Reddit reviews S.O.C. Cherry Wood Shave Brush - Badger shave brush by Semogue

Comparing badger, boar, and synthetic brushes is like comparing apples, oranges, and bananas. One isn't better than the other, they're just different.

Synthetic. This is the most practical option, but the one I like least. Synths make lather very efficiently, tend to release it well, and the good ones are extremely soft. But to me the face feel isn't as good as what you get from a high-quality badger or boar. Also, you've expressed a desire to avoid plastic products, and synthetic bristles are made from nylon.

Boar. Buying a boar brush is like adopting a puppy - you need to know what you're in for. They're the only brushes that need to be broken in. Basically, each bristle in a new boar brush comes to a coarse point at its tip. With time and use, the tip will split, just like a human hair. The fibers at the tip will get finer and softer, and the brush will become more effective at building and holding lather. You won't ruin a boar brush by failing to break it in, but it won't be very good until you do. As it breaks in it will become increasingly soft and the performance will improve dramatically. One thing to keep in mind is that many (most) guys prefer a boar brush that's been soaked for a few minutes so the fibers soften up; this is only an issue if you're the type who forgets to soak the brush. I am.

Badger. While I appreciate what a synth has to offer, and while I love my boars, if I had to choose a single desert-island brush it'd be made with badger hair. Which one I'd pick will change from time to time, but not what it's made of. There's no such thing as "silvertip badger." Badger hair terminology isn't standardized, and grading is not regulated. All the adjectives used to describe badger hair are basically marketing terms. Ignore the puffery and just get a great brush.

The best way to make sure you do this - regardless of whether it's badger, boar, or synthetic - is to buy one that's made by a reputable manufacturer. If you're going to buy a no-name or store-brand brush, get it from a vendor who's known to be reputable within the wet shaving community. Etsy vendors tend to just make handles; they buy (almost always mass-produced Chinese) knots and glue them in. So make sure you know where the knot comes from.

I totally disagree that a badger brush is a bad choice for a beginner; they perform well out of the box, and a good one is easy to use. Given your budget and the preferences you expressed, I'd recommend the Semogue Owners Club 2-band. The quality of construction is high; the knot is hand-made by artisans in Portugal, and the wooden handle is turned there as well. The hair used is very nice, with soft tips and tons of backbone. And IMO it's a steal at $57 (the price in the link I provided). MSRP is around $100 and the best price is usually $70 or so. The SOC is the least expensive of the badger brushes I have in my rotation, but I recommend it very highly.

A Semogue boar would be a great second brush, and it can't hurt to have a synthetic - some people actually prefer them to natural fiber. You can get a 1470 for $11 and a Fendrihan synth for $12, so the risk is minimal and the total cost is still within your budget.

The Semogue Owners Club Badger Brush is $57 on Amazon with prime shipping right now. That's the cheapest it's ever been according to camelcamelcamel.

Semogue freak checking in.

Affordable Boar (my personal favorite brush) Semogue 830

Top Tier Boar Semogue Owner's Club w/ Ash Handle

Top Tier Badger Semogue Owner's Club Badger w/ Cherry Handle


Semogue's are the best. I'll take that to my grave. YMMV....but when you're right, you're right. These bad boys take AGES to break in... but once you break em in it's the greatest shaving instrument you'll ever use..ever.

I recommend the Semogue 830 to everyone.

In that price range I like these 2:

Stirling (scratched logo makes this a hell of a deal at $31):

https://www.stirlingsoap.com/collections/shave-brushes/products/factory-seconds-finest-badger-shave-brush-marble-handle-24mm-x-54mm


Paragon (Canadian company, but converted to USD comes out to ~$76):

http://www.paragonshaving.com/products/two-band-finest-badger-25mm


The Semogue Owners Club badger also gets very good reviews and falls in your price range, but I've not tried one of those myself:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FEND640/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MiWRAbMN050X8

Anyone use Wholly Caw King of Oud? How much water do you usually use to get a good lather going?

Also, anyone use a Semogue Badger? How do they perform? I’ve used a badger a handful of times but the shedding was unbearable and it really scratched up my face quite a bit. This is the brush, a lot of the reviews mention the hairs don’t fall out nearly as much as other badgers, and I’ve heard good things about Semogue. Good purchase?

I love this Semogue Owner's Club Badger Brush. It's the lower priced end ($72) of "silver tip" brushes, but as far as I can tell with no other silver tip experience, wonderful. For comparison I started with a Perfecto pure badger brush (better than no brush but very inferior in feel and performance). Then I went to a Semogue boar hair brush which was a marked step up. finally I got the silver tip brush and its the only brush I use now. http://www.amazon.com/S-O-C-Cherry-Wood-Shave-Brush/dp/B00FEND640/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1464108771&sr=8-1&keywords=semogue+owner%27s+club+badger+brush

Cherry Semogue Owners Club (SOC) on sale at Amazon $57

Nothing wrong with wanting badger, I've gone between badgers and boars with great results. Simpsons brushes are great, but the price is marked up a fair bit. Could I suggest checking out Whipped Dog? You pick the handle and knot and Larry will make and send it. I was really impressed with the quality for the price.

For a brush that lasts years, it's all about caring for it. Don't submerge it in really hot water, or soak the hairs past the handle, as heating and cooling can affect the glue which will lead to shedding. Clean it every few weeks with a mild detergent and, after drying properly, give it a comb through. Lastly, never press too hard or be overly rough when using it. I face lather but never go rough and I've had a Semogue as my daily driver for 4 years (and going, but I'm using my Whipped Dog more frequently now).

That being said, I still love my Semogue and think you might enjoy either the Semogue Owners Club or the 2040HD.

Good luck in your search.

Semogue Owners Club Badger, great all-around brush.

https://www.amazon.ca/Paragon-Shaving-Brush-Handcrafted-Synthetic/dp/B07D4QN9B2

https://www.amazon.ca/Semogue-Owners-Club-Handmade-Shaving/dp/B00FEND640/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1542302313&sr=8-4&keywords=semogue+owners+club

Many other options available outside the AMZ universe, but these are decent.