Thread: Dead Brush

How long does a brush last? What does brush death look like (outside of shedding to death)?

I’ve only ever had two brushes. The brush that came with my AoS kit, and a Simpson Comidor. I’ve used that Simpson quite a bit - about8 years now. But now I think it’s losing some spine, and it hates being used two days in a row... or was it always like this?

What does Badger death look like? Is it the same as boar? Do they ever die?

Nothing lasts forever however if you take care of them and they were well made they will last a very long time. Some of my badgers are almost 20 years old and they are as good as the day I got them. Of course I rotate among several but with care they last a long time. Boar hair is more brittle so I don't know with those. I have horse hair brushes (not shaving) that are 30 years old and they are in great shape.

Have you tried a hair conditioner?

Hirlau swore by Pantene (sp?)

Originally Posted by rolodave

Have you tried a hair conditioner?

Hirlau swore by Pantene (sp?)

To do what exactly? Use soap to remove soap scum? Then again, most shampoos are detergent based... may be a great idea. I’ll try it. Thanks.

Originally Posted by earcutter

To do what exactly? Use soap to remove soap scum? Then again, most shampoos are detergent based... may be a great idea. I’ll try it. Thanks.

I believe that a brush should be thoroughly cleaned after each use and then allowed to dry thoroughly between uses. To clean a brush, I use the "plunger method", rapidly plunging the brush up and down in a cup into which clean water is running until all the soap is removed from the breach of the knot. I then shake out excess water, towel dry the knot to separate the hairs/fibers and then hang it up to dry. Synthetic brushes dry quickly, so I do not mind using them two days in a row, but I try to let natural hair brushes rest a few days between uses so they dry thoroughly.

Shaving soaps are the sodium and potassium salts of fatty acids. If you have hard water, calcium ions in the water can replace the sodium and potassium ions leaving a calcium soap scum on your sink, on your brush handle and in the breach of the knot. Eventually, this scum will damage your brush. Using detergent based soaps or shampoos may get rid of some of the scum, but if that does not work, a vinegar soak will dissolve the calcium salts. Be careful not to soak the handle of the brush as the finish might be damaged. It is probably best to dilute the vinegar before use. After the vinegar soap, rinse the brush thoroughly, then clean the brush with shampoo and conditioner.

Thanks rayclem! That’s great insight! I’m going to give the vinegar a shot!

For years (if not a decade now) I’ve had the same two brushes. Both badger, but of noticeably different character. The Simpson being much softer and best used with creams and croaps. And the best badger Art of Shaving brush that has considerably more spine, and is preferable with hard soaps.

Anyway, the two of them were still fine when I was switching up soaps daily, but with me going for week long goes at a time with the same soap for reviewing, you can really see the old Simpson fighting back by going all limp when I use it constantly. As you say, every other day. So I bought two new brushes. Should help out a ton I’m thinking, but I’d love to have my Simpson back to normal! Vinegar it is!

Originally Posted by earcutter

Thanks rayclem! That’s great insight! I’m going to give the vinegar a shot!

For years (if not a decade now) I’ve had the same two brushes. Both badger, but of noticeably different character. The Simpson being much softer and best used with creams and croaps. And the best badger Art of Shaving brush that has considerably more spine, and is preferable with hard soaps.

Anyway, the two of them were still fine when I was switching up soaps daily, but with me going for week long goes at a time with the same soap for reviewing, you can really see the old Simpson fighting back by going all limp when I use it constantly. As you say, every other day. So I bought two new brushes. Should help out a ton I’m thinking, but I’d love to have my Simpson back to normal! Vinegar it is!

Try a boar brush (or 2 or 3). They can be had for not too much money and I find they do quite well with soaps, croaps and creams. It’s an inexpensive way to expand your arsenal of brushes and they tend to have more spine than badger IME.

Originally Posted by DZEC

Try a boar brush (or 2 or 3). They can be had for not too much money and I find they do quite well with soaps, croaps and creams. It’s an inexpensive way to expand your arsenal of brushes and they tend to have more spine than badger IME.

I’m doing exactly that!

https://straightrazorpalace.com/brus...m-brushes.html

Originally Posted by earcutter

I’m doing exactly that!

https://straightrazorpalace.com/brus...m-brushes.html

I had actually read that post, but forgot. Enjoy.