Thread: Brush Has Gone "Soft"

Hey Gang,

Got a quick question and maybe I'm just thinking there is something wrong with my brush but it seems to have gotten really soft of late. And what I mean by soft is that it just flattens out when I try to swirl it in my soap and then on my face. I have another (cheaper) brush that I bought on EBAY that I use and its really stiff. Just curious if this is normal brush use or if that is how they are suppose to be? I haven't had the brush a year yet.

Thanks for any replies.

What kind of brush? Pics please?

Sounds like a case of the floppies.

Pics,Whats brand? whats the loft? is it a Badger brush? is it a Vulfix?

It is a parker 100% pure badger bristle brush. Pixelfixed I can't answer much more than that. I bought the brush as a "starter" when I got into straight razor shaving thinking I would upgrade. I really liked the brush up until it started getting floppy.

Also, is there something I could be doing to make it be this way? I don't use the same brush for every shave now that I have two. I alternate between the two. Pre shave I fill a bowl of water and let the brush soak while I'm in the shower, shake out the water and build a lather. Post shave I rinse it out and give it a few shakes and hang it to dry until the next use.

I tried pure badger, didn't like it because of this. Maybe install a different knot with a little more backbone. Like Finest Badger, of course this is my favorite grade of badger so FWIW

It may be time to clean your brush. Check out the thread on brush maintenance in the SRP library. . Lots of folks use a mix of white vinegar, Dawn dish washing soap and water. Some folks get good results using "Old School Prell Shampoo". When my brushes are dry, I periodically comb them with a wide toothed hair comb. Combing helps untangle and straighten the hair. It also gives the knot a nice full uniform appearance.

Be careful if you decide to comb your brush. Using excessive force and to narrow of a comb will break and remove the bristles.

Looks like low grade Hair to me with to high a loft,JMO
Have never done it but try using am O-ring at the base of the knot where in enters the handle.