Semogue Silvertip - Opinions?

Guys - I'm not sure how I've missed this particular brush over the years, but I'm really close to pulling the trigger on the Semogue/Confianca collaboration badger brush.  There's always been something about the "painted" Semogue handles that draw me in - colors that "pop" and a great feel (in the hand).  I love my 1438 and 1460 boars.  This particular brush has the same handle as the 1460/1520.

Any opinions?  It's available for $50 USD - decent deal?

22mm silvertip badger, 50mm loft



Thanks in advance.

Everything I read about, points to Semogue making a fine Silvertip brush. Having never owned one (yet), I can't say for certain.

What I can say is, I hope to never have to buy a painted wood handle one. As cool and nostalgic as they may be, they don't hold up as well and are bound to chip and flake. If that is OK with you, some may actually enjoy them showing some character, I'd say it is a good buy for the specs.

For me, that handle shape is very blah.

All evidence has been buried, all tapes have been erased.

Thanks, Bruce.  You're spot on ... the painted/lacquered finish doesn't hold forever.  My 1438 boar is battered and bruised, yet I'm OK with that- it's been my daily driver for the better part of 4 years and only cost me $15.  I will admit, the more expensive silvertip does cause me a bit of hesitation.

I'm still hoping to learn more about the quality of the knot.  It's short-lofted and the only reviews on Semogue silvertips are on the bigger brushes 730, 2040, etc.

Maybe I put my money into another brush ... I just don't know where to find a comparable badger (in a similar price range)?

Maybe I put my money into another brush ... I just don't know where to find a comparable badger (in a similar price range)?

The Vintage Blades two band is said to be a good bang for the buck. RazoRock also have a few badgers that are getting good feedback.

All evidence has been buried, all tapes have been erased.

I just found the WSP - Monarch, Duchess or Prince.  Similar price range, good reviews.

Thanks for the replies.  With all the talk of synthetics these days (and I do love my Plisson), I've only got one badger (Semogue SOC).  It's time to show the badger some love!

That's a nice looking brush. I have had the SOC Boar for quite a while and love it. I was really close to pulling the trigger on the SOC Badger but then I walked into Shave Revolution a couple of months back and ended up buying his own Shave Revolution High Mountain White.

Let us know your thoughts on that one. $50 seems like a pretty good price for that brush.

That's a nice looking brush. I have had the SOC Boar for quite a while and love it. I was really close to pulling the trigger on the SOC Badger but then I walked into Shave Revolution a couple of months back and ended up buying his own Shave Revolution High Mountain White.

Let us know your thoughts on that one. $50 seems like a pretty good price for that brush.

How do you like the Shave Revolution HMW?

I really like it.  I picked up the 24mm and it is a lather producing machine.  I had actually looked into buying a High Mountain White before but couldn't justify the price and was a little hesitant to pick up a budget one without actually seeing and feeling one in person.  I just happened to be in LA when the Shave Revolution brush was released.  Justin brought out a few for me to look at and feel and that was all it took.  I ended up buying both the HMW and the synthetic.  Both in 24mm.

I don't have any Semogue badger brushes (only boar). Looks like a nice and interesting brush and am sure the quality is there. My only personal concern would be the loft as I typically prefer a shorter loft and generally a 1:2 ratio as a starting point.

Another silvertip option that I feel represents a great value in addition to those mentioned is the Epsilon (made by Vie Long) from Gifts and Care.

What Bruce said.I would also add that the silvertip hair used by Semogue is very similar than the best badger (good batches) from Simpson. I recently got the Antiga Barbearia de Bairro brush and the hair is very good.