This is my second boar, the first being the gigantic Omega Pro 48.
How anyone can use the 48 for face lathering is beyond me. I end up almost painting the entire bathroom with lather, it's way too big for face lathering and prefers to paint rather than swirl. It is however very soft when wet and lathers well. I rarely use it, mainly due to size and ergonomics.
I've only had this little fellow for about a week and have had 2 shaves with it. I did however lather up and dry the brush several times before I used it to shave with.
I find the brush handle very comfortable indeed and the brush looks fantastic. It has real character when sat next to the more suave Badger brushes I own. It's like a punk rocker stood next to a group of well-groomed gentlemen!
It lathers pretty well. However, I think mine is still breaking in, in spite of the split ends of the hairs. It does not hold on to much water or retain heat like my badgers. The second pass is cold. I wonder if this will change as it breaks in more. I hope so!
The bristles themselves are fairly stiff and very, very soft when wet. In fact, and this may be contrary to what most believe about boars, I find it too soft. I face lather and enjoy a good old massage from my brush, this doesn't really cut it. It's more like a soft, Silvertip brush, with slightly stiffer bristles. It's way softer than a pure badger brush.
I'm going to give it some more break-in time and will update my review when I feel I've got to know it a little better.
John
