Breaking in a New Boar Shaving Brush

I posted earlier about what I perceive as a trend toward boar shaving brushes.

I have received my own Semogue 2000 boar brush from Portugal. I’ve shaved three times with it now and can report on my progress breaking it in.

It stinks.

Wait, I’m kidding! Sort of. This thing is made of boar hair for sure. It reeks of boar. Not that that’s such a bad thing; I’m from the country and have participated in the butchering of more than one hog. You ain’t gonna get barbecue without killing the pig first.

This brush smells just like Mr. Hog as he’s coming out of his barrel of boiling water, ready to have his bristles scraped off.

I understand there are a few things that can be done to cut the scent. Shampoo the brush, borax soak, and so on. I’m going to leave the scent as it is. See how long it takes to pick up the sweet aroma of Tabac or Palmolive Stick.

Actually, my first shave with the brush was with Arko, because I was ready for the boar smell and was feeling a little masochistic. Bring on all the bad funk at once, baby!

My real issue so far is the lathering capability of the brush. It’s not great. I’ve read reviews that said these brushes take a couple dozen shaves to break in and reach their full lathering potential. Other people have said their boar brush was a great lather-maker right out of the gate.

I’m going to give my 2000 thirty shaves. If it isn’t kicking out a mountain of lather by then, I’ll revert back to my treasured Badger&Blade Essential badger brush, which is a lathering beast.