Thread: Using oil to soften bristles?

I took home a nice B.J. Eyre smiling wedge, and an old EverReady boar brush from an antique store. The lovely bride suggested soaking in hot water with lanolin in it. The lanolin did stay separate like oil would, but after about 30 min of soaking, then working the bristles, this ancient boar brush was somewhat pliable. Bristles were pliable, but quite firm. I would describe it on the scratchy side. Another soaking & working of the bristles, and I gave it a spin on Conk soap. I let it sit in hot tap water while showering, with about a tablespoon of hot water soaking on the top of the shave soap (glycerin) It ate the soap for breakfast before it had it's first cup of coffee. Lather was superior to my Conk pure badger brush.

Since then, I got an Omega imported through a Seattle co that looks like their 81230 (a butt ugly brush). The old EverReady is has more backbone & froths up the lather way way better than the Omega.

Now if we could only get a Semogue dealer in the states.

I would not use oil. It will prevent the hair from absorbing water, and thus making a creamy lather.

Use IK soap with shea butter for a couple of months and it will soften up guaranteed.

Yep, lose the oil. Once the stuff gets into the knot you will never get rid of it.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Yep, lose the oil. Once the stuff gets into the knot you will never get rid of it.

Or experiment with a very inexpensive boar brush like the $8 VDH brush.

Start with a common shampoo conditioner or detangler.

If I was convinced that something would help I would look for a hyper-fatted
shave soap. One with extra oil for those with dry skin or in need for a slicker shave.

My boar brush experience is that they soften with use.
The difference between the first use and half way through
a puck of Williams is noticeable. Thus I recommend an
afternoon practicing lathering with Williams in a bowl.

Originally Posted by petr

I would not use oil. It will prevent the hair from absorbing water, and thus making a creamy lather.

Use IK soap with shea butter for a couple of months and it will soften up guaranteed.

I give up! What the heck is 1K soap??

Steve

Originally Posted by zepplin

I give up! What the heck is 1K soap??

Steve

That's the soap you use to set your bevel.

Originally Posted by Shoki

That's the soap you use to set your bevel.

I, honestly, don't have a clue what you're talking about.

Originally Posted by zepplin

I, honestly, don't have a clue what you're talking about.

1K hone sets your razor's bevel. 1K soap must set your face's bevel? j/k

I.K. Soap
Institut Karité Paris

Oh boy, here we go again! I have been using Boar bristle brushes since the mid 70's. Boar bristle by nature is stiff and has a lot more backbone than badger hair. I have a collection of boar bristle brushes:Omegas, Semogue and Vulfix brushes. All without exception need to be soaked prior to lathering for about 5-10 minutes in very warm water to soften the bristles, my modus operandi would be to soak the brush while I prep my face and strop the razor, some brushes need to be soaked longer than others...please do not:

1. Boil the brush, it will soften the apoxy holding the knot to the handle
2. Apply oil to the brush, this will ruin the bristle.

You may use shampoo to clean the brush; but make sure you rinse well under running cold water and towel dry.

Originally Posted by Hogrider

Oh boy, here we go again! I have been using Boar bristle brushes since the mid 70's. Boar bristle by nature is stiff and has a lot more backbone than badger hair. I have a collection of boar bristle brushes:Omegas, Semogue and Vulfix brushes. All without exception need to be soaked prior to lathering for about 5-10 minutes in very warm water to soften the bristles, my modus operandi would be to soak the brush while I prep my face and strop the razor, some brushes need to be soaked longer than others...please do not:

1. Boil the brush, it will soften the apoxy holding the knot to the handle
2. Apply oil to the brush, this will ruin the bristle.

You may use shampoo to clean the brush; but make sure you rinse well under running cold water and towel dry.

That's advice from the horses mouth or err boars mouth whatever but it's great advice.