I have had exactly the same problem with my SOC. I have put it aside and have thought about giving it away except that it was a Christmas gift two years ago now. I ran across your video this morning and I will try this out tomorrow. Thanks for sharing.
I have been using my SOC for the last few days, it's been going quite well but today I squeezed to much water out of the brush before I loaded it with soap. The lather was okay but it did disappear by the time it came to the second pass. I just went back to the puck but that didn't happen the two days previous when I started with the brush more wet than I would normally. To be honest, I think it's the type of brush you might have to use for a few weeks to really get the hang of it; this is what I'm going to do with mine. It's not a brush Inuse that often but they do have a good name. Good luck 👍😃
I'm going to try your technique today, Patrick. Thanks for mentioning it. I don't use my Semogue as often as I should; I tend to go for other brushes first, but it is a good brush. Thanks for watching and for getting touch. Cheers.
Hello, Mark! Just stumbled across this older video and just like you I have a previously owned Semogue Owners Club boar brush (Taj resin). It can be challenging to use, but the bristles are so soft and the handle is just lovely. To give it a bit more backbone I picked up some #18 rubber o-rings from a local hardware store that has an inner diameter of 15/16". I store it in the groove on the handle and slide it up to the base of the knot when using. I do the same with my Omega 49 Pro boar, but I use two of the o-rings and it really helps in face lathering. I had shaved with my SOC boar yesterday, so after watching your video today I followed the technique you described using a Yaqi two band badger. I soaked it for 30 minutes in warm water, gave it four light shakes and then loaded the brush pretty strong, maybe not a minute. I loaded a bit more water when face lathering and had more than enough for my three pass shave. I will definitely use this technique the next time I use my SOC boar. Thank you for this video and all the great content you produce. Be well!
Hi Bryan. I no longer have my Semogue, although I may have to re-visit them; there were other brushes I preferred and so I think it got given away. I'm glad the technique worked for you, too. On a badger, too! Thank you, my friend. Take good care.
For me, when I wear both, I put the plash on first then the balm. For me when I use a straight razor, if I'm not bleeding and I still have both of my ears, well it was a good shave.
Nice video and good advice 're the boar brush. I tried what you suggested this morning as have had the same issue with my 620 and I must say after doing exactly as you said I had no issues getting enough lather for 3 passes and pickups without returning to the puck. It has reignited my love of boar brushes!
Hello Mark, I'm sry for this belated reply, I saw yr video rather late. Yes, I experienced the rather poor water holding on boar brushes, especially Semogue SOC (not the standard 2000, which is fine). So I've taken rather drastic measures to break them in f a s t . Out of the box warm water, plenty dish washer soap and turning the brush in the sink, not less than 5min. Then rinse and foam up with cheap soap (Arko etc) until full n leave it overnight. Next morning rinse and use for shaving. Then clean again and reload with Arko, let it stand. That I do 5x after eachother and all hair is perfectly split, tight bush and facefeel somewhere like 'best badger', softer the pure badger. The waterproblem also has been solved, but naturally it won't reach badger levels. Cheerio.
It obviously works Achim, it's a great tip. It's very strange how the 2000 is fine but the SOC has the problem. Is the SOC more tightly packed, do you think? I don't suppose it matters. Thanks for letting me know your technique. Take care.
Hello from germany. :-) I loaded my almost new yaqi mocha 26mm badger brush this way that evenig. I have to say: THANK YOU!!! That helped so much. The brush made a awesome lather that way and it last for 3,5 passes. GREAT!!! I am so happy and smiling now :-) That is what i love at our community, everybody helps everybody! Getting tips that way is great. Have a nice evening. Cheers, Jens
Fantastic Jens. That is really great and it's wonderful when everything comes together and works well. I agree, the community is a great collection of like minded people all willing to help each other out. Have a good week my friend. 😃👍
Yes is think so too. In Internet, for example Facebook, many people get angry soo at discussions, but at shaving, every body helps each other. That is great!!! Funny, how hapy shaving makes us,isn´t it? ;-) Greetings, Jens
I have a badger SOC brush, exactly the same handle as yours. I also had a bit of a trouble in building up the lather when I used a metal mug. I have been using a marble grooved cup (from Supply) for a few months, and I’ve seen a great difference. I fill it with hot water and let the brush soak while I take my shower and the bowl keeps the lather warm all during the shave.
Ah, I assume the metal mug has no ridges, Antonio. It's obviously better with the grooved cup. While I no longer have this brush, I am of the opinion that the difficulty, in part, might be because the brush is so densely packed with hair. I think the more a natural hair brush is used the better it eventually becomes.
@@FriendshipShaving it’s possible. I’ve been using the brush daily for almost two years. I have no problem with the TOBS sandalwood soap or with the Mitchell’s Luxury Wool Fat Soap that I’ve been using more recently. I guess also the softness of the water in the north of Portugal influences the richness of the lather.
If you are looking for that boar experience but with the lather retention of a synthetic? The Omega S brush is a great alternative. It is almost compares to a boar with exfoliating properties just a bit softer but still has enough backbone to lather from hard soaps.
Thank you very much for your suggestion. I have wondered about the S brush, so it is very good to have some knowledgeable input about the brush. It sounds good. Best regards to you.
@@FriendshipShaving It's a great little synthetic knot. It would be nice if Omega put them in nicer handles. Thx for the video I've tried the tips and my boar brush is working better for me.
Yeah, I agree about the handles. It's good to your brush works a bit better, the one in the video gave me lots of problems. Here's a strange thing: for no good reason I didn't soak my boar brush (Omega boar in a vintage handle) I just held it under the tap and it worked great! It is very well worn in though, so that nay be the key. There's always something to think about 🙂 Cheers.
I put on my after shave first,so it can do it's thing and then apply my balm.But I only use balm in the colder months.I'm breaking in a boar and horse brush at the moment.I bloom a soap,then pour it in a mug,lather up the brushes,then put them in the mug of bloom water and leave for a couple of days.
+The Suffolk Shaver That's a method I've not heard of before. I'm going to try that. I suppose it's similar to leaving a brush in water but with the added benefit of soap. Nice one.
Congratulations in overcoming the SOC(Curse) ;-) and have completing a fine Straight Razor shave. In answer to the question at the start: I never seem to have a problem building or holding a lather. I think I could use a toothbrush and have success. :D And for the 2nd question> I mix and match, sometimes aftershave lotion on first followed by balm and other times the reverse and occasionally no aftershave lotion depending on the balm.
+WolfRanger2008 Thank you, Keith. I'm very pleased to have overcome the issues I had with this brush, it is a fine brush after all 👍😃 I laughed, at the image of you lathering soap with a toothbrush. Nice one. I'm having a rethink about balm/aftershave, especially with the amount of goodness that is often put in shaving soaps, these days. It's very interesting. Have a good week, pal. Take care.
Hello Mark, I have just ordered a Kent BLK4 badger silver tip .I have been informed that using a pre-shave oil, will clog the brush and thus make it unable to lather. I was also told that the oil will make the brush unusable for any future use. I will be pairing the brush with my Muhle R89. The above information came directly from Kents own customer services. I have recently just come over from the plastic side, so any guidance you can provide will greatly be appreciated. Your love of everything shaving is evident. Another subscriber on board.
Hi Jim. Thank you for joining us, pal 🙂 I have to be honest and say that I'm not sure about this one. I thought that a pre-shave oil would inhibit the building of a good lather but I haven't noticed, the few times I've tried, that it makes any difference; I'm still quite new to trying different pre-shave products and most of them do contain some oil. My thoughts are that if you use a synthetic brush the bristles may have a tiny amount of oil on them; of course this build up over time can be removed with some washing up liquid or shampoo. However, I wonder, as badger hair is absorbent, whether the oil gets into the structure of the hair. I'd tend to go with the advice from Kent. You've really made me think about this. I'd like to use this in an upcoming video, if you don't mind and see what everyone's thoughts are. I might just hold off using an oil with my new silver tip though. Mind you, I got it from Truefitt and Hill; I'm sure they make pre-shave. I'll have to check if it's an oil. I'm sorry I can't be more help. Cheers 👍
Friendship Shaving : Many thanks for your valued comments Mark. I agree with you in following the advice from Kent. It will be interesting to see what the consensus is from others on this issue, so please, if you get time in another video run with this. Many thanks again, Jim.
+Dave Card Your very welcome, Dave. I wish I could take the credit. I could never work out why my brush didn't work and yet a lot of people thought they were terrific.
Hi Mark. I just watched your vid and excellent it is. I suppose you know what happened. Yes, I've ordered an SOC boar brush with a cherry handle. You cost me a fortune! I'm really looking forward to trying it. Thanks for all the tips regarding soaking time. Cheers, mate.
For me post shave routine is cold water, witches hazel, aftershave balm, then once balm is completely absorbed into skin aftershave splash. Works great for my skin and hair type.
Thanks Aaron. It seems you've got your routine nailed. I think most of the balms I use include some witch hazel. I can feel that my skin is dry today; it could be the change in season and the heating coming on is drying my skin. I'll take extra care. Cheers.
Hi Mark. Nice shave there. Have 3 Semogue my self, and none are cursed 😊 I think they al are superb. So lett the SOC lather on 😊 Have a lovely weekend Jan
+Jan Thorkildsen I know Semogue are renowned for being excellent. I couldn't work out what was going on but I am going to use it more often now and perhaps that will be the making of it. You too, Jan. Have a terrific weekend.
Thanks for the advice on the SOC. I had one arrive in the mail this week and had same problem as you described. I'll give this a try tonight. I thought maybe it was just because it hadn't been broken in yet. I have an omega boar that doesn't cause the soap to disappear, but I think the omega isn't packed with hair as tightly as the soc.
I found the same with my Omega, Mark. I've been having a similar issue, although not as bad as the SOC, with my Semogue 610 and 820. Yesterday, and bloomed my puck, for a change and loaded with the brush slightly more wet. It worked a treat! Much better. I the wetter soap always it to get deeper into the brush so you end up with more soap (maybe) 😃
@@FriendshipShaving That's good advice. I am finding after each day using the SOC, it's gotten progressively easier to lather. I've also found that not soaking the entire length of the brush helps with keeping the lather at the tips of the brush, instead of getting buried near the handle.
Great shave mark I used to put my aftershave splash on first and then my balm but I have been trying it the other way around because I have oily skin and I prefer it this way 👍🏻
+Electrical Education Yes, mate. I've always done it the other way around to everyone else - balm first. My skins a bit oily too. Aftershave splash has stuff in it that's good for the skin, it's not just scent so is using both like overkill? These are the important things I ponder!
Friendship Shaving I've been wondering the same thing, not been using the balm everyday and maybe I'd be better just using the splash, might try just using the balm in winter as The Suffolk Shaver does
+Electrical Education I just looked on the Proraso site, at their lotion and balm. They both say the same thing, on the front of the bottle and in the description they both say it's to finish the shave.
Really enjoyed the video. Your experience with the straight razor mirrors mine. I have to finish off with a DE razor as there's some stubble I just can't seem to shave off. Still practice makes perfect I suppose.
+MrBobzi Lots of practice! A chap noticed I stuck my elbow out, when shaving against the grain, on my neck; I didn't notice. He suggested locking my elbow into my body and using the wrist more, to achieve better control. There's always lots to work on and, to be fair, that's what I like about it. We'll get there. :) Thanks for getting in touch? Cheers.
Interesting, i do have my dads Old Spice shave that was part of those kits (soap/bowl/boar brush). Probably a 1970-80's kit. I used it now and then in the 90's out of need (discovered it) and did not know what I was doing...but kind of worked. Now my mom moved to an flat, discarded the soap because she thought it was too dry. Well the brush is there....was too dry and I soaked it in olive oil trying to avoid it braking..... The bristles kind of revived but building a lather was still difficult. So then I soaked it in vinager and water x 2. Washed it w shampoo and conditioner x 2.....it did not improve much. Then I did the fridge / towel thing x 3.....and if I soak it now for 15' it kind of works.... last I tried was with a mix of soap I did melting and adding stuff to soaps ..... . It works with glycerine soaps...but subpar compared to synthetic and badger.... Next time I visit my mom I will try again.... The reason I keep it is purely sentimental..... and despite having tried all I could find to improve it....I still think it's subpar. Cheers mate, looks like you make your brush work....
Sometimes, the items you keep for sentimental reasons are the best, whether they work or not. Have you thought about buying a new knot and popping it in the handle. You, at least, would have a working brush that was your Dad's. I've never actually seen an Old Spice shaving brush. Hang on to that one. 👍
I've had two Semogue boar brushes and I've found the both to be awkward. Yet my Omega boar was completely easy to lather with. Perhaps it's because the Semogue knot was much more dense. I don't know 😕
Well, it worked and went much better giving up the lather with this method. I used TOBS Cream though so different than a hard soap to load up. Next time I use it I will use a hard soap and try it again.
Man, I just got a big boar brush from Kent in the mail and worked like a dog to get it to produce a lather. I think I'm starting to figure it out but this video will certainly help. I plan on putting this brush in rotation using it maybe three times a month so I don't really want to keep it damp, I suppose a little extra soaking, heavy loading and light tips will be in order. I'll try it. Thanks.
@@FriendshipShaving Dear Mark, may I ask how many brushes you have on your rotation? I have a ton of brushes and feel guilty (I acquired too much to handle.) Sometimes I wish I had only a handful of brushes. A maximum of 5 would be ideal. I have 20+ and it's hard to rotate at times (I like some more and some are rarely picked up) :(
Rather too many, Baha! I have about twelve in the den and then some in a box, that don't get used so much. Like you, I pick up my favourites, the same three or four on a regular basis. I am going to move some of my brushes out and refresh.
I have also had success with another strategy. Wash boar brush with liquid dish detergent and water really good. Soak in dish detergent and warm water for about a minute. Rinse. Soak in clean water with a splash of vinegar or Apple cider vingar. Work brush in solution, agitate while soaking for a minute or so. Rinse thoroughly. Use soap if desired. Squirt a modest amount of hair conditioner in brush and work it in your hand as though you are building a lather. Let it sit in brush for 30 mins to an hour. Rinse out conditioner. I have had excellent results with this. Give it a try next time if you like! Cheers my friend and happy shaves!
Hi! If you're using only one of them, either balm or aftershave can be put on with no significant difference. If you are using both, then the alcohol goes on first to disinfect, then you put the balm on to restore the skins outer layer of oils. If you do it the other way around and put the aftershave on after the balm, the balm forms a barrier to the aftershave contacting and therefore disinfecting the skin. I hope this helps. Also, it is advisable to wash off the alum after a few seconds. Some balms will coagulate when they come in touch with the alum.I hope this helps!
I've settled into using one or the other now. I like my Proraso splash in the hot weather. Your point about the alcohol is a good one. That's very interesting that some balms coagulate upon contact with alum. Thanks for passing on that information. There is so much to learn about shaving - I love that aspect of it. Thank you for joining in 👍😃
What kind of bacterias and viruses should be left after lathering and shaving? That's just a myth. Balm first and then alcohol based aftershave just for the scent.
@@philipp8712 Good question. The pathogens in a toilet are quite diverse and numerous especially if multiple people use the same space. Potentially, every surface is a source of infection
The only brush I have ever had any problems lathering with is a Semogue 830. Rubbish at lathering, but I found if I only soak the tips of the brush instead of the whole of the hairs, then dip the whole brush in water for only a second, it performs better.
Mine was the same Marc; my 830 was a nightmare. It was my first boar brush and it's fair to say Semogue have put me off boar brushes a bit. The SOC is okay now (finally) but it's not a great brush. That's a weird technique you've discovered. I'll try it. I wonder if the majority of the brush remains dry (comparatively) and doesn't absorb the lather. Interesting. Thanks for letting me know. 👍
Not sure what's wrong with them, the overriding problem I have is, when it does lather it uses 4 times the amount of product, be it cream or soap and that makes it an expensive brush to use. Don't be put of boar though, I have three Omega brushes and they are excellent. But I will always prefer badger. I have just made 2 brushes for a friend, both badger, as he wanted to try DE shaving. The point is the very first time he used the finest two band he said it was amazing. Now imagine if I had told him to buy a Semogue 830, he would be put off for life. Marc.
True story, Marc. Good call on the two band badger for your friend. I'm honestly surprised that Semogue are so popular or, at least, they appear to be very popular. I'm a little put off by the plastic handles on a lot of Omega brushes but I might keep an eye out for one, next year. Cheers.
@@FriendshipShaving yes with you on the plastic handles on Omega's that was what attracted me to the Semogue, a very nice handle. But remember Omega's are about half the price.
+Cincy Shaves Thanks, Cincy. I'm getting there but I still have to concentrate. I really sliced myself, with the point, a few weeks back! I keep thinking of that phrase from Forrest Gump - stupid is as stupid does 😃👍
An update here: I am so pleased to say that the Semogue 1305 I demonstrated on one of my She Shaves with Jill videos using the Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements Brush Cleaner and your hints here, that I used it tonight and it is performing much, much better! Now for the next few days, I am going to further break it in with the refrigerator method. Take the brush and fill a glass and don't let the water go all the way up to the knot, stick it in the fridge and 24 hours later take it out and do a 5-10 minute rub out on a towel and comb it, change the water and stick back in the fridge and do the same cycle for a total of 3 days. I use that step in my method of breaking in all my new natural hair brushes. Another hint is after your shave and when rinsing out your brush, the last moments use cold water. It is good for human hair and you know how it helps to do a cold rinse after your shave.
Thanks for the update Jill. I'm glad the hints are working for you. I'm sure the brush in the fridge' method must do something, as so many swear by it, but I couldn't tell if there was a difference or not. I might try it again though as I didn't comb mine through. A cold water rinse might be interesting to try. It's fascinating isn't it? All these different techniques. I've been wondering if blasting the brush with a hot hair drier would help.
Hi Wayne. I've had a lot of trouble with all my Semogue boar brushes, yet my Omega boar is fantastic. I'm quite jealous of you. Have you had it long? I wonder if longevity is the key?
Yep, I'm a member of the Semogue Loser's Club. My Semogue 1520 is a delightful brush, and works fine. I saw the (problem child) Semogue 1470 last year & decided to get it. The 1470 has spoiled it for me - Semogue is obviously a ¢rapshoot when it comes to performance - no more for me. I'll be happy with my 1520, and happier still with my various synthetics, the cheapest one out performs the Semogues by a wide margin. The 1470 is now soaking overnite with one last chance to perform. If it doesn't work out to my satisfaction, I'll harvest the handle & install a synthetic knot. Does the metal ring at junction of knot & handle need removal to disassemble the brush?
You know, I've had a few Semogue brushes and had trouble with them all. I had the 820 and got rid of it, only too try again with that and the 610. I really like the 820 handle! My Omega knot, taken from one of their plastic brushes and installed in another handle is stunning! I'm not sure I've restored a brush with a metal ring, I'm sorry I can't help with that one.
Wow, a really interesting and surprising video. I do use both Semogue and Omega bristle brushes and myself, I consider the portugueeze a notch better, especially SOC. I can only think of 2 scenario's, either you got 'bad one', or it has been treated with some sort of chemical. Before, I do use any brush, I give it a thorough cleansing, a quick bath in applevinegar... Last not least I foam up and let the foam stay in the brush for 1 full day. With his kind of procedure, it also shortened the breaking-in period. Hope this helpd, cheerio, Achim Singapore+
+Achim Kohlhage Hello, Achim. It is strange - I thoroughly cleaned the brush, as I got it second hand so, it was washed in hot water with detergent, rinsed and the soaked in Barbasol disinfectant. I don't know if you can really get a bad brush, surely one boar hair is much the same as another. The Northern Shaver has had a similar experience with two Semogue brushes. Very odd. That's an interesting way to break in a brush, the Suffolk shaver uses the same method. I love learning new methods. Thanks for you comment. Have a great day. Kind regards - Mark
I've found that If I use vinegar to clean a brush, it won't hold a lather until the 4th or 5th shave after the vinegar soak. I've also found that too much soaking will saturate the brush with too much water and the soap will last for 2 passes at most. I no longer soak a brush for more than 10 minutes, and perhaps only 2/3 of the bristles are getting soaked. I try to ensure the the third closest to the handle isn't covered with water so that there's more backbone. I only clean brushes in vinegar every six months and that's if I feel they really need it. Otherwise, I just rinse out the soap after a shave and that's it. Mark, how long are you soaking your brush before the shave?
Hmmm Mark, then I'm more or less speechless. When I do lather, I always use lots of soap, I load all boar brushes for at least 30s, likely even longer. Maybe there lie's the answer... Cheers.
Hi, that's an interesting point, about the vinegar; good to know. I was soaking my boar for about five or ten minutes. Usually less rather than more. For the video I soaked the brush for 30 minutes - I wanted to make sure, even though I thought that amount of time was over doing it it, somewhat.
Well, it seems we all hv different experiences. Myself I prefer Semogue, for bristle quality, but Omega for larger size. Apple cider for short time only and last not least a quick treat of conditioner, a 'thorough rinse' with complete dry at window, and that's the formula for myself. The 'great' of Geofatboy, the scotsman PaulH do follow. Hv seen y reached yr goal with that cream, ton's of lather, problem solved... Cheerio Achim, Singapore+
I just had to have this beauty. Had my first shave with it today, and I agree it eats lather. I just don't care ;) I think of it as my pet (don't laugh), and that I'm feeding it with lather. Hmm, that tabac is yummy ;) I have a lot of love and passion for this guy. It deserves to have some lather. I like everything about it. I guess it's like unconditional love. Mine was love at first sight Mark. A very merry Christmas to you and yours ;)
Very good shave,I have a question,I tried the same strategy but at the second pass the lather disapears from my brush,at the first pass I had a perfect lather..I used a 3 times used brush Omega.what do you recomend me?.
Hi. Omega are good brushes but it is quite common for boars to 'steal' the lather. The brush will improve as it gets used but also, the bristle does need to be soaked to absorb some water otherwise it will take that water from your lather. Too much water in the bristles will also cause an issue. Keep at it - the brush will get better. Don't be concerned about going back to the puck for more soap. Good luck.
Now that quite a bit of time has past, what is your final verdict ? Has the SOC become your "go to" boar brush or have you decided it's too finicky and not worth the trouble ?
I passed it on. Although I did definitely get better lathers, it wasn't consistent in the way that a synthetic is. I love the Semogue 820 but again, with the boar bristles, it wasn't consistent. I prefer my Rubberset, which has an Omega boar. I find with boars, sometimes it's perfect, with a ten minute soak, sometimes it's not.
@@FriendshipShaving Interesting :-) I just had a big surprise a few days ago. I had put my SOC brush away for most of the past 2 years, just taking it out occasionally for a try to see if the cursed brush was still awful at lathering (it was) . But now, lo and behold, it works like a charm !!!!!!! I have no idea what happened. I still use the same soaps as before and use the same same brush technique I've been using for over 50 years now. I can't explain it unless something has happened to the bristles with age. In any case ... the lathering curse has been lifted and now the SOC rivals or exceeds my Omega brushes in performance !!! :-))
That is weird but, I do think the people who have boar bristles brushes and absolutely love them, seem to have them for a long time. I wonder. I hope it remains good for you. 👍
+Paul Charlesworth Hey, Paul. That is strange. I must have got the one that was cursed :) I think now, I'm getting the hang of this one it will become one of my favourites.
I like them, Jeff. The fibres used in synthetic brushes are excellent, these days. I find they always build a good lather and the lather doesn't diminish, as sometimes happens with my naturals. They feel nice and they dry really quickly. Great for travel.
I think 30 minutes to too long to soak a brush. You're oversaturating the bristles. How often are you cleaning your brushes with vinegar? I find that vinegar has a way of making a brush feel ike it's "just out of the box" and needs to be broken it again.
And here I thought that I was the only one who had a cursed SOC brush ! :-) To be honest, I bought the brush because of the great rave reviews it seemed to get on forums ... plus I liked the handle which I think is one of the nicest available for a boar brush. In terms of performance though, I was greatly disappointed. I used it for 60 days in a row in an effort to get it to break in and, while it did get very soft, it was still nowhere near as efficient at lathering as my lowly old 100065 Omega boar brush when it came to soaps. I'm not sure if I perhaps may have a bad copy since boar hairs are a natural product and vary from brush to brush or if the SOC is just like that and is over-rated. I still use the brush but now I use it for creams only i.e. I treat it like one of my badgers which is actually what it feels like.
+gabithemagyar Same here, Gabi! They do get brilliant reviews and I never knew why mine didn't work; my Omega knot, which I put in my Rubberset brush, works really well. It a lot less dense though. The last few days have made a lot of difference. I still feel like I have a way to go, but it's much better. Soaking it for a ridiculously long time might just help. Thanks for getting in touch, welcome to the cursed SOC club 👍😃
Yes my friend. When you soak the brush before use the boar bristles absorb water; if you don't soak your brush, they will absorb water from your lather. Just shake off the excess water before you start building a lather. You might add a drop of water later, if you need it. Try it.
The reason a new boar brush will not hold a lather is because the fat in the boar hair breaks down the foam bubbles. Semogue are excellent brushes but require a lot of breaking in.
+GadgetMart The smell on my SOC has been gone for a long time but I couldn't get a good lather until I took the advice on the video. However, it could very well be that there was still oil in the hair.
That's because I have a brain injury, left over from contracting bacterial meningitis. My subscribers don't seem to mind that I talk slowly; if you don't like my videos, then don't watch. There's no need to comment. All the best.
Excellent explanation and your patience is incredible to help people who have SOC! Thank you !
+floyd enelop
You're welcome Floyd. Thank you for your kind comments. Have a great week.
I have had exactly the same problem with my SOC. I have put it aside and have thought about giving it away except that it was a Christmas gift two years ago now. I ran across your video this morning and I will try this out tomorrow. Thanks for sharing.
I have been using my SOC for the last few days, it's been going quite well but today I squeezed to much water out of the brush before I loaded it with soap. The lather was okay but it did disappear by the time it came to the second pass. I just went back to the puck but that didn't happen the two days previous when I started with the brush more wet than I would normally. To be honest, I think it's the type of brush you might have to use for a few weeks to really get the hang of it; this is what I'm going to do with mine. It's not a brush Inuse that often but they do have a good name. Good luck 👍😃
I love Semogue. Especially the 1800. My technique is 1 minute load. 1 minute bowl lather and 1 minute face lather. Thanks for the video.
I'm going to try your technique today, Patrick. Thanks for mentioning it. I don't use my Semogue as often as I should; I tend to go for other brushes first, but it is a good brush. Thanks for watching and for getting touch. Cheers.
Hello, Mark! Just stumbled across this older video and just like you I have a previously owned Semogue Owners Club boar brush (Taj resin). It can be challenging to use, but the bristles are so soft and the handle is just lovely. To give it a bit more backbone I picked up some #18 rubber o-rings from a local hardware store that has an inner diameter of 15/16". I store it in the groove on the handle and slide it up to the base of the knot when using. I do the same with my Omega 49 Pro boar, but I use two of the o-rings and it really helps in face lathering.
I had shaved with my SOC boar yesterday, so after watching your video today I followed the technique you described using a Yaqi two band badger. I soaked it for 30 minutes in warm water, gave it four light shakes and then loaded the brush pretty strong, maybe not a minute. I loaded a bit more water when face lathering and had more than enough for my three pass shave. I will definitely use this technique the next time I use my SOC boar.
Thank you for this video and all the great content you produce. Be well!
Hi Bryan. I no longer have my Semogue, although I may have to re-visit them; there were other brushes I preferred and so I think it got given away. I'm glad the technique worked for you, too. On a badger, too! Thank you, my friend. Take good care.
I wasn't happy with my SOC but I followed your suggestions and ... it works perfect. Thanks and congrats for your videos!
+Jules Goris
Excellent Jules. I'm glad my video could help. Thank you for getting in touch.
So what is he suggest?
For me, when I wear both, I put the plash on first then the balm. For me when I use a straight razor, if I'm not bleeding and I still have both of my ears, well it was a good shave.
+Jeffrey Smith
That made me smile, Jeffrey and I can certainly relate to it. I'm a bit scared of losing my ears!
Nice video and good advice 're
the boar brush. I tried what you suggested this morning as have had the same issue with my 620 and I must say after doing exactly as you said I had no issues getting enough lather for 3 passes and pickups without returning to the puck. It has reignited my love of boar brushes!
Nice one. I'm so glad it worked for you too. Excellent. Thanks for letting me know, I really appreciate it.
What is the tip?
Hello Mark, I'm sry for this belated reply, I saw yr video rather late. Yes, I experienced the rather poor water holding on boar brushes, especially Semogue SOC (not the standard 2000, which is fine). So I've taken rather drastic measures to break them in f a s t . Out of the box warm water, plenty dish washer soap and turning the brush in the sink, not less than 5min. Then rinse and foam up with cheap soap (Arko etc) until full n leave it overnight. Next morning rinse and use for shaving. Then clean again and reload with Arko, let it stand. That I do 5x after eachother and all hair is perfectly split, tight bush and facefeel somewhere like 'best badger', softer the pure badger. The waterproblem also has been solved, but naturally it won't reach badger levels. Cheerio.
It obviously works Achim, it's a great tip. It's very strange how the 2000 is fine but the SOC has the problem. Is the SOC more tightly packed, do you think? I don't suppose it matters. Thanks for letting me know your technique. Take care.
Thanks Mark for passing on the tips!
Thank you for sharing another excellent video!!
Regards
Jim
NI
No worries! Thank you, Jim.👍
Hello from germany. :-)
I loaded my almost new yaqi mocha 26mm badger brush this way that evenig. I have to say: THANK YOU!!! That helped so much. The brush made a awesome lather that way and it last for 3,5 passes. GREAT!!! I am so happy and smiling now :-)
That is what i love at our community, everybody helps everybody! Getting tips that way is great.
Have a nice evening.
Cheers,
Jens
Fantastic Jens. That is really great and it's wonderful when everything comes together and works well. I agree, the community is a great collection of like minded people all willing to help each other out. Have a good week my friend. 😃👍
Yes is think so too. In Internet, for example Facebook, many people get angry soo at discussions, but at shaving, every body helps each other. That is great!!!
Funny, how hapy shaving makes us,isn´t it? ;-)
Greetings,
Jens
Ah, wish you a fantastic week too my friend!!! :-)
It is strange. Perhaps, we know a great secret 😉
@@FriendshipShaving yes, pretty sure about it 😉😋😊
I have a badger SOC brush, exactly the same handle as yours. I also had a bit of a trouble in building up the lather when I used a metal mug. I have been using a marble grooved cup (from Supply) for a few months, and I’ve seen a great difference. I fill it with hot water and let the brush soak while I take my shower and the bowl keeps the lather warm all during the shave.
Ah, I assume the metal mug has no ridges, Antonio. It's obviously better with the grooved cup. While I no longer have this brush, I am of the opinion that the difficulty, in part, might be because the brush is so densely packed with hair. I think the more a natural hair brush is used the better it eventually becomes.
@@FriendshipShaving it’s possible. I’ve been using the brush daily for almost two years. I have no problem with the TOBS sandalwood soap or with the Mitchell’s Luxury Wool Fat Soap that I’ve been using more recently. I guess also the softness of the water in the north of Portugal influences the richness of the lather.
If you are looking for that boar experience but with the lather retention of a synthetic? The Omega S brush is a great alternative. It is almost compares to a boar with exfoliating properties just a bit softer but still has enough backbone to lather from hard soaps.
Thank you very much for your suggestion. I have wondered about the S brush, so it is very good to have some knowledgeable input about the brush. It sounds good. Best regards to you.
@@FriendshipShaving It's a great little synthetic knot. It would be nice if Omega put them in nicer handles. Thx for the video I've tried the tips and my boar brush is working better for me.
Yeah, I agree about the handles. It's good to your brush works a bit better, the one in the video gave me lots of problems. Here's a strange thing: for no good reason I didn't soak my boar brush (Omega boar in a vintage handle) I just held it under the tap and it worked great! It is very well worn in though, so that nay be the key. There's always something to think about 🙂 Cheers.
I put on my after shave first,so it can do it's thing and then apply my balm.But I only use balm in the colder months.I'm breaking in a boar and horse brush at the moment.I bloom a soap,then pour it in a mug,lather up the brushes,then put them in the mug of bloom water and leave for a couple of days.
+The Suffolk Shaver
That's a method I've not heard of before. I'm going to try that. I suppose it's similar to leaving a brush in water but with the added benefit of soap. Nice one.
Congratulations in overcoming the SOC(Curse) ;-) and have completing a fine Straight Razor shave. In answer to the question at the start: I never seem to have a problem building or holding a lather. I think I could use a toothbrush and have success. :D
And for the 2nd question> I mix and match, sometimes aftershave lotion on first followed by balm and other times the reverse and occasionally no aftershave lotion depending on the balm.
+WolfRanger2008
Thank you, Keith. I'm very pleased to have overcome the issues I had with this brush, it is a fine brush after all 👍😃 I laughed, at the image of you lathering soap with a toothbrush. Nice one. I'm having a rethink about balm/aftershave, especially with the amount of goodness that is often put in shaving soaps, these days. It's very interesting. Have a good week, pal. Take care.
Hello Mark, I have just ordered a Kent BLK4 badger silver tip .I have been informed that using a pre-shave oil, will clog the brush and thus make it unable to lather. I was also told that the oil will make the brush unusable for any future use. I will be pairing the brush with my Muhle R89. The above information came directly from Kents own customer services.
I have recently just come over from the plastic side, so any guidance you can provide will greatly be appreciated.
Your love of everything shaving is evident. Another subscriber on board.
Hi Jim. Thank you for joining us, pal 🙂 I have to be honest and say that I'm not sure about this one. I thought that a pre-shave oil would inhibit the building of a good lather but I haven't noticed, the few times I've tried, that it makes any difference; I'm still quite new to trying different pre-shave products and most of them do contain some oil.
My thoughts are that if you use a synthetic brush the bristles may have a tiny amount of oil on them; of course this build up over time can be removed with some washing up liquid or shampoo. However, I wonder, as badger hair is absorbent, whether the oil gets into the structure of the hair. I'd tend to go with the advice from Kent. You've really made me think about this. I'd like to use this in an upcoming video, if you don't mind and see what everyone's thoughts are. I might just hold off using an oil with my new silver tip though. Mind you, I got it from Truefitt and Hill; I'm sure they make pre-shave. I'll have to check if it's an oil. I'm sorry I can't be more help. Cheers 👍
Friendship Shaving :
Many thanks for your valued comments Mark. I agree with you in following the advice from Kent.
It will be interesting to see what the consensus is from others on this issue, so please, if you get time in another video run with this.
Many thanks again,
Jim.
Thank you for the link Mark, I'll have another go with it tonight using the "Hutchinson" method 😌👍
+Dave Card
Your very welcome, Dave. I wish I could take the credit. I could never work out why my brush didn't work and yet a lot of people thought they were terrific.
Hi Mark. I just watched your vid and excellent it is. I suppose you know what happened. Yes, I've ordered an SOC boar brush with a cherry handle. You cost me a fortune! I'm really looking forward to trying it. Thanks for all the tips regarding soaking time. Cheers, mate.
You're welcome mate 😉 Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Take care.
@@FriendshipShaving Thanks, mate. you enjoy yours too.
Here in Brazil the Semogue brand is highly appreciated
Ah, of course, they are made in Portugal.
For me post shave routine is cold water, witches hazel, aftershave balm, then once balm is completely absorbed into skin aftershave splash. Works great for my skin and hair type.
Thanks Aaron. It seems you've got your routine nailed. I think most of the balms I use include some witch hazel. I can feel that my skin is dry today; it could be the change in season and the heating coming on is drying my skin. I'll take extra care. Cheers.
Hi Mark. Nice shave there. Have 3 Semogue my self, and none are cursed 😊 I think they al are superb. So lett the SOC lather on 😊
Have a lovely weekend
Jan
+Jan Thorkildsen
I know Semogue are renowned for being excellent. I couldn't work out what was going on but I am going to use it more often now and perhaps that will be the making of it. You too, Jan. Have a terrific weekend.
Thanks for the advice on the SOC. I had one arrive in the mail this week and had same problem as you described. I'll give this a try tonight. I thought maybe it was just because it hadn't been broken in yet. I have an omega boar that doesn't cause the soap to disappear, but I think the omega isn't packed with hair as tightly as the soc.
I found the same with my Omega, Mark. I've been having a similar issue, although not as bad as the SOC, with my Semogue 610 and 820. Yesterday, and bloomed my puck, for a change and loaded with the brush slightly more wet. It worked a treat! Much better. I the wetter soap always it to get deeper into the brush so you end up with more soap (maybe) 😃
@@FriendshipShaving That's good advice. I am finding after each day using the SOC, it's gotten progressively easier to lather. I've also found that not soaking the entire length of the brush helps with keeping the lather at the tips of the brush, instead of getting buried near the handle.
Now that's interesting; I'll try partially soaking my brush, next time I use it. Thanks for that.
Great shave mark I used to put my aftershave splash on first and then my balm but I have been trying it the other way around because I have oily skin and I prefer it this way 👍🏻
+Electrical Education
Yes, mate. I've always done it the other way around to everyone else - balm first. My skins a bit oily too. Aftershave splash has stuff in it that's good for the skin, it's not just scent so is using both like overkill? These are the important things I ponder!
Friendship Shaving I've been wondering the same thing, not been using the balm everyday and maybe I'd be better just using the splash, might try just using the balm in winter as The Suffolk Shaver does
+Electrical Education
I just looked on the Proraso site, at their lotion and balm. They both say the same thing, on the front of the bottle and in the description they both say it's to finish the shave.
Really enjoyed the video. Your experience with the straight razor mirrors mine. I have to finish off with a DE razor as there's some stubble I just can't seem to shave off. Still practice makes perfect I suppose.
+MrBobzi
Lots of practice! A chap noticed I stuck my elbow out, when shaving against the grain, on my neck; I didn't notice. He suggested locking my elbow into my body and using the wrist more, to achieve better control. There's always lots to work on and, to be fair, that's what I like about it. We'll get there. :) Thanks for getting in touch? Cheers.
Interesting, i do have my dads Old Spice shave that was part of those kits (soap/bowl/boar brush). Probably a 1970-80's kit. I used it now and then in the 90's out of need (discovered it) and did not know what I was doing...but kind of worked. Now my mom moved to an flat, discarded the soap because she thought it was too dry. Well the brush is there....was too dry and I soaked it in olive oil trying to avoid it braking..... The bristles kind of revived but building a lather was still difficult. So then I soaked it in vinager and water x 2. Washed it w shampoo and conditioner x 2.....it did not improve much. Then I did the fridge / towel thing x 3.....and if I soak it now for 15' it kind of works.... last I tried was with a mix of soap I did melting and adding stuff to soaps ..... . It works with glycerine soaps...but subpar compared to synthetic and badger.... Next time I visit my mom I will try again.... The reason I keep it is purely sentimental..... and despite having tried all I could find to improve it....I still think it's subpar. Cheers mate, looks like you make your brush work....
Sometimes, the items you keep for sentimental reasons are the best, whether they work or not. Have you thought about buying a new knot and popping it in the handle. You, at least, would have a working brush that was your Dad's. I've never actually seen an Old Spice shaving brush. Hang on to that one. 👍
Thanks for the good advice. Badger or synthetic?@@FriendshipShaving
That's the million dollar question. Synthetics are very reasonably priced and are very good these days. They might make a good place to start.
Using my Semogue 1305 for tonight's shave and will keep this in mind.
I've had two Semogue boar brushes and I've found the both to be awkward. Yet my Omega boar was completely easy to lather with. Perhaps it's because the Semogue knot was much more dense. I don't know 😕
Yes, I agree, I l love my Pro Omega and 10098.
Well, it worked and went much better giving up the lather with this method. I used TOBS Cream though so different than a hard soap to load up. Next time I use it I will use a hard soap and try it again.
I'll be interested to see your opinion with a hard soap. I'm glad it was better - phew! 😃
Man, I just got a big boar brush from Kent in the mail and worked like a dog to get it to produce a lather. I think I'm starting to figure it out but this video will certainly help.
I plan on putting this brush in rotation using it maybe three times a month so I don't really want to keep it damp, I suppose a little extra soaking, heavy loading and light tips will be in order. I'll try it. Thanks.
+Jeff Smith
I do the same, Jeff. I use my brushes in rotation and let them dry out between uses. I hope the video helps you out. Cheers.
@@FriendshipShaving Dear Mark, may I ask how many brushes you have on your rotation? I have a ton of brushes and feel guilty (I acquired too much to handle.) Sometimes I wish I had only a handful of brushes. A maximum of 5 would be ideal. I have 20+ and it's hard to rotate at times (I like some more and some are rarely picked up) :(
Rather too many, Baha! I have about twelve in the den and then some in a box, that don't get used so much. Like you, I pick up my favourites, the same three or four on a regular basis. I am going to move some of my brushes out and refresh.
I have also had success with another strategy.
Wash boar brush with liquid dish detergent and water really good.
Soak in dish detergent and warm water for about a minute.
Rinse.
Soak in clean water with a splash of vinegar or Apple cider vingar.
Work brush in solution, agitate while soaking for a minute or so.
Rinse thoroughly. Use soap if desired.
Squirt a modest amount of hair conditioner in brush and work it in your hand as though you are building a lather. Let it sit in brush for 30 mins to an hour.
Rinse out conditioner.
I have had excellent results with this. Give it a try next time if you like!
Cheers my friend and happy shaves!
Now, that sounds good. I'm not surprised you had success with this method. Should I get a new boar brush sometime, I'll try this. Cheers 👍
Hi! If you're using only one of them, either balm or aftershave can be put on with no significant difference. If you are using both, then the alcohol goes on first to disinfect, then you put the balm on to restore the skins outer layer of oils. If you do it the other way around and put the aftershave on after the balm, the balm forms a barrier to the aftershave contacting and therefore disinfecting the skin. I hope this helps. Also, it is advisable to wash off the alum after a few seconds. Some balms will coagulate when they come in touch with the alum.I hope this helps!
I've settled into using one or the other now. I like my Proraso splash in the hot weather. Your point about the alcohol is a good one. That's very interesting that some balms coagulate upon contact with alum. Thanks for passing on that information. There is so much to learn about shaving - I love that aspect of it. Thank you for joining in 👍😃
What kind of bacterias and viruses should be left after lathering and shaving? That's just a myth. Balm first and then alcohol based aftershave just for the scent.
@@philipp8712 Good question. The pathogens in a toilet are quite diverse and numerous especially if multiple people use the same space. Potentially, every surface is a source of infection
The only brush I have ever had any problems lathering with is a Semogue 830. Rubbish at lathering, but I found if I only soak the tips of the brush instead of the whole of the hairs, then dip the whole brush in water for only a second, it performs better.
Mine was the same Marc; my 830 was a nightmare. It was my first boar brush and it's fair to say Semogue have put me off boar brushes a bit. The SOC is okay now (finally) but it's not a great brush. That's a weird technique you've discovered. I'll try it. I wonder if the majority of the brush remains dry (comparatively) and doesn't absorb the lather. Interesting. Thanks for letting me know. 👍
Not sure what's wrong with them, the overriding problem I have is, when it does lather it uses 4 times the amount of product, be it cream or soap and that makes it an expensive brush to use.
Don't be put of boar though, I have three Omega brushes and they are excellent. But I will always prefer badger. I have just made 2 brushes for a friend, both badger, as he wanted to try DE shaving. The point is the very first time he used the finest two band he said it was amazing. Now imagine if I had told him to buy a Semogue 830, he would be put off for life.
Marc.
True story, Marc. Good call on the two band badger for your friend. I'm honestly surprised that Semogue are so popular or, at least, they appear to be very popular. I'm a little put off by the plastic handles on a lot of Omega brushes but I might keep an eye out for one, next year. Cheers.
@@FriendshipShaving yes with you on the plastic handles on Omega's that was what attracted me to the Semogue, a very nice handle. But remember Omega's are about half the price.
You make straight razor shaving look entirely too easy! Great shave!!!
+Cincy Shaves
Thanks, Cincy. I'm getting there but I still have to concentrate. I really sliced myself, with the point, a few weeks back! I keep thinking of that phrase from Forrest Gump - stupid is as stupid does 😃👍
An update here: I am so pleased to say that the Semogue 1305 I demonstrated on one of my She Shaves with Jill videos using the Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements Brush Cleaner and your hints here, that I used it tonight and it is performing much, much better! Now for the next few days, I am going to further break it in with the refrigerator method. Take the brush and fill a glass and don't let the water go all the way up to the knot, stick it in the fridge and 24 hours later take it out and do a 5-10 minute rub out on a towel and comb it, change the water and stick back in the fridge and do the same cycle for a total of 3 days. I use that step in my method of breaking in all my new natural hair brushes. Another hint is after your shave and when rinsing out your brush, the last moments use cold water. It is good for human hair and you know how it helps to do a cold rinse after your shave.
Thanks for the update Jill. I'm glad the hints are working for you. I'm sure the brush in the fridge' method must do something, as so many swear by it, but I couldn't tell if there was a difference or not. I might try it again though as I didn't comb mine through. A cold water rinse might be interesting to try. It's fascinating isn't it? All these different techniques. I've been wondering if blasting the brush with a hot hair drier would help.
I rarely soak my SOG boar brush. I wet it, sling it dry in the shower and load it at most half a minute. It performs great with this process.
Hi Wayne. I've had a lot of trouble with all my Semogue boar brushes, yet my Omega boar is fantastic. I'm quite jealous of you. Have you had it long? I wonder if longevity is the key?
@@FriendshipShaving It is several years old. I also have an 830 and a 620 that perform well.
Yep, I'm a member of the Semogue Loser's Club. My Semogue 1520 is a delightful brush, and works fine. I saw the (problem child) Semogue 1470 last year & decided to get it. The 1470 has spoiled it for me - Semogue is obviously a ¢rapshoot when it comes to performance - no more for me. I'll be happy with my 1520, and happier still with my various synthetics, the cheapest one out performs the Semogues by a wide margin.
The 1470 is now soaking overnite with one last chance to perform. If it doesn't work out to my satisfaction, I'll harvest the handle & install a synthetic knot.
Does the metal ring at junction of knot & handle need removal to disassemble the brush?
You know, I've had a few Semogue brushes and had trouble with them all. I had the 820 and got rid of it, only too try again with that and the 610. I really like the 820 handle! My Omega knot, taken from one of their plastic brushes and installed in another handle is stunning! I'm not sure I've restored a brush with a metal ring, I'm sorry I can't help with that one.
Wow, a really interesting and surprising video. I do use both Semogue and Omega bristle brushes and myself, I consider the portugueeze a notch better, especially SOC. I can only think of 2 scenario's, either you got 'bad one', or it has been treated with some sort of chemical. Before, I do use any brush, I give it a thorough cleansing, a quick bath in applevinegar... Last not least I foam up and let the foam stay in the brush for 1 full day. With his kind of procedure, it also shortened the breaking-in period. Hope this helpd, cheerio, Achim Singapore+
+Achim Kohlhage
Hello, Achim. It is strange - I thoroughly cleaned the brush, as I got it second hand so, it was washed in hot water with detergent, rinsed and the soaked in Barbasol disinfectant. I don't know if you can really get a bad brush, surely one boar hair is much the same as another. The Northern Shaver has had a similar experience with two Semogue brushes. Very odd. That's an interesting way to break in a brush, the Suffolk shaver uses the same method. I love learning new methods. Thanks for you comment. Have a great day. Kind regards - Mark
I've found that If I use vinegar to clean a brush, it won't hold a lather until the 4th or 5th shave after the vinegar soak. I've also found that too much soaking will saturate the brush with too much water and the soap will last for 2 passes at most. I no longer soak a brush for more than 10 minutes, and perhaps only 2/3 of the bristles are getting soaked. I try to ensure the the third closest to the handle isn't covered with water so that there's more backbone.
I only clean brushes in vinegar every six months and that's if I feel they really need it. Otherwise, I just rinse out the soap after a shave and that's it. Mark, how long are you soaking your brush before the shave?
Hmmm Mark, then I'm more or less speechless. When I do lather, I always use lots of soap, I load all boar brushes for at least 30s, likely even longer. Maybe there lie's the answer... Cheers.
Hi, that's an interesting point, about the vinegar; good to know. I was soaking my boar for about five or ten minutes. Usually less rather than more. For the video I soaked the brush for 30 minutes - I wanted to make sure, even though I thought that amount of time was over doing it it, somewhat.
Well, it seems we all hv different experiences. Myself I prefer Semogue, for bristle quality, but Omega for larger size. Apple cider for short time only and last not least a quick treat of conditioner, a 'thorough rinse' with complete dry at window, and that's the formula for myself. The 'great' of Geofatboy, the scotsman PaulH do follow. Hv seen y reached yr goal with that cream, ton's of lather, problem solved... Cheerio Achim, Singapore+
I just had to have this beauty. Had my first shave with it today, and I agree it eats lather. I just don't care ;)
I think of it as my pet (don't laugh), and that I'm feeding it with lather. Hmm, that tabac is yummy ;)
I have a lot of love and passion for this guy. It deserves to have some lather. I like everything about it. I guess it's like unconditional love. Mine was love at first sight Mark. A very merry Christmas to you and yours ;)
Thanks for sharing! You made me laugh. I'm sure you will break it in and it will be the best brush ever! Best wishes.
@@FriendshipShaving :) Thank you, Mark. I'll take good care of it and I hope to enjoy it for many years to come. Cheers :)
Very nice shave Mark.
+Stephen Davidson
Thanks Stephen that is very much appreciated. BTW, your razor is on its way but it might take a while to reach you.
Thanks man. Can't wait to try it out.
+Stephen Davidson
No worries. Have a great weekend. Cheers.
Very good shave,I have a question,I tried the same strategy but at the second pass the lather disapears from my brush,at the first pass I had a perfect lather..I used a 3 times used brush Omega.what do you recomend me?.
Hi. Omega are good brushes but it is quite common for boars to 'steal' the lather. The brush will improve as it gets used but also, the bristle does need to be soaked to absorb some water otherwise it will take that water from your lather. Too much water in the bristles will also cause an issue. Keep at it - the brush will get better. Don't be concerned about going back to the puck for more soap. Good luck.
@@FriendshipShaving God bless you thank you very much for your excelent and helpfull answer,keep going.hope you the best..Jesus loves you
Now that quite a bit of time has past, what is your final verdict ? Has the SOC become your "go to" boar brush or have you decided it's too finicky and not worth the trouble ?
I passed it on. Although I did definitely get better lathers, it wasn't consistent in the way that a synthetic is. I love the Semogue 820 but again, with the boar bristles, it wasn't consistent. I prefer my Rubberset, which has an Omega boar. I find with boars, sometimes it's perfect, with a ten minute soak, sometimes it's not.
@@FriendshipShaving Interesting :-) I just had a big surprise a few days ago. I had put my SOC brush away for most of the past 2 years, just taking it out occasionally for a try to see if the cursed brush was still awful at lathering (it was) . But now, lo and behold, it works like a charm !!!!!!! I have no idea what happened. I still use the same soaps as before and use the same same brush technique I've been using for over 50 years now. I can't explain it unless something has happened to the bristles with age. In any case ... the lathering curse has been lifted and now the SOC rivals or exceeds my Omega brushes in performance !!! :-))
That is weird but, I do think the people who have boar bristles brushes and absolutely love them, seem to have them for a long time. I wonder. I hope it remains good for you. 👍
Hi mark, I have the same brush, but unlike the one you have, I have no problems with it, in fact its one of my favourites to use.
+Paul Charlesworth
Hey, Paul. That is strange. I must have got the one that was cursed :) I think now, I'm getting the hang of this one it will become one of my favourites.
Forgot to mention, splash then balm is the way I go, all the best bud.
What do you guys think of synthetic hair brushes good bad in between?
I like them, Jeff. The fibres used in synthetic brushes are excellent, these days. I find they always build a good lather and the lather doesn't diminish, as sometimes happens with my naturals. They feel nice and they dry really quickly. Great for travel.
Friendship Shaving nice thank you for for the information I appreciate it
You're welcome, Jeff. Anytime. Are you in the the UK?
Thank you so much.... I was about to burn my SOC due to being cursed...
+M Schmitzquadrat
You're very welcome. I had gotten to that point myself 😃👍
I think 30 minutes to too long to soak a brush. You're oversaturating the bristles. How often are you cleaning your brushes with vinegar? I find that vinegar has a way of making a brush feel ike it's "just out of the box" and needs to be broken it again.
And here I thought that I was the only one who had a cursed SOC brush ! :-) To be honest, I bought the brush because of the great rave reviews it seemed to get on forums ... plus I liked the handle which I think is one of the nicest available for a boar brush. In terms of performance though, I was greatly disappointed. I used it for 60 days in a row in an effort to get it to break in and, while it did get very soft, it was still nowhere near as efficient at lathering as my lowly old 100065 Omega boar brush when it came to soaps. I'm not sure if I perhaps may have a bad copy since boar hairs are a natural product and vary from brush to brush or if the SOC is just like that and is over-rated. I still use the brush but now I use it for creams only i.e. I treat it like one of my badgers which is actually what it feels like.
+gabithemagyar
Same here, Gabi! They do get brilliant reviews and I never knew why mine didn't work; my Omega knot, which I put in my Rubberset brush, works really well. It a lot less dense though. The last few days have made a lot of difference. I still feel like I have a way to go, but it's much better. Soaking it for a ridiculously long time might just help. Thanks for getting in touch, welcome to the cursed SOC club 👍😃
You guys are going to have to bring this up at the next scheduled meeting of the Semogue Owners Club! 😉
nice video!
+marco cerqueglini
Thanks Marco 👍😃
So tip is; in cold water and stay in refrigurator for 3 days?
No, the tip is to really soak the brush before use, the longer the better; load heavy with the soap; use lightly when lathering - tips only. 👍
@@FriendshipShaving ok but how about flicks after soaking, before lathering? 3 flicks just enough?
Yes my friend. When you soak the brush before use the boar bristles absorb water; if you don't soak your brush, they will absorb water from your lather. Just shake off the excess water before you start building a lather. You might add a drop of water later, if you need it. Try it.
The reason a new boar brush will not hold a lather is because the fat in the boar hair breaks down the foam bubbles.
Semogue are excellent brushes but require a lot of breaking in.
+GadgetMart
Ah, that's why. Thank you for letting me know. That's really interesting and makes a lot of sense. Nice one; I really appreciate it.
Your welcome. Try adding a drop of oil or fat to your bubble bath to prove my point. As soon as the boar smell has gone they work well.
+GadgetMart
The smell on my SOC has been gone for a long time but I couldn't get a good lather until I took the advice on the video. However, it could very well be that there was still oil in the hair.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Balm first Then wash all the Gear. Aftershave To finish,,,,,,,,,,,,,,!!
+Chris Morley
Thanks Chris.
Jesus Christ, man! Wake up! You just work in slow motion??
That's because I have a brain injury, left over from contracting bacterial meningitis. My subscribers don't seem to mind that I talk slowly; if you don't like my videos, then don't watch. There's no need to comment. All the best.