Thread: painting Vs. Swirling and Scrubbing

Anyone else have thoughts on this advice and NYT article?

https://www.nytimes.com/1983/01/07/s...ect-brush.html


"But, says Stan Archer, the works manager of Simpson, a good shaving brush will last 15 to 20 years if cared for properly. It should always be rinsed thoroughly after use and all excess moisture shaken off. The most common fault among shavers is that they tend to lather up with a circular motion of the brush, Mr. Archer says. ''Nothing will spoil a good brush faster. You're twisting the hairs against themselves. You should always use straight up-and-down strokes - in the shaving bowl and on your face - and don't apply too much pressure.''

I personally adhere to this, even though I use the occasional swirling motion. My brush is not that huge (24 mm knot Thäter), so this keeps the lather from reaching the core of the knot - where it would do absolutely no good.

As a result, my brush is in top shape, after around six years of pretty much exclusive use one to four times a week.

But I have heard of people using mainly swirling motions to no detrimental effect, but I prefer to play it safe. I reckon brush makers are more knowledgeable on the topic than me.

I originally saw this thread on another forum and thought it might be interesting to share. I am sure many people have other views but since the advice comes from Simpson I think it might be correct.

If the goal is to make a brush last as long as possible, hang it on the wall and admire it rather than use it. I know, Simpson recommends painting strokes. I primarily face lather, and what works for me is a combination of swirling, scrubbing, and painting. I've been wet shaving for 62 years, and have yet to wear out a brush from that technique as far as I know. If I did, I'd just re-knot it anyway.

Originally Posted by evnpar

If the goal is to make a brush last as long as possible, hang it on the wall and admire it rather than use it. I know, Simpson recommends painting strokes. I primarily face lather, and what works for me is a combination of swirling, scrubbing, and painting. I've been wet shaving for 62 years, and have yet to wear out a brush from that technique as far as I know. If I did, I'd just re-knot it anyway.

Fair enough!!

I have a 40$ pure badger brush I have been using for a year or two. I usually swirl like crazy building lather. I then swirl/scrub lather on my face then finish up with vertical strokes making sure I have an even amount of lather everywhere. If I had an expensive brush I would probably care more, but I am not gonna sweat buying a 40$ brush once every other year if I have to. I plan on trying silver-tip brush in few months though and who knows maybe I will have a different opinion then.

I am tending to paint a bit now. I have a few brushes - Kent is my best one, and some horse and badger hair brushes. The horse especially is suited to painting because it is a little floppier than a badger.

Originally Posted by Christian1

I usually swirl like crazy building I plan on trying silver-tip brush in few months though and who knows maybe I will have a different opinion then.

That barely-used Thater 4125/2 in the B/S/T should make you reconsider waiting a few months. Great deal on a high quality two-band silvertip.

Painting is to be followed by swirling and scrubbing. Nothing wrong with that.
Good brushes will perform all 3.

I scrub and swirl and paint and dab and ...whatever it takes to get a good lather on my face. I rotate thru 6 or 8 burshes and figure that i wont ware one out too fast using that many so i will go about it however i feel works. Now i dont smash the bristles flat. That will cause breakage.

Ok, maybe its 12 or 15 brushes.