Semogue 1520 Shaving Brush is a small, firm boar brush in a lacquered beech handle finished in ivory, red and black, and one of the most affordable ways into a Portuguese-made bristle brush.
Boar like this gets better the more it's used. The tips soften and the lather builds faster with every shave, while the firm, narrow knot keeps its backbone from day one, so it's ready to work a hard soap straight away and only gets more comfortable from there.
The IB in the grade name stands for imitation badger. The knot is pure boar, banded with black through the bristle so it takes on the two-tone look of a badger knot.
A narrow knot at a short loft makes for a compact, precise brush that suits face lathering well. At 102mm overall, it's a proper introduction to boar without a big outlay.
Key Features
- 21mm Extra IB grade boar knot at a 52mm knot height
- Banded bristle giving the two tone look of badger hair
- Firm feel that suits hard soaps
- Lacquered beech handle in ivory, red and black
- An inexpensive entry point to a Portuguese bristle brush
- 102mm overall, made in Portugal
How to Use
- Soak the bristles in warm water while you prepare the rest of your kit
- Press the water out gently against the side of a bowl
- Work the tips into the soap with light pressure and let the knot do the loading
- Face lather in circles, then finish with straight strokes to even the coat
- Rinse thoroughly and store the brush bristles down
Specifications
- Filament: Boar, Extra IB quality
- Knot diameter: 21mm
- Knot height: 52mm
- Knot shape: Fan
- Ring: Aluminium
- Handle: Lacquered beech, ivory, red and black, glossy
- Total height: 102mm
- Made in Portugal
4 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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A Good Brush
I am writing this review having used this brush daily for a month. As delivered, the brush had none of the pungent odour associated with boar brushes and appeared well made, with very neatly executed paintwork. After a month of use it is nicely broken in, with reasonably soft tips, but still retaining a good degree of backbone. A few hairs have been lost during the break in period, but not enough to cause concern. The paintwork remains in good condition, with no chipping or cracking. I purchased this Semogue for use with hard soaps and face lathering and it has proven very satisfactory for this purpose. Overall, I would be very happy to recommend this product, especially at its very reasonable price.
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Excellent brush!
I've been using this brush for about 4 months now and it's been excellent. It holds enough cream for three passes and after it's initial break in it loses little to no hair. The only problem I have had with it is the paint chipping. If I was buying again I would be more inclined to go with a varnished finish or a plastic handle.
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It is a Semogue
After using this brush for many months, I find that does not lose bristles, is not cracked, does a good lather and is very ergonomic.
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You Little Beauty
I have used this a couple of times now and it’s a cracker. Big enough, cheap, top quality and holds enough of the good stuff for 3 passes with ease. Recommended. Oh, and the stiffness of the boar bristles is great for soaps, and for lifting the face hair when lathering.