I just got my new Semogue 1305 Superior Boar Bristle Shaving Brush. It is the one on the left.
I like it. I prefer boar because I don’t want to kill badgers and because the bristles are stiff and it basically works better.
I got the old one decades ago, and it was decades old when I got it. I should note that I wasn’t actually using it (much) when there were so few bristles. That is what it looked like after I ran it through the dishwasher to see how clean it could get. I think a few bristles fell out.
Anyway, I shopped around, picked the Semogue 1305 Superior Boar Bristle Shaving Brush, and I like it, so now, if you are looking for one, you don’t have to do as much research. You’re welcome.
I have my father’s old brush issued to him by the CDN army in 1941 – it’s well used 🙂 However I stopped using brush and cream years ago and switched to just shaving at the end of a hot shower every few days – no need for shaving cream the hot water softens it up nicely. Glad you enjoy your new brush though
I’ve never used a brush for shaving… I use a gel-type shaving lotion — easiest thing to do is to rub it between the hands to get it to foam up some, then apply across the cheeks & neck with each hand.
Makes a mess? Not really — I also shave at the end of a nice hot shower every other day, so clean up is trivial. (I use a shower mirror that directs some of the hot water across the back of the mirror so it never fogs.)
I shower, then use Kiss My Face lotion from a pump action dispenser while my bristles are still moist. I shaved before showering for decades, but it works much better afterwards.
There is another choice: don’t shave. My beard will soon be celebrating its 43rd birthday.
That requires a partner who also celebrates a beard. My wife doesn’t…
“That requires a partner who also celebrates a beard.”
Or, as in my case, it requires a face that is more presentable covered. 🙂
Another fan of brush-and-soap here. Works better than the stuff in a can, the soap lasts forever.
Ok, now that’s sorted, what about razors? I hate the idea that I’m paying >$1 ea for those twin-blade things that last a week at most, even on my dainty beard. I got my dad’s straight razor, cleaned it up, learned how to sharpen it, and practiced until I could shave without losing too much blood. But it’s not for me – too much work, and my hands aren’t steady enough (degenerative nerve condition + familial tremor). It’s inherently unsafe in my hands. Any alternatives?
I’d like to add to that option a hair conditioner. It’s cheap and leaves the skin extra smooth. If you are acne prone, use a moisturizing lotion (some conditioners can clog pores). I avoid products that foam up. I’m pretty sure that the foaming ingredients are skin irritants.
Hi,
thanks for your lovely article..i want to buy a suitable brush for shaving but can’t choice anyone…after reading your article i think it is the best brush for a clear shaving..i hope it has different type of colour combination..