Thread: silver tip brush and hot water

Just received my Shavemac XXL silver tip brush, unexpectedly big as compared to my Vulfixs bristle brush, but I think I will like it!
The question is how hot is the water for soaking the sliver tip for daily use? I normally use very hot water (close to boiling) for soaking the Vulfixs bristle brush but still I cannot get warm enough lather. This time I don't want to ruin the expensive brush with the very hot water. May I have your advise please.
Best Regards,
Tom

What is your step-by-step procedure that you employ with your vulfix brush?

I don't know what's all the fuss with the hot lather?? I think it's completely unnecesary. I ususaly saturate the brush with water holding my palms like you would try to drink water from the faucet, and have the brush between the thumb and index finger of my right hand. The running water from the tap is usually at temperature my hands can handle comfortably... Given that you pre-preped you face well (soap wash, hot shower e.t.c) that is the only warmth you need from the brush. And also I would not test my Vufix Pure Badger anywhere near boling temperature...

Nenad

I have to agree here I don't understand what the deal is with this super hot water thing. I usually run my Super Badger under the hot water faucet for about 30 seconds or so and let the loose water drip and then just lather up. During the shave when I have to relather I hit the brush with a 1 second shot of hot water.

If you've preped your face properly the hot lather thing is really just a cosmetic thing IMHO.

I admit that it must come down to personal preference. That said, I happen to like the feel of hot lather, so I heat up a brush-sized bowl 3/4 full with water in the microwave (about 45 sec), then soak the brush in it while I shower (about 10 min) then lather up.

Having warm lather is nice, but I don't feel it's necessary for a good shave. It seems more trouble than it's worth, and one thing to note is the hotter the lather, the quicker it will dry out on you. You need to adjust the amount of water accordingly if you try to keep hot lather. My method is this...fill my sink with hot water ~ (by the time it gets to the back of my house, it's hot but not so hot I can't put my hand in it). Then I plop my brush in and go take a shower. After I dry and am ready to shave, I drain the sink of the now tepid water, refill it with hot water again, shake the brush and whip up a lather. I use the sinkful to re-wet my face between passes and then re-lather. I wipe my razor on a damp washrag, so the water stays somewhat clean, and then after the shave I drain the sink slowly while swishing the brush around under the water and over the drain. That rinses it pretty well. Sorry about the tangent. Sometimes I just get going.... ...........Jeff

I use one of those hot shots, one cup heating thingy, let the brush soak 10 or so minutes while I shower, then I just lather up with the water left in the brush. Great lather, never dries out.

Rob,

If you are using a ceramic mug to heat your brush in, and the tips of the brush are resting on the bottom, it is possible that damage could occur to the tips. Keep an eye out!

RT

I usually use my brush with really hot water from the stove. It is a Vulfix Silvertip Badger and I don't see any damage as of yet. It is 2 months old. But...The the end of the hairs now have some sort of 'soap scum' feel to it. I think I just need to clean the brush. Besides stuff available from classicshaving.com what do you guys use to clean your brushes? I heard that something with Borax is ideal. But what brands have that ingredient?

Replies appreciated...

Straight Borax is available in the laundry detergent section of your local grocery. It's a good detergent booster, and fairly cheap. Lacking that, try using your regular shampoo on the brush.
I get nice warm lather by nuking 1 1/2 cups of water in a two cup Pyrex measuring cup. I pour half the hot water into this large latte cup to warm it while my SMF brush is soaking in the Pyrex. After a minute or so, I remove the brush, empty the latte cup into the Pyrex, and place it into the top of the measuring cup (kinda like a teeny double boiler). The latte cup is perfect for working the lather up and will keep the brush and lather quite warm for the duration of the shave (usually three passes).