What is your Favourite Boar Brush?

My fav is what I understand a creation by jankdc Zenith 28x50. Great performer and I really like that it does not have the ring

Funny this topic comes up, I just got in a Semogue 2000 yesterday and it's amazing as-is, I soaked the last inch or so in warm water for 5 mins or so but that was it. Might try an Omega '48 or '49 next, but it also makes me want to try something like a Shavemac 2 band or D01. Though I suppose I should be patient and let the Semogue break in first (and the cost of the Shavemacs!). On that note though: the boar smell. I'm fine breaking in the bristles during normal use, but does anyone have tips for getting rid of the smell? I could smell it all throughout my lather, and all I'll say is that MLS Pantie Dropper + boar smells worse than any over-deodorised locker room I've been in.

Omega 49 Pro. Can't believe how soft that brush is sometimes. I'm a big fan of HUGE brushes too so this one fits the bill.

jankdc those are beautiful brushes.  I can feel that familiar itch, must have.....more......brushes. Among the many great features that boar brushes share is the relatively reasonable price.  I'm going to be checking out your eBay shop.
Thanks,
Mark

I know the feeling Mark!

My fav is what I understand a creation by jankdc Zenith 28x50. Great performer and I really like that it does not have the ring

This is the exact brush I was talking about in my previous post. Awesome brush, I just used it today in fact!

SOC in Cherry. I've been enjoying it despite the break-in period. I just ordered the SOC 2 band in Cherry as well.

This was boar's last chance in my den. I've been pleasantly surprised.

My fav is what I understand a creation by jankdc Zenith 28x50. Great performer and I really like that it does not have the ring

This is the exact brush I was talking about in my previous post. Awesome brush, I just used it today in fact!

I'll have more of these in the beginning of next month.

Technically I should say the Semogue 620, as that's what I've used the most, but I'm partway through breaking in the Semogue 830, and it's just now starting to hold lather properly (I remember the 620 took a while, too). If it keeps breaking in the way the 620 did, I'm pretty sure the 830 will take the top spot for me.

On that note though: the boar smell.  I'm fine breaking in the bristles during normal use, but does anyone have tips for getting rid of the smell?  I could smell it all throughout my lather, and all I'll say is that MLS Pantie Dropper + boar smells worse than any over-deodorised locker room I've been in.

If really strong, I use a eucalyptus pet shampoo that we have for our dogs. The last brush I did this with though was a horse Epsilon brush that was VERY potent.

Otherwise, a few test lathers dissipates the smell and I just use thereafter until it is fully gone.

I don't ever lather and let the brush sit with soap in it overnight as some recommend. I have no direct experience that supports it as mentioned but just don't imagine that it would be great for the knot and I have never had a brush that was so overpowering I felt the need.

Good luck!

jankdc your selection of Zenith brushes makes me wonder why I have never owned one. I need to close that gap and may have to pick up another boar when you bring in your next stocking order!

Freddy thats a good selection of boars you have there.  I agree with you, notwithstanding listing the brushes numerically I pretty much love them all equally.  I note that you have a Semogue 830 and like it - what got me going off on boar brushes generally and Semogue specifically was a recent trashing (literally) of the Semogue 830 by a noted shaving blogger.  Apparently he's had no luck generating a lather with it after numerous attempts.  Several other posters weighed in against the 830 as well and they ultimately decided that all Semogue brushes were inferior.  I couldn't understand it as I've had great experiences with all of the Semogue brushes I have.  Great performance from the get go that improves over time and a fantastic face feel.  I just can't say enough about how much I enjoy these brushes and they're very reasonably priced to boot.  Oh well, YMMV right?
Marko "

Marko, after reading this I thought maybe I didn't remember correctly so instead of using my intended brush for this morning's shave (ironically, the 2009 Semogue Cherry Wood L.E.), I switched it out for the 830.  I used it with Barrister & Mann Vetyver Santal and the lather I generated whipped up in short order, did not break down, and I had enough in the brush for more than my 2-pass shave.  I honestly don't know what's going on with the whole Semogue is inferior thing.  In fact, I hadn't even known about it.

jankdc, by chance would you be able to confirm whether or not the Antica Barbieria Colla boar brush is a rebranded Zenith?

This is easily my favorite boar brush, and I've heard that claim before. Just from the look and the high quality of hair, it looks like a Zenith.