Thread: Re-Bristling a Boar's-Hair Shaving Brush

As some of you might know, I recently purchased a silver-plated shaving brush, with a boar's-hair head on it. I've made inquiries off-line about where to go to have it re-bristled, all the while expecting that I'd move from boar's-hair to badger-hair.

But... I've been shaving with it every day for the past week and, despite the constant shedding of boar-bristles, I find that I like the somewhat "prickly" feel of the boar's-hair bristles (not to mention that, with a 14mm knot-size, as well as the added stiffness of the boar-bristles, I have much better control of the lathering process). What's more, now that I'm lathering in the matching shaving mug (see here for photos), it doesn't matter if the brush will only hold enough lather for one pass -- heck, it might even be preferable!

So, here's my question: Other than sending the brush off to Shavemac, does anyone know of a high-quality, North American, "cottage-industry" shaving-brush artisan, who might be able to re-bristle my shaving brush with a custom-made, hand-tied, 14mm knot (and not some machine-made "generic" one from a Chinese factory)?

Thanks in advance, for sharing your knowledge.

Smooth shaving!

As much as I hate to say it boar's hair is generally considered a low end item and most people would just trash the brush and buy a new one. It would probably be cheaper than redoing an old one. You are in a difficult situation with a quality handle. You might want to consider redoing with badger. Maybe pure which is pretty coarse.

Originally Posted by JBHoren

So, here's my question: Other than sending the brush off to Shavemac, does anyone know of a high-quality, North American, "cottage-industry" shaving-brush artisan, who might be able to re-bristle my shaving brush with a custom-made, hand-tied, 14mm knot (and not some machine-made "generic" one from a Chinese factory)?

After much searching and email messaging, it seems there aren't any "high-quality, North American, 'cottage-industry' shaving-brush artisans"; at least, not any who make their own knots (although, there are some who make be-u-ti-ful brush handles).

So, Arbeit Macht Frei, and "Frank" is in the mail, on his way to the Bundesrepublik. Details here.