Anything that can go wrong will happen while I'm shaving...

I've had a brush in my cabinet for some time, but I didn't use because I didn't like the knot.  Much too large and floppy for me.  However, I like the handle, so I had the knot replaced with a boar knot:  24 mm with a 50 mm loft.  I've now used it for two shaves in a row and find it doesn't lather worth a darn.  This is the first time I've had a problem with a brush producing a good lather.  My assortment of brushes includes boar, badger and synthetic and all, when I use a quality soap, have produced a good lather from the start.  

I've read some posts that suggest a new boar knot needs a break in period.  My other two boar brushes didn't, but maybe this one is different.  It bums me because I love the look and feel of my new boar brush, but the performance (so far) stinks.

I never owned any natural fiber brush that did not benefit from a break in period. Some more than others. Reticence in releasing lather (i.e. being a lather hog) is a typical frustration with a new boar brush. This always gets better as it is broken in.

I can relate to starting a new job, especially if in a new to you field. Nov 6th will be 1 year at my new to me after working for myself for 30 years. Congrats and hope it's going well ! Good to see ya

Finished off a full tub of Stirling Sheep this evening. By my count, I got (about) 70 shave out of the tub (and I think I load heavy). That's almost 5 months for me, as I'm an every other day shaver.