DecemBoar

SOC was my boar of choice today.

Definitely watching. I wonder if it's the knot or the gelled part that makes it 'hungry'.  Which, btw, I really don't understand... How does it "eat lather" (in real terms, sans the personification)?

Mrdoug asked, How does it "eat lather" (in real terms, sans the personification)?

As one of the least experienced here, I offer a few tiny thoughts on boars eating lather. I didn't really notice the lather eating phenomenon with my Omega 49, however when I purchased my used Semogue SOC boar I started to understand what people were saying. I could get one pass, then there was not enough for a second. When I squeezed the knot to draw out the remaining lather, it was so watered down. It leaves me to wonder if the water retention of the boar knot itself plays a role in lather eating? I soak my natural hair brushes in hot water while preparing for the shave. I shake out the Semogue, even more so now, prior to loading it and have a small dish with hot water available to dip the tips to load additional water while face lathering. It has seemed to help a bit.

Definitely watching. I wonder if it's the knot or the gelled part that makes it 'hungry'.  Which, btw, I really don't understand... How does it "eat lather" (in real terms, sans the personification)?

Mrdoug asked, How does it "eat lather" (in real terms, sans the personification)?

As one of the least experienced here, I offer a few tiny thoughts on boars eating lather. I didn't really notice the lather eating phenomenon with my Omega 49, however when I purchased my used Semogue SOC boar I started to understand what people were saying. I could get one pass, then there was not enough for a second. When I squeezed the knot to draw out the remaining lather, it was so watered down. It leaves me to wonder if the water retention of the boar knot itself plays a role in lather eating? I soak my natural hair brushes in hot water while preparing for the shave. I shake out the Semogue, even more so now, prior to loading it and have a small dish with hot water available to dip the tips to load additional water while face lathering. It has seemed to help a bit.

I agree a much drier start is crucial and a wet boar can contribute to it eating the lather as well as it gets better as a knot breaks in. This is what I've read at least.

Monday DecemBOAR 6, 2021
Razor: Gem Damaskeene
Blade: Gem SS
Brush: jtspartan Special/Zenith Boar
Soap: Stirling Faskally
AS 1: Humphrey's Alcoholado Maravilla 70
AS 2: Nivea Deep
Fragrance: Tom Ford Grey Vetiver
Consecutive Daily Shaves - # 1125

Definitely watching. I wonder if it's the knot or the gelled part that makes it 'hungry'.  Which, btw, I really don't understand... How does it "eat lather" (in real terms, sans the personification)?

Mrdoug asked, How does it "eat lather" (in real terms, sans the personification)?

As one of the least experienced here, I offer a few tiny thoughts on boars eating lather. I didn't really notice the lather eating phenomenon with my Omega 49, however when I purchased my used Semogue SOC boar I started to understand what people were saying. I could get one pass, then there was not enough for a second. When I squeezed the knot to draw out the remaining lather, it was so watered down. It leaves me to wonder if the water retention of the boar knot itself plays a role in lather eating? I soak my natural hair brushes in hot water while preparing for the shave. I shake out the Semogue, even more so now, prior to loading it and have a small dish with hot water available to dip the tips to load additional water while face lathering. It has seemed to help a bit.

Hmm, that does make sense...

The brush I'm fighting is a bit floppy, with a less tight knot area. I can absolutely see it holding a lot of water there... More than I would think, after a quick shake out. I'll have to pay better attention to my brush prep. Additionally, Omega's are springy by nature with a tight knot and long bristles. That type of knot probably is a boon to keeping the proper water in the brush.

Thanks Bryan.

Edit: I may just have to groundhog this brush, to put this new knowledge to the test.

Speaking for us marmots, we support going groundhog...in the cosmic sense of course!

Speaking for us marmots, we support going groundhog...in the cosmic sense of course!

Old Sarge and Dave in KY, thanks for the input. When my alarm went off (on my phone, something I used to swear I'd never do!), once I shut it off, my next move was to check DFS! (Before my "constitutional, before breakfast, before coffee...I may need help!) and saw your comments. But, being not fully alert yet, I proceeded to soak my brush! Tomorrow I will try again, with just a short soak while setting up, rather than the longer shower soak.

mrdoug Paul, I had to return to the puck before every pass! And that is a big 'ol boar knot in the Copper handle, so it holds a gallon of water, I swear!

Edit: yup, Groundhog Day for soap and brush tomorrow for shorn! (see what I did there, Old Sarge?!)

Old Sarge and Dave in KY, thanks for the input. When my alarm went off (on my phone, something I used to swear I'd never do!), once I shut it off, my next move was to check DFS! (Before my "constitutional, before breakfast, before coffee...I may need help!) and saw your comments. But, being not fully alert yet, I proceeded to soak my brush! Tomorrow I will try again, with just a short soak while setting up, rather than the longer shower soak.

mrdoug Paul, I had to return to the puck before every pass! And that is a big 'ol boar knot in the Copper handle, so it holds a gallon of water, I swear!

Edit: yup, Groundhog Day for soap and brush tomorrow for shorn! (see what I did there, Old Sarge?!)

Oh, yeah...I see what you're up to!

As long as there is no shorning of marmots for Stubble Daddy brushes...I'm  good with that! 

BTW...I still soak my Semouge SOC just as long as I initially did, however, I get somewhat violent in the shaking it out department as I think it is holding the water deep in the knot.

Old Sarge and Dave in KY, thanks for the input. When my alarm went off (on my phone, something I used to swear I'd never do!), once I shut it off, my next move was to check DFS! (Before my "constitutional, before breakfast, before coffee...I may need help!) and saw your comments. But, being not fully alert yet, I proceeded to soak my brush! Tomorrow I will try again, with just a short soak while setting up, rather than the longer shower soak.

mrdoug Paul, I had to return to the puck before every pass! And that is a big 'ol boar knot in the Copper handle, so it holds a gallon of water, I swear!

Edit: yup, Groundhog Day for soap and brush tomorrow for shorn! (see what I did there, Old Sarge?!)

Oh, yeah...I see what you're up to!

As long as there is no shorning of marmots for Stubble Daddy brushes...I'm  good with that! 

BTW...I still soak my Semouge SOC just as long as I initially did, however, I get somewhat violent in the shaking it out department as I think it is holding the water deep in the knot.

Yes, as Bryan said, soak for as long or short as you want but make sure you shake out excess water as best you can