repairing shedding brush

[decraew]

Hi chaps,

A recently obtained brush started shedding hair. A lot. So I contacted the guy I received it from, sent the brush back and after 10 days or so I received a brand new brush. So far so good, very correct.

But, they also sent me my old brush back. Since it's a 28mm silvertip I want to try and save the brush. So I was thinking of using a syringe to inject a slow-curing epoxy at the base of the knot. Do you think that might help ? Any other tips ?

Thanks,
Wim

[whavens]

It just might. Let us know how it works, if they sent it back free, what do you have to lose? I say give it a shot.

[JimmyHAD]

FWIW, I have a high end brush that began shedding hair a year or two after I bought it. Five to ten every shave for a considerable period of time. I didn't contact the vendor because it had been so long and TBH it was a replacement for another shedder that wasn't near as bad. Long story short, I used it at least once or twice a week for a couple of years. It stopped shedding a few months ago. It has become a favorite brush. Long time ago, reading a post on this topic, I read that the average badger brush has something like 15,000 bristles. I don't know if that is accurate but the poster's point was that your brush can lose a lot of bristles before it is ruined.

[thebigspendur]

Probably the important point with a shedder is consistency. If it starts and continues and never stops you know you have a problem. If it loses a few now and then or even a lot but then stops it's probably OK. So I would give it some time and see what happens. You can always play with it down the road.

[JimmyHAD]

The guy has baited the hook and cast the line out there. Now he can sit under a tree in the shade and see if he gets a bite.

[Bruce]

I'd try a bite, but I just had lunch.

[beejay]

If you like the handle why not remove the old knot and replace it with a different type of knot.
I dont think you'll be happy with the outcome of your suggested fix.
regards,beejay

[bharner]

Another related question, if I finally go down that road, any suggestions as to what glue to use ? I know nothing about the long-term effects of CA/epoxy/resin/whatever on badger hair. What is it the makers use in the first place ?

The blood of baby seals and a newt's eyeball. Wait, no, wrong recipe. Marine grade epoxy of some sort.