Just got a new # 7 today in the mail. I've soaked it in H2o and I have to say that the horsey funk actually smells more like a disinfectant than dirty animal smell (like you experience with some badgers and boars) When I soak a new badger or boar my dog get all excited from the smell. He is not intrigued by this brush in the slightest? It kind of smells like a super strong high potent Arko?:shrug: It doesn't smell earthy like even the vie long horsehair does when it's new. The smell will go away with use, I have a #6 I've been using for quite a few months and it has no scent at all:D