Thread: NOS vintage brush use

I just purchased a NOS Ever Ready 500 boar/badger hybrid. Could any of you give me tips on reconditioning the brush and using it again? I've heard shampoo and conditioner is one way...I've also heard that working up a nice lather with your favorite soap and letting it dry overnight works. Rinse with hot water, lather, shave and you're good to go! Any input is greatly appreciated.

I would treat it as you would your own hair,,, as it it NOS, I would not go the vinegar route & dish soap,,,, I would use what you suggested, a nice shampoo/conditioner worked it,,, let it set for a few minutes,,, then rinse with warm water,,, hang dry.

Have a picture?

It will depend on what shape it's in. Maybe it just needs a good cleaning or maybe it needs a new knot or anything inbetween.

Just my routine. I work hair conditioner into the bristles and let it set overnight. Rinse out the next day and put it into service. My logic is "how long has it been off its host (live animal)? Its been declining ever since. recondition and hydrate within reason, plus what thebigspendur said.

It's still in the mail but here's a pic from the online ad.

You will find it to have lot less backbone than our new style of brushes. ( It will be floppy) That said, it will do a very good job with softer soaps and cremes. I do like to use mine of that vintage, boar, badger, and mixed.
Enjoy it!
~Richard

Theses brushes are obviously old but look and feel quite nice. I think I'll try shampoo/conditioner and cholesterol to restore their luster.


Good stuff

Cool! I like to run an O-ring up and over the handle and onto the hairs on the oldies so the outer hairs can survive and a bit of stiffness is gained. Old brushes will sometimes be awesome!

Originally Posted by wyobarbershop

Theses brushes are obviously old but look and feel quite nice. I think I'll try shampoo/conditioner and cholesterol to restore their luster.


Good stuff

Man those are beautiful. I picked up 3 NOS and 4 used vintage brushes in the past. One of the NOS was very dry and needed the treatment you are using. The NOS were fantastic. Two of the used ones (a badger and a boar) turned out great. The remaining two used ones are shelved as project handles sometime in the near future.

Let us know how they turned out.

Let us know how they turned out.[/QUOTE]

So far I've only used the black and butterscotch Fuller "Pure Badger" and after the conditioning it performed great without breakage or abnormal loss of (quills?). Thanks for your kind words.