Breaking in a boar brush

[greatnessinc]

I have a boar brush that came in a shave set I got for Christmas. I've only tried to use it twice but it just will not make a lather. I've read that boar brushes are more of a challenge to break in. Tips on how to do this?

[Lynchy]

Make a few test lathering in your palm over a couple of days.

Some say lathering dish washing soap helps too?

Also this should help:

https://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&client=safari&tbo=d&q=+site:badgerandblade.com+how+to+break+in+a+boar+brush&sa=X&ei=CBYKUa-tBur3mAWz6IDwAg&ved=0CDUQrQIwAA&biw=320&bih=504

[bella]

Thanks for this info.  Boar brush is at the top of my shopping list after experiencing it at the barber 

I am ashamed to say I used a spare makeup brush for a few days before realizing my fingers were better suited for the lathering up job.   

Good to know they require some break in time because I would have hated to bring home a brush and been devastated by the initial results after having such a good experience @ the barbershop w/ one.

[Lynchy]

Thanks for this info.  Boar brush is at the top of my shopping list after experiencing it at the barber 

I am ashamed to say I used a spare makeup brush for a few days before realizing my fingers were better suited for the lathering up job.   

Good to know they require some break in time because I would have hated to bring home a brush and been devastated by the initial results after having such a good experience @ the barbershop w/ one.

No need to be ashamed, I know some guys over at Badger and Blade swear by makeup brushes.

If you want something without a breakin period consider a badger.

Noting your in NY you should hit up

Some reviews can be found:
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=pasteur's+pharmacy&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari#hl=en&safe=off&client=safari&tbo=d&q=+site:badgerandblade.com+pasteur%27s+pharmacy&sa=X&ei=S08KUcvXDcqjiAfr9ICgDg&ved=0CFMQrQIwAw&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&bvm=bv.41642243,d.aGc&fp=a3338198dcf6bc33&biw=1024&bih=672

Should be able to get some more feminine smelling stuff there too, such as rose scented shave cream etc

[Mikekoz13]

 You just need to use it. It will break in quickly.

[bella]

Thanks Lynchy!  That spot is right on my way to my doctor's office, where I am headed this afternoon with the full expectation she will bust out a magic wand and rid me of this cold! 

[greatnessinc]

The one I have is probably low end potentially just a bad brush. I have a low end badger brush, the only problem with it is the shedding of bristles.

[Switchy]

I know what you mean.  Mine is the same,  I bought a cheap one at Wallyworld in Montana it was red and white , and it never shed .  Then this Van Der Hagen sheds 2-3 bristles a shave.  So I am going to order a nice one that will last a lifetime.

[greatnessinc]

My boar brush is a Van Der Hagen. My badger is a Tweezerman, the shedding makes me think it might not last. I will invest in a quality brush eventually.

[warhawk]

My boar brush is a Van Der Hagen. My badger is a Tweezerman, the shedding makes me think it might not last. I will invest in a quality brush eventually.

@greatnessinc:  Get a Semogue boar brush.  They are the best bang for your buck boar brushes in the planet IMHO.  The best price for the Semogue brushes are from VintageScent.  If you are patient... it takes about 10-14 days mailed from Portugal.  Portugal is the home of Semogue brushes.  Semogue brushes are very beloved in the wet shaving community.  The 620 was my very 1st brush.  It is still my favorite.  I also got a SOC and most recently a 1438 & 610. 

Keep us posted,

WARHAWK

[greatnessinc]

I just ordered a Semogue 2000, I'll leave impressions after I try it out.

[warhawk]

I just ordered a Semogue 2000, I'll leave impressions after I try it out.

Hey greatnessinc:  Be patient with the "break in period" of the brush.  One thing about boar brushes is that they get better with time.  Check out badgerandblade.com and do a search on Semogue brushes.  I have learned a lot from the BadgerandBlade forum.  As you know... I am a huge fan of Semogue brushes.  Looking forward to your review with pics.

WARHAWK

[greatnessinc]

Question, once you've broken in a brush if you sideline it do you need to break it in again?
I think my Van Der Hagen is almost broken in, anyhow I'll probably have it broken in by the time my 2000 gets here.

[warhawk]

Question, once you've broken in a brush if you sideline it do you need to break it in again?
I think my Van Der Hagen is almost broken in, anyhow I'll probably have it broken in by the time my 2000 gets here.

No... once it is "broken in", you do not need to break it in anymore.  For example... my Semogue 620 is "broken in" but has been sidelined because I have been using my Semogue 610 and 1438.  My 620 still performs like a champ.

WARHAWK

[greatnessinc]

How much shedding is normal? I'm assuming that shedding is going to happen with every brush.