Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

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Shave4Fun
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Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by Shave4Fun »

I know that these are not the exact same size, but they're close.

How would you rate the Semogue to the Omega?

I have the Omega 11137, but would like to try a Semogue.

Thanks
Roger

I've been a wet shaver for 56 years! 8)
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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by M6Classic »

For twenty bucks or so, why not just get one and report back your impressions?

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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by Antique Hoosier »

My only Omega use has been the 48 and 49 but I did own the Semogue 1305 for a bit over 2 years and it is a very capable shave brush. The painted wooden handle tends to chip after time passes. Nice knot and lathers most mediums quite well.
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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by jww »

He Seymour 1305 is about as good as it can get in a boar brush. Over the years mine has become so unbelievably soft while keeping a stiff backbone. The only omega I own is a 10098 professional. It's as large a brush as I have ever seen. Performs well, and hogs lather like no other boar I have owned.

I'd buy the semogue just because it's so inexpensive. I can't imagine you will go wrong. Just be patient breaking it in.
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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by CMur12 »

The Semogue 1305 and the denser 830 have a different quality of boar bristle from that in Omega brushes, and even in other Semogues. Boar bristle always had a "strawlike" quality to it in my mind, but the Semogue 1305 and 830 have a more "refined" feel to the bristle (speaking subjectively, of course). Then again, there are shavers who prefer Omega boar and those who prefer Semogue, so I think it would be well worthwhile to experience both in order to decide for yourself.

- Murray
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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by brothers »

My only Semogue to date has been the 2000 boar, and I love it dearly. Between the two brands, Semogue and Omega, I have experienced great results, once they're properly broken in. I have nothing against either brand. I agree with Buzz, get the Semogue and use it with gusto, alongside your Omega. They both make outstanding brushes.
Gary

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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by Shave4Fun »

I'm still pondering this. The 1800 looks to me more my style on handles.

Thanks so much for all the feedback.

Regards,
Roger

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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by CMur12 »

Roger, the Semogue 1800 has a slightly different grade of bristle than the 1305 and 830. (Semogue makes boar brushes with many different qualities of bristle, so there is tremendous variety in the performance characteristics of Semogue boar brushes.) The 1800, too, is a very popular brush, though.

- Murray
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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by Shave4Fun »

CMur12 wrote:Roger, the Semogue 1800 has a slightly different grade of bristle than the 1305 and 830. (Semogue makes boar brushes with many different qualities of bristle, so there is tremendous variety in the performance characteristics of Semogue boar brushes.) The 1800, too, is a very popular brush, though.

- Murray
Thanks, Murray. I have a boar brush that has a handle like the Van Der Hagen but is NOT the same brush. Very soft. So, I suppose I will try the 1305 after all.
Roger

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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by pausted »

Roger, I have six boar brushes, 3 Semogues and 3 Omegas. In a nutshell, I would say that the Semogues are softer, with a more pronounced bloom while the Omegas hold their original shape better. Both break in nicely with use and both lather creams and soaps well. My 1305 is about 3 years old and is a pleasure to use. There are several chips on the handle but that just gives it character. :) You will not be disappointed with a 1305 once you break it in. Of course, a broken in Omega is also a pleasure to use. How is that for muddying the water?
Best regards,

Basil
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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by Shave4Fun »

Helpful, Basil.

Thanks!
Roger

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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by jww »

With this thread in mind, I pulled out my 1305 this morning to whip up my lather from my current declining puck of MWF and I was reminded how well this brush works. It produces lather with The Fat easily as good as or better than any other brush I own, including my Duke 2. I bought this brush on a sheer whim -- it was on sale for less than $20 CAD and continues to perform in every condition I throw at it. It's just been that good.
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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by Squire »

That's win/win in the best sense Wendell.
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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by jww »

Squire wrote:That's win/win in the best sense Wendell.
Indeed it is. 8)
Wendell

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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by Ouchmychin »

I only have an 830 because I liked the clear Lucite handle with red underneath. Knew nothing about the different bristles in Semogues. I used it this morning with a great soap and it filled with lather better than my Duke 2 best. Not near as stiff but it loves to lather. Only complaint I had was the long break-in, but it was the first time I had used a boar since I first started DE shaving.
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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by Shave4Fun »

Okay, It is ordered. :) I will report on results later, gents.

Ciao,
Roger

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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by Shave4Fun »

I actually ordered the 1305 and the 1250. I figure my wife might want one of them, so I'll keep the other. 8)

(I meant to order on the 30th but did not, so not here yet. :mrgreen:
Roger

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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by Shave4Fun »

Gents,

I kept the 1250 for myself and gave the 1305 to my wife for Christmas. (I doubt there's any difference in the bristles, since they are exactly the same dimensions.)

General review:
Bristles:
The bristles do splay more than the Omega 11137.
The knot is wider for the Omega is 25mm vs. 22 for the Semogue. The Omega holds a little more water.
The bristles feel very good on both brushes.
Neither is floppy to me.
There is a plastic ring at the knot base on the Omega and metal (stainless steel?) one on the Semogue. It gives the Semogue a little better appearance.

Lather: In my opinion the Omega lathers some better than the Semogue. But both do well with any good soap.

Handle: I like the way the handle feels on each but my first choice is the Semogue.
It feels better in my fingers
It looks good

Price:
The Omega 11137 sells for $14.00 + Shipping from Connaught
The Semogue 1250 sells for $16.80 + shipping from Connaught

Overall satisfaction:

I have used the 1250 about 15+ times and like it fine. Between these two brushes, on a scale of 1-10 I'd give it an 8. The difference is that I would prefer a wider knot.

I have had the Omega for maybe four years and have used it much. There is still a lot of life left in the bristles. On a scale of 1-10 I'd give it an 9.5. The teeny difference is the handle grip versus the Semogue. Otherwise I'd give it a 10.

If I had neither and had to choose between the two? I'd choose the Omea 11137, for its wider knot and lower price. But I'm glad to have both for rotation!

Now, I know this post started with the Semogue 1305 and not the 1250, but except for the painted handle and tinted bristles on the 1305, the brushes are the same. (I really don't know why the bristles are tinted on the 1305 unless it's purely cosmetic.)
Last edited by Shave4Fun on Sat Dec 27, 2014 10:38 am, edited 1 time in total.
Roger

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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by TheMonk »

Shave4Fun wrote:I really don't know why the bristles are tinted on the 1305 unless it's purely cosmetic.
It is purely cosmetic, although some say the tinting softens the hair a bit. I personally can't tell any difference.

If you do like larger boar knots, perhaps the Semogue SOC Boar would be a good choice.
David

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Re: Semogue 1305 vs. Omega 11137

Post by numerouno »

Shave4Fun wrote:Gents,

I kept the 1250 for myself and gave the 1305 to my wife for Christmas. (I doubt there's any difference in the bristles, since they are exactly the same dimensions.
Thank you for your impressions. Which brush has softer hairs ? I own an Omega 1137 and thinking to try out a semogue.
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