Thread: Horse?

Probably a dumb question. Has anyone tried using horse hair for brushes? Probably to thin and coarse.

Absolutely
They are great brushes a bit different feel then badger.
Softer then boar, harder then badger.
Heres a few Horsey brushes of my own.

Back in the 1800s horse was THE brush for the common man. Only the well heeled could afford a silver tip Badger. Then the Anthrax scares came and horse was no more replaced by Boar.

I have horses maybe I should try and make one

Originally Posted by Cattleman02

Probably a dumb question. Has anyone tried using horse hair for brushes? Probably to thin and coarse.

Yes. Vielong still make horse hair brushes. Used one off and on for years

Originally Posted by Cattleman02

I have horses maybe I should try and make one

I would be very interested to see and hear how that turns out. I know it's not the same as boar bristle but I have thought about trying ferel pig hair. I bag them on occasion and always wondered about making a brush from one. People say it is not stiff enough but I don't know about that. Their "mane" and ridge hairs are pretty darn stiff. The main thing that would deter me is the stench. MAN, thise damn things STINK! First time I bagged one I couldn't believe how bad it smelled. Roadkilled skunks got nothin' on ferel hog stench.

Tried a horsehair brush once, didn't like it and reknotted it with a badger knot. I'm not tempted to try another but each to their own.

Bob