Semogue 2000 vs. Omega Pro

[Zach]

So I really like the Semogue 2000, a lot.
Some aspects of it are my favorite across the board, of any brush.
I have not spent any time or energy on this brush and I've been asked to compare it to the Omega pro brushes, and so here it is.
First off, I have to apologize for the pictures; I used 3 brushes shaving today to refresh my memory of the comparison of the three;
I asked the wife to pack a 48, 49, and 2000 in a bag for me to take to work, where I can photograph them and write this up.
Though I have a display shelf and storage shelves, I did not make it clear to pack a dry version of each and she picked 2 of them that were not dry.
So, the pictures suffer, especially the overhead, which is almost useless.
I will add a new pic tonight when I get home.

So, the three brushes.

Executive summary:
You need all three of them.

If you had to pick 2, it would be the 2000 and either Omega. I've decided that my views of the 48's superiority to the 49 do not reflect everyone's views, since it is an opinion after all, and that the difference is not so great as to make much of a difference at all.
I always will say, however, if you want to try a boar, your first one should be a 48. If Paul at Connaught is out of 48s and only has 49s, not a tragedy.
Once you get the baseline, you really should get many more brushes.
You should experience the softness and the luxury of the Omega 31xxx line, or the gorgeous Omega Capodimonte (or 13639 if you must)
You should experience the blur between boar and badger that Vulfix was able to pull off, or, if you prefer a small brush, again Vulfix.
And finally, you simply must have the handmade Portuguese masterpiece that is the best (from the perspective of 'a tool for shaving') brush on the market right now (2000 for me, 1305 for most others)

Here is a picture of all three, standing:




And here is a picture of them laid out so that you can better compare the knots and the lofts without having to extrapolate from the heights of the handles:




These are the measurements that I have taken; now keep in mind that it's sometimes difficult to get the right number when oftentimes it falls in between 1/2 of a millimeter on the digital calipers. But, after 3 attempts at each, and an average with a rounding off, here are my readings:

Omega 48
Knot: 28mm
Loft: 66mm
Height: 130mm

If you subtract the loft from the height you can get the handle, which is 64mm
The Omega 48 is the tallest of the three brushes, and it has the same sized knot as the 2000, but it is not nearly as densely packed as the Semogue.
The effects of this I will explain.


Omega 49
Knot: 26mm
Loft: 60mm
Height: 125mm
Handle: 65mm


Semogue 2000
Knot: 28mm
Loft: 60mm
Height: 115mm
Handle: 55mm


So what are the differences between these brushes?

Density of knot
As you can easily see from the top of the 3 brushes, the Semogue is the densest:




The Semogue has 1/3 more bristle packed into the brush. The effect of this is a lot like the boar version of the Shavemac; the Shavemac is so densely packed with hair that it feels like a wall of badger on your skin; since badger is SOFT and does not absorb water (non porous), a LOT of badger rubbed on your skin like this has a feel kind of like rubber. Since boar is porous (permeable to fluids is my use of the word here) it doesn't feel like rubber, but a dense wall of boar from the 2000 feels different than the Omega offering. The Omega gives a more distinguishable tactile response; kind of like a lot of little fingers rubbing your face. The Semogue is more like a slightly number version (fewer and fatter fingers, for example) and a tad more backbone of course, based on the density. If you ever thought that an Omega had turned too soft on you or that you really want a scrubbier feeling, this brush is for you. In addition, the Semogue knot, when it blooms, is huge, almost 50% bigger than the 49.

Again, though it's wet, you can see how much fuller the 2000 is. This is a very, very big brush; almost a brute!
The density of the knot makes it eat soap a little bit more; you can counter this effect by lathering with a lot of water, as I like to do, then scooping up the foam that is created but not good for shaving, and pumping this back into the brush; if you pump your brush while you're lathering you'll use more product, forcing it deeper into the knot, and you'll have more soap for your shave.
In addition, the density (which means quantity of bristle as well) of the knot means more stink for the first couple of uses (the brush made my lather brown for the first 1 or 2 test latherings) and also a MUCH LONGER break-in period. Most people see the 48/49 soften in a week, really soft in 3 months, and fully broken in after about 6 months; this guy took a MONTH to get soft, and it still not broken in all the way, though lots of hairs have split. Two more things:
- This brush will likely never get as soft as the 48/49 (though it is very soft) and if you like a firmer brush, then...
- This brush benefits from a 5 minute dip in hot water while you shower; it makes a better lather in addition to being softer; it doesn't steal soap as much either

Length of loft
Since the 48 has such a longer loft (10% is a lot more than it seems) it requires a little more dexterity and a lot more soap in the brush to keep the Omega from flopping around; this is of course not a problem or a shortcoming, it just is what it is. If you know what you're doing or are willing to experiment until you get it right, this way that it is [is] a great way to be.
Though the 49 has about the same loft, when you factor in the larger knot and the greater density into a similar loft, these brushes of course do not act the same at all. As big a brush as the 49 is, when you bring it to your face you will feel the difference. If you have detailed facial hair, this is going to get soap all over your face, no exactness here.

Quality of handle
The handle for the 49 is likely the most useful shape of any handle of any brush; it's perfectly ergonomic for lathering,. The 48 is similar though since it's a bit larger and doesn't need to be, probably it just 'is' to make this the bigger brush, it's not as good.
However, both of these handles are hollow plastic, and though the SHAPE is the most useful of any brush, the handle CERTAINLY cannot be called the best handle; it's cheap plastic. The shape of the 2000 has to be modeled from the 49; and though it's smaller, its heft and its solid, dense feel make it a better 'tool' for the use of lathering. And don't ever worry about water seeping into this handle; the handle will last as long as the knot I'm sure.

Density of the bristle
Take a look at this photo:


These are randomly picked bristles representative of the brush; I did not pick out thin ones or thick ones.
If you'll notice, the bristle in the 2000 is noticeably thicker than the 49 (and the 48 is about the same as the 49)
Now a while back I surmised that this had to be a different 'animal'. Although we call them 'boar' the source of these bristles are usually domestic pigs and not wild boar. I asked Leon at Vintage Scent to find out about this, and he said that although it is from a different source of bristle, it's still pig and not wild boar. So much for that theory. But, it is a very different bristle, with more backbone and with different characteristics. I like it a lot; I wish that it was 'boar'! This guy drinks a lot of water, therefore, and as previously stated, you will make a better lather if you let it soak, so that it does not steal from you.


Clipping (shaping) of the bristles
While this is NOT a "clipped boar" along the lines of a Burma Shave or a Jagger brush, Eric (GlassMtn) pointed out to me a short while ago that his had 'some' clipped bristles. I looked at it very carefully; I always look for split hairs right away to verify it's not a clipped brush, and finding them, I let it go. But Eric's more discerning eye asked me to look again, and if you look closely as well, you'll notice that it's a mix of (mostly) unclipped as well we some clipped boar. It's my belief that this brush has been 'shaped' like a Christmas tree is, as the final process to make it look perfect, and this caused some bristles to get cut. There is the occasional sensation of something like a 'prick' more than a 'skritch' but it's not at all unpleasant; again, had Eric not pointed this out I would not have (and did not) notice and did not think negatively about the brush after this discovery. Take a look at the pic below and you'll see both split and the occasional clipped bristle.





If you look at the 48, especially since it’s dry, you can see the tips take on a lighter white color; that’s because of the natural taper and the split of all the individual hairs, making it lighter than the shaft. You really don’t see this on the 2000. If you want a softer bristle, it’s the Omega; if you want the softest bristle possible, try the 31xxx or the Capo. Still, like good vs. evil, you have to have both; how can you feel softness if you’ve not experienced backbone?
So there you have it in a nutshell; my advice is to take everything I have said with a grain of salt and buy all 3 and look and feel for yourself.
I do promise that you will love these brushes, though. Especially if you're happy with a VDH boar; this is another world altogether that you deserve to be a part of.



All the best,


Zach

[Teiste]

BRILLIANT as always Zach!This thread should be a sticky!Thanks a lot.

[sachin]

Great review, Zach. I haven't tried the 2000 or either of the Omegas but I have a Semogue 1305, which is way better than the VDH, I was using before. I love the Semogue and haven't used my C&E BBB as much after getting the Semogue.

[selhov]

really smashing revew i love shaving brushes and have a few but i dont have ither of the omega,s i must now try them i have the semouge 2000,and 1305,which ar bouth difrent but great thanks a lot really intoresting reading chear,s,

[boyextraordinare]

The Omega Pro. is so huge I don't see how it could be used save for instances of bowl-mixing then face-painting - on me, at least.

I've heard of people face-lathering with it and getting lather in their hair and eyes and so on and so forth, and I believe 'em!

I love the Omega 10077, small while capable of holding lather for many passes.

My favorite brush, no doubt!

[Zach]

Thanks guys for the kind words.
K, you're right, the big boar is NOT for everyone, and the Semogue and Omega are these big brushes; you should try one first, though; you might like it!

People like Teiste seem to be the glue that holds forums together; just an observation.

[Truckman]

Man Zach, that's an awesome write-up! It sounds like I may have to consider adding to my boar collection... (like I needed a lot of arm twisting.. )

[glassmtn]

Great review Zach, as always. I just ordered a Koh-I-Noor SC 68, and will be interested in how it compares to the Semogue 2000. I am liking my 2000 more and more and more with each use. Definitely soak it while in the shower.

eric.

[Zach]

Originally Posted by glassmtn

Great review Zach, as always. I just ordered a Koh-I-Noor SC 68, and will be interested in how it compares to the Semogue 2000. I am liking my 2000 more and more and more with each use. Definitely soak it while in the shower.

eric.

Hey Eric;
GREAT to see you online.
Interestingly enough I just ordered an SC68 as well!


I have heard people ask about the size of the handle on the 2000, that it looks small; this is NOT the case. The business end of the handle (the part you use) is about the same size as the 48/49; the top part of the 48/49 adds to its size and makes it look bigger, but does not add anything to the usability of the handle, you don't grip it up that high.

[Teiste]

Originally Posted by Zach

Hey Eric;
GREAT to see you online.
Interestingly enough I just ordered an SC68 as well!


I have heard people ask about the size of the handle on the 2000, that it looks small; this is NOT the case. The business end of the handle (the part you use) is about the same size as the 48/49; the top part of the 48/49 adds to its size and makes it look bigger, but does not add anything to the usability of the handle, you don't grip it up that high.

Zach,whats the SC68?

[Zach]

Originally Posted by Teiste

Zach,whats the SC68?

This is the guy here

[Zach]

Looks like the Boreal Pro line
Hope it's different though...

[glassmtn]

I have heard people ask about the size of the handle on the 2000, that it looks small; this is NOT the case.

I find the Semogue 2000 handle provides a very comfortable grip. I have a small hand, and I don't know what people with large hands think of it.

eric.

[Zach]

I have huge hands; not a problem!

[Teiste]

Originally Posted by Zach

This is the guy here

thanks for the link!Zach,thats looks like an Omega.Boreal are cool looking brushes.In the past they used to be sold in El Corte Ingles along with Omega and Vie Long.I hope to find a boar Boreal one since it seems that theyre hard to get now.

[Zach]

you can get them at Shoebox Teiste

[domino]

Zac,thanks!!
Excellent review
Which brush has a better flowthrough,the 2000,or the 48-49 models

[fozz77]

A superb write up Zach!

[WascallyWabbit]

Is there a distributor for the Semogue in the US.....with decent prices? I know it can be ordered from overseas, but I would prefer to buy it from someone in the US.

If not, I guess I'll be buying the Omega.

[Zach]

Originally Posted by domino

Zac,thanks!!
Excellent review
Which brush has a better flowthrough,the 2000,or the 48-49 models

The Omega has better flow through but also a longer loft.
It's not hard to fill this fat knot with plenty of soap to get the job done.

Originally Posted by WascallyWabbit

Is there a distributor for the Semogue in the US.....with decent prices? I know it can be ordered from overseas, but I would prefer to buy it from someone in the US.

You can't get these in the states but Leon's shipping is not a lot, it does take at least a week from Portugal though. I recently placed an order with Leon for the 444 aftershave balm and can't wait to try it as described on the site. Leon doesn't have a lot of stuff on his site but everything he has is new and different, maybe if something there strikes your fancy it will be worth it to throw in a 2000.


best,

Zach

[Teiste]

Originally Posted by WascallyWabbit

Is there a distributor for the Semogue in the US.....with decent prices? I know it can be ordered from overseas, but I would prefer to buy it from someone in the US.

If not, I guess I'll be buying the Omega.

My friend,vintagescent has a REALLLY DECENT cheap prices for the Semogue boar brushes and the shipping fees are just a joke (I think 2 euros,like 4 dollars to USA) but the Omega are good options too.

[WascallyWabbit]

Yep, the prices + shipping at VintageScent is great. I may just go that route.
Unfortunately, this is going to have to wait (even at the price), as I've already overspent for this month.

Gah! After trying a gazillion badger brushes, I figured out that I really like the feel of my super-cheap HJM boar brush better. However, that one sheds like my cat.

I wish I hadn't wasted all that money on the badger brushes now.

[Zach]

Originally Posted by WascallyWabbit

Yep, the prices + shipping at VintageScent is great. I may just go that route.
Unfortunately, this is going to have to wait (even at the price), as I've already overspent for this month.

Gah! After trying a gazillion badger brushes, I figured out that I really like the feel of my super-cheap HJM boar brush better. However, that one sheds like my cat.

I wish I hadn't wasted all that money on the badger brushes now.

This one?

I was going to buy cases of this brush and give them away this spring, to spread the boar assault.

Sadly I felt at the time that I would be doing the cause a disservice by doing so; if you like this brush try the 1305 instead.

[WascallyWabbit]

Originally Posted by Zach

This one?

I was going to buy cases of this brush and give them away this spring, to spread the boar assault.

Sadly I felt at the time that I would be doing the cause a disservice by doing so; if you like this brush try the 1305 instead.

Yep, that's the one. Not having tried any other boar brushes since, I can't say if that's the best 'feel' for me, but I do prefer it to my badger brushes, even the C&E BBB.

The badgers do whip up a lather faster, but just don't feel 'right'. I like rough towels too, so maybe that's why I prefer the stiffness of the boar.

[beyboo]

Originally Posted by Zach

This one?

I was going to buy cases of this brush and give them away this spring, to spread the boar assault.

Sadly I felt at the time that I would be doing the cause a disservice by doing so; if you like this brush try the 1305 instead.

As always Zach and your science of the boar. Truly fantastic writeups. Would like to point out, your love of the boar is so evident in all your writeups, that you anyway spread the boar assault with your words, without having to give them away

I have 6 boars for the record as of now 5 from Omega and 1 which is locally made.

[ChemErik]

Zach -
Based on your description of the Semogue bloom, I'm thinking it's not for me. I do like small to medium brushes better. That leaves me considering an Omega (something smaller than the 49) or a Vulfix. How does the Vulfix brushes compare in terms of the amount blooming and tip softness? Do you have a specific Vulfix model you'd recommend?

Also, I'm not happy with my VDH brush. It's barely good enough as a travel brush and will be replaced for that within a year. I'm glad I tried the little travel boar I have or I might not have realized how good boar bristle can be. Now I need something with more than a ~15mm knot.

[Zach]

Beyboo, thanks; how about a picture of the local brush!


Well, Erik, if you like smaller, in the Omega line, the 'colors' line of brushes (with the popular 10066 being the white color) are very popular but I slightly prefer the (less boring, frankly) 31052 or 31060 family of brush; a sketch and some color to the handle. The 30005, with the 24mm knot and the solid wood handle is also a winner for me. I know that the VDH brush has its fans but I am not one of them. DrIdiot on the bay was selling 10029s for nothing, also the 10081. I love these brushes all.

The Vulfix is a blur between boar and badger; it's soft and feels broken in from the start, and the handles are magnificent; they are all the same size with the exception of the #18 which is slightly larger but also less dense. I know that our mutual friend DavidB thinks the 2233 boar is the second coming of shaving brush. Michael Leisureguy was not having a lot of luck with his 374 recently, which shares the same head. I think that with such a small brush (20mm knot, 55mm loft, 100mm tall, 1.9 oz) that he overestimated the amount of soap he was pulling and would need to compensate. I assure you that you can get 2-3 passes from 1 load (if that's what you want). Of the Vulfix I prefer the 22mm #18.

The Semogue 1305 is also a great brush, smaller and softer than the 2000, and with a wonderful old world handle as well. Great with soaps and creams and it has lots of fans here.

[Zach]

Idiot link 1

Idiot link 2

[Queen of Blades]

Originally Posted by Zach

Idiot link 1

Idiot link 2

Idiot?

Edit; Oh, never mind. You mean DrIdiot.

[Markwtb]

Zach

I read somewhere that boar bristles will split at the tip after being used for awhile. Therefore, you must break in the brush in order for the ends to split and become softer. I think I was wrong in thinking that even clipped ends would split. Will they ever split and become softer? Maybe clipped ends are too thick to split and do not have the natural taper that leads to split ends?

My VDH does not look like it will ever split at the tips and become softer?

Thanks for the great information. Love my Semogue 1305!

[ChemErik]

Originally Posted by Zach

Beyboo, thanks; how about a picture of the local brush!


Well, Erik, if you like smaller, in the Omega line, the 'colors' line of brushes (with the popular 10066 being the white color) are very popular but I slightly prefer the (less boring, frankly) 31052 or 31060 family of brush; a sketch and some color to the handle. The 30005, with the 24mm knot and the solid wood handle is also a winner for me. I know that the VDH brush has its fans but I am not one of them. DrIdiot on the bay was selling 10029s for nothing, also the 10081. I love these brushes all.

The Vulfix is a blur between boar and badger; it's soft and feels broken in from the start, and the handles are magnificent; they are all the same size with the exception of the #18 which is slightly larger but also less dense. I know that our mutual friend DavidB thinks the 2233 boar is the second coming of shaving brush. Michael Leisureguy was not having a lot of luck with his 374 recently, which shares the same head. I think that with such a small brush (20mm knot, 55mm loft, 100mm tall, 1.9 oz) that he overestimated the amount of soap he was pulling and would need to compensate. I assure you that you can get 2-3 passes from 1 load (if that's what you want). Of the Vulfix I prefer the 22mm #18.

The Semogue 1305 is also a great brush, smaller and softer than the 2000, and with a wonderful old world handle as well. Great with soaps and creams and it has lots of fans here.

Thanks for the great reply. Based on the additional information I can get down to three brushes: The Omega 31066, the Vulfix #18, and the Semogue 1305. Considering I'm equally interested, I'll go to price and throw out the Omega. I'll order one of the other two in the next few weeks after one of my expense checks from work. I'll have to check prices and if I can get any of the other items I'm looking at from a vendor of either brush.

[Zach]

Originally Posted by Markwtb

Zach

I read somewhere that boar bristles will split at the tip after being used for awhile. Therefore, you must break in the brush in order for the ends to split and become softer. I think I was wrong in thinking that even clipped ends would split. Will they ever split and become softer? Maybe clipped ends are too thick to split and do not have the natural taper that leads to split ends?

My VDH does not look like it will ever split at the tips and become softer?

Thanks for the great information. Love my Semogue 1305!

The clipped bristles won't split in any kind of a number that you'd notice or that would make any difference. A clipped brush like the Burma Shave or the E Jagger boars are going to stay skritchy forever. You're right, it needs the natural taper, the split begins there and if you clip it they rarely ever split.

The VDH brushes are not clipped, and should split just fine and make for a soft brush that a lot of people love (not me, but it has its fans).

[freddy88]

Zach, thanks for an incredible review.

[WascallyWabbit]

Well, you guys have me convinced!!
Since I promised my wife that I wouldn't spend any more money on shaving stuff for a few months (those straight razors cost a bit, huh!), I posted a WTT thread over on B&B (I have the requisite time and posts there to do so).
I already got a trade done for the Omega 49 , but I'm hoping someone on there will be willing to trade a Semogue 2000.

Anyway, I'm waiting with bated breath for the Omega.

Thanks for the write-up again, Zach. It helped a lot.

[Teiste]

Originally Posted by WascallyWabbit

, but I'm hoping someone on there will be willing to trade a Semogue 2000.



Thanks for the write-up again, Zach. It helped a lot.

UFF,once you try the Semogue you are hooked so its gonna be hard to find somebody to trade with unless you take the Semogue out of his cold hand... but that wouldnt be a trade...

[WascallyWabbit]

Originally Posted by Teiste

UFF,once you try the Semogue you are hooked so its gonna be hard to find somebody to trade with unless you take the Semogue out of his cold hand... but that wouldnt be a trade...

Yeah! I'll bet you're right. There's no hurry, though. Maybe I'll just sell some of the stuff I have, and raise the money to buy the brush. As long as there are no Paypal charges showing on the bank account, the wife won't care .

[Teiste]

Originally Posted by WascallyWabbit

Yeah! I'll bet you're right. There's no hurry, though. Maybe I'll just sell some of the stuff I have, and raise the money to buy the brush. As long as there are no Paypal charges showing on the bank account, the wife won't care .

Honestly is worthy.I shaved with mine this morning(2000) and the brush is performing so outstanding.I dont know what else to say but thats a fantastic brush.

[1969Fatboy]

Very nice write up Zach! Dont know how I missed this to be honest. Teiste has helped me tremendously is answering alot of boar brush questions and going for the Semogue 1305. I was brain washed early on the badger was king. Boar is incredible. Very nice review and comparisons.

[ChemErik]

Based on this, I decided to go for one of the Vulfix brushes. I found the VS/5 on Bullgoose for $10.50. It was so cheap, I added the Omega 20086 for another $10. Plus a stick of Speick, but that's off topic. Thanks for the advice and I'll post reviews after I've had a chance to try these out.

[WascallyWabbit]

Well, I got lucky and sold a couple of things on another forum. This raised enough cash for to buy the Semogue 2000.
It's now ordered and hopefully will be on the way to me soon.

Can't wait to try these boar brushes out.