So, I borrowed Steve's Semogue 610 but didn't really get on with it. It convinced me that a boar brush wasn't going to be like lathering with a pan scourer but I think it's too small for me really and I can't get enough lather into it.
Encouraged with the idea of boars in general though I ordered an Omega 49 from Shave Lounge for the princely sum of £8.95. So far I've used it twice and am hugely impressed. It really chews into a puck but feels pretty soft on the face already, which I'm expecting to improve as it breaks in, although I noticed that out of the box quite a few of the tips are split. After the second shave the piggy scent is decreasing, but I don't really mind that anyway, it just smells like an animal.
I think this will make an excellent addition to my rotation, and it's affordable enough to recommend to newbies. I can see me becoming a boar fan!