anymore. It's a nice touch. Got 1250 and SOC recently, none of them had any kind of stink.
Nick, just received the Semogue 1305 yesterday; used it today. Love the fact you don't like the handle but state the performance is excellent. We all have personal likes/dislikes. I happen to LOVE the look of the brush, dark green and crème are a very sophisticated color scheme, especially with the touch of red on the logo. But also appreciate that you don't like look. It's what keeps you real, and why I keep coming back to your vids. Oh and I bought the Semogue 830 on your recommendation, and it's my absolute favorite. Thank you!!!
Nick! May be try Semogue 820. It has a beautiful acrylic handle and white hair.
Fantastic brush Nick, great review too, always enjoy Semogue brushes....all the best....Paul.
I have the 620 and the 830. Love them both for different reasons.
It’s curious how tastes work. I own that same brush and i love how it looks. Performs perfect also so it’s a winner imho.
It's a classic classy shaving brush. You will find as you use brush more & more the paint on the handle will begin to crack up -- may not even have to wait that long before you see this. Some dislike that "well-worn/well-used" look others think nothing of it, and others like the oldie worn look. I'm of the latter, like the naturally occurring worn look. Boar's not as easy to lather, I find a good 5-min (minimum) vertical immersion of the brush in hot water gets the brush to do in a shave what it should. (Before I use them for the first time, I break in my boor brushes by soaking them in water creating lather with them with a bar of ordinary bathroom handsoap, and then leaving the brush to completely dry out for hours with the soap on it. You'll find the hand soap's stearic acid tames, literally makes a *gentle lamb* of your brand new boar brush. Then completely rinse your brush, let it dry upside down. And again repeat the same cycle: cold water, brush left to dry with the handsoap's lather on for hours,...rinse. You do that 2-3 times (over 2-3 days), and your boar will be as soaking as badger.
You've got a classy shaving brush there Nick that you'd 've seen a bloke use in the '50s & '60s. Use it 'wholesomely', don't be too gentle, this 'ain't badger' :) , this brush thrives in 'full use'. Trust me: from much use & worn looks might even become one of your favourite, go-to brushes.
Good review Nick. I've got the Italian Barber edition 1305 which is the green/white/red Italian flag theme and the undyed knot which I really like the looks of. Like you, I don't care for the dyed boar her knots, but this is a great performing brush as are most all Semogue brushes in my opinion.
Nick, check out the 1250 Excelsior, one of my faves... same handle (all oak wood grain) and non-dyed bristles. Incredible brush
The semogue 830 is my favorite it performs just as good if not better than the 1305 and is beautiful, plus it's acrylic so it's not going to rot or chip.
The only difference between the two are one has a wooden handle and the other one is acrylic.
I have the same problem with my 1305 eating up the lather. Cleaned it in cider vinegar and used hair conditioner, same result. Now I just use it with creams and bowl lathering so I can get more soap.
And that's why there's a Semogue 830...same knot different handle...
Waiting for one of these in the mail right now. Excited to break in a new boar.
It's the bleaching that breaks the hairs in. If you've every gone from your natural hair to having bleached your hair once, you'll probably notice right away that it feels much silkier and finer.
Can you do a review of the Semogue Owners Club boar shave brush please?
I like this brush too but unfortunately I dropped it in the sink once and the paint chipped. Its gotten worse over time too. It will most likely be my last brush with a painted handle. But I still use it regularly.
Same as what Paulhfilms said! (Like his vids too)
This is my favorite boar behind the Stout synthetic by Fine and my Simpson's Captain 2 Best Badger. Loyal fan.
Hi Nick, you do realise that the semogue 830 is basically the same brush as the 1305 but in a acrylic handle right? Both premium 90% tops.
I don't mind the look, kinda like it. My problem with it came later when the knot came out. Yep, popped out of the handle mid face lather. I've since glued it back in and am still using it but when it is done I probably won't buy it again.
Hello, good video, but one detail, the hair of that brush is not wild boar, it is made with pig hair, you can consult the manufacturer Semogue.
a greeting
Nickshaves nice you got me into boar brushes first when I got mine in I said no way but once broke in i use more then my super badger lol great. Razorock xxx still my fav but haven't venture out much
Hi Nick,thanks for the great reviews & vids! This one is especially timely. I bought this brush last week as my first venture into the boar brush world of shaving. Ive only used it twice but you're right, its fantastic. Probably THE most comfortable brush I've ever used. Personally, I like the look of it but I can see where you're coming from. I think if they kept the shape but used the same material & colours as the 820/830 they'd have the best brush on the market. As a matter of interest, how long to break in?
Great great brush! As any made by Semogue
Gr8 video! Information is spot on, imo. I've had mine for about a year. Once broken in, abs fabulous! Super soft on the face, and it lathers beautifully! I prefer to use it for creams, but it also works gr8 with the soaps. Luv the way it's made.
Don't completely agree on the ugliness ;-) I really like the retro look.
The green and creamy white go well together, I think ;-)
I really like the look of this brush, it's so old school cool in my opinion. But is there an old school looking brush you like? I'd love to see. Thinking of getting this brush or something old school cool like this.
I noticed, that you and I have similar aesthetic tastes. I prefer Omega's style more too.
great brush! my daily brush. I like it better then my 620
I'm with you. Best performer. Late 70s ugg. I'd definitely use it over my plisson too. Just that damn handle. Needs a custom
Don't the Semogue 830 and 1305 have the same exact knot?
You should get a 1438. Better looking retro handle with the same knot as the 620.
the paint on mine started coming off so i removed all the original paint and painted it all red looks alright but still works and performs amazing my inly semogue but wow semogue makes the best boar brushes in the world i also have the omega. 10066 like the one nick compares it to and theres no omega boar that comes close to even the cheapest semogue im about to start a semogue boar collection and also gonna pick my first silver tip badger and also going with semogue i like the 2band one only cost around 70
I have this brush and for a boar hair brush it's great. I happen to love the retro look, lol. I prefer badger hair, but I use this brush for when I haven't shaved in a few days because of the better backbone than badger. My only real complaint about this brush is mine seems to shed like a cat. Maybe that's normal for boar hair. But I have at least 2 or 3 hairs in the bowl every time I use it.
Make sure that you soak it in warm water for 5 minutes before you use it. Bristle loss and breakage will stop.
What model is the Semogue you pulled out from your cabinet?
Great review. I want to get one! It looks fine to me on camera. I want to find out in person now.
Have a great weekend.
How does it compare to the Semogue 830?
I have this brush and I like the way it performs, however it lost quite a few hairs when I was first breaking it in. Have you had this issue? It feels like the center of the knot isn't as dense as the outside anymore.
Thanks Nick! Great video as usual. You've just got me into safety razor shaving in the past month and loving it! This video inspired me to try a boar brush so I went for the Semogue 830. Same knot apparently but with the acrylic handle. Also have the Wahl Pure Badger brush. Very nice, great face coverage. Could you do a video on Alum blocks? I noticed that you use them to obtain grip during a shave and JQ from Q Bros uses one post shave as a post shave treatment to the skin. What are the benefits and uses ? Thanks. Keep up the great vids.
I would like to see you review a horse hair brush nick. :)
BTW: You got me into DE shaving. I haven't looked back since. Thank you very much.
Also I have this brush. It was my first Boar brush. Its fantastic once I broke in. I did end up selling it for a pretty boar though.
Hey nick day 1 first shave with my 34c I never new... I bet God shaves with this razor. Any how what is a great budget brush those Simpson brushes are Hella expensive but I bet they feel like a soft animal on your face anyway great videos.
Hey Nick!
I want to buy my first boar hair brush, but i can't decide between the Omega 10066 - the Omega 10049 - and the Semogue 1305. I live in Hungary, so i have to order it from England, whitch one would you recommend?
Thanks, also great videos, keep up the good work!
David
What do you think about the 610 brush ?
Nick , do you ever use a horseshair brush ?
I actually really like the handle
Ive had this brush for awhile now and I have to say I do not like it. The issue I have is that it does not let go of the lather at all with any soap or cream I've tried with it. I have to use the roll method over and over to get it to get rid of its lather. Don't no if I'm doing something wrong but .... I don't have those issues with any badger brush
As usual a very thorough review. Of the few boar I own the Semogue 2000 is my favorite
Are you still on your orthopedic rotation? I just found out Thursday that my fractured 5th metatarsal isn't healing as desired. It's been around 3.5 months. Because of this it's been determined that surgery is the only option. Watching the surgery on UA-cam was very interesting.
Thanks Nick !
Thanks for the great review.. how do you think this brush compares to the Semogue 620? I found the 1305 brush fantastic for face lathering but it is a cream/soap hog.. I went through some expensive cream in no time with this brush :) All the Best..
You’re probably pre soaking the brush to long if you consider it a cream hog
Didn't you have an 830? They have the exact same knot. Semogue brushes are a little controversial too, some people find them impossible to make a lather with. I got a 1305 months ago and found that i simply could not load enough soap onto it, even if i put in tonnes of cream into the bristles I would only ever make enough lather for 1.5 passes.
I bought an omega boar brush afterwards and it exploded with lather immediately.
+qwergg I had a 620 and got rid of it 6 months after purchase is the only brush I have owned that would not hold a proper lather between passes, shame as it felt great.
I have a Semogue 1800 and I use it only for creams, they burst into life. A big-pea sized amount lasts 3-4 passes.. I have to ask the thing to slow down sometimes so that I can catch up with it...
+Julio Sanchez please make a video. I cant for the life of me get a lather from my SOC boar brush that can last for 1.5 passes.
I believe the 1250 is the same brush without the coloured bristles and an unpainted finish.
Just wondering, how does the feel of the 1305 compare to your 620 when lathering?
Nick, I need that straight razor picture! Where did you get it ?
Do you like this better than the Semouge 2000?
Nick: FWIW, I have both the 10066 and the 1305, and I prefer the 10066 and its sibling the Omega S-Brush. There are specific soaps that the 1305 just doesn't seem to lather as easily or well, although with most soaps I agree that it does well. I agree also that the '66 is a beautiful brush, but looks are subjective, e.g. I can't stand the aesthetics of a metal handle brush, but many people like them, and were I to get one as a gift I wouldn't toss it If it performs. Ultimately, I put more emphasis on performance. But I will say that there is a limit to ugliness: I'll never touch the Merkur Futur, solely on the ground that it is ugliest thing I have ever seen. Its shape reminds me of the robot in "Lost In Space." Aesthetically, the Futur screams out "Danger, danger Will Robinson."
I would be interested in you review of Shave Secret which can be bought at Walmart for under $4. It seems to work for me.
My 1305 is my favorite brush. Looks?? Who cares?? This brush out performs my Art of Shaving badger and my Omega Boar 10065. If it works learn to love it's looks. Like those not-so-pretty girls you used to date that treated you like gold.
I have a Semogue OC boar, it is fully broken in but for some time now I can't create sustainable lather with it. The lather just completely disappears. What is wrong with the brush?
It's not the brush....
Not enough soap and your lather gets hogged by the brush or you have harder water and it dissipates the lather. Load more.
SOC requires a lot of soap and you should probably squeeze out the extra water before loading because it really holds a lot of water.
+Shane Morgan has to be because I didn't have the issue prior
I had the same issue with a 620, did not matter how long i loaded for, first pass would be great with lots of lather sitting on the brush. Second application for next pass all the lather would just go to shit and I would have to reload the brush. Is the only brush I have had this issue with and I have omega boar, shavemac 2 band and a Muhle silvertip fibre.
It reminds me of a duck call.
Nick, I love you man. But your thoughts on the aesthetics are off on this one brother. But I respect your call. "Fantastic brush" :-) . Appreciate your thoughts and videos.
Hi Nick. The problem with this brush is the lifespan, not the quality that it provides. That would bother me if I had one.
have you or will you give your review and opinion of a gillette adjustable fatboy?
review on the lowest setting and one the 9 highest setting
Looks like you have love, hate, love relationship with that brush haha, kinda crazy but ok...for me, a brush is brush. So far I haven't been able to find a issue with any of the ones I have. Inventory is between 20 to 25 off top my head but at the end of the shave..guess what, it's a brush. I been wet shaving for bout a year,I try not to get involved with the ups and downs cause I enjoy it so much. Throw some Frank Sinatra and have O.S.S...anyway love your input anyways as I'm still a beginner after a year I guess. I couldn't get this scientific over a brush ha, not bashing you Nick...shave on bro, praying to the shave gods for O.S.S.
Thanks for the review. why not get the knot put in a different handle (or do it yourself if you're handy)? You really seem to like the knot quite a bit. Keep the videos coming.
Agreed, I to find this brush unattractive, that's why I haven't purchased it. I have other Semogue brushes in the natural wood and acrylic finishes and they are some of my favorite brushes but they have a higher price point. Perhaps Semoque gave the 1305 a basic finish to balance out the expense of this brush being handmade and to keep the cost down so it could compete with brushes like your Omega model 10066 and other brushes in the $10 - $15 price range.
Nick have you ever used Cremo shave cream? If not I think you might be surprised with it being a product carried in local stores. I am curious about what are your thoughts about it.
never been a fan of dyed boar hair personally
Semogue boar is great for soaps....and you have to stick with it - it takes a LONG time to break in....
the paint doesnt last, i avoid painted brushes if possible
Neptune51 this one specifically? i find the polyurethane on this brush prevents that.
I had it for only a few shaves and already started to crack in the paint. Seems to be a problem in the forums. Not just this model either.
The Omega 10098 boar bristle brush is 27mm knot x 65mm loft. Over 5 inches in height. A big brush. Which is what I wanted.
The reviews are very good. I've just ordered mine from Amazon. West Coast has a very good price I see: www.westcoastshaving.com/Omega-10098-Professional-Boar-shaving-Brush_p_1501.html
This may be the father of all boar bristle brushes. Under $15! Hope you'll review it. I'm looking forward to getting mine.
Omegas never get tips as soft as the Semogues do. Never.
You should
Here are the Two Best Shave Brushes on the market today? are Simpson King Charles III Coronation Chubby 3 Fiber brush with special handle it has Softer Hair a real bargain is a Brush Monster at 40mm reasonable Price for its size. The Trafalgar's T-3 has a little Harder hair, more affordable in the long run, it's a 29mm? buy one and measure it for yourself?? ' It's a clone of a 30mm Chubby 3 Super Badger Shaving Brush without paying for the Super Badger Price. 1, No need to clean your Brush, 2, No need for Brush Stand, 3, NO SOAKING time ready to Go, 4, Fast drying time, 5, Badger or Boar Brushes can and will fall apart Sooner than Later. Your mileage may vary? ?, 6, No Break in time, 7, No need for a Brush Stand 8, Modest Price for its size. Rinse Brush in Cold Water and let dry. I have used it for 5 Years with No Hair Loss. Derby black it's better same price as the green Blades. wheelchair larry
You can PIF the brush to me if you hate it that much :p
Why buy a brush that you don't like the look of? You have other Semogue boar brushes so you know about how they perform. Strange review.
You have no taste...color's and style blend perfectly...perfect grip
preach it. I almost never pick my 1305 because it is...ugly
Totally agree brush is really ugly! Aesthetics do matter.
I have it and OC boar also and I don't like neither of them.
first
IT'S A FUCKING BRUSH
How long does it take to break in the brush?
About a dozen shaves. It is the wet/dry cycle that does the breaking in. But, it will not reach its full softness until about one year. Give it a shampoo with your hair shampoo and let it dry before your fist use.