Boar Break In Question

[bassopotamus]

I've got a couple boars I purchased on a whim a while back, and while they are OK, I have others I like better so I haven't used them much. I get the sense that a boar needs much more break in than a badger does, and I'm guessing I'm not even close.

Here's the rub- I'm kind of feeling too lazy to really break in the boars. I've done a few test lathers, shaved with them a half dozen times, etc, but I"m not really game to lather them up a whole bunch. I've noticed that a number of people suggest that the main aspect of breaking in the boar is the repeated soaking and drying. If this is the case, could I get most of the break in done by just soaking and drying them repeatedly?

Or am I just too lazy

 

[k200817]

Although just soaking and drying will do the trick, it may take some time to break it in,

This is what I did with my semogue boar brushes and takes about 10-15 min to break-in.

Steps:
1. Soak brush in super hot water approx 2 mins.
2. remove the brush and shake out all the water.
3. Place a clean and dry towel on top of the counter and Rub brush firmly and vigorously on the towel clock-wise and counter-clock wise till the brush is almost dry
4. Blow-dry the brush (medium heat) . Point the blow-dryer 5-10 inches on top of the brush loft until completely dry.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 few times and voila, you have a broken-in boar.
6. Enjoy the lather and the shave

Spend the 10-15 min to break in your brush and your face will thank you for it.

 

[aimsport]

Soak while you shave with another brush. Do a quick palm or lather with Arko.. 30 seconds is all you need. Rinse. Let dry at least overnight or a couple of days. Repeat.

 

[Eeyore]

I just use them without any special preparations. A good boar breaks in within a few weeks of use.
Important; soak them for a few minutes before each use. That softens the bristles, and prolongs life of the brush.

 

[Wayne1963]

Palm lather a couple of dozen times for 3 days...voila, broken in.

 

[August West]

I just use them without any special preparations. A good boar breaks in within a few weeks of use.
Important; soak them for a few minutes before each use. That softens the bristles, and prolongs life of the brush.

+1

 

[SteveWY]

These are all good ideas. Alternating brushes to allow for the brush to dry and the hairs to split seems to be the trick also. I've tried several techniques but at the end of the day I just start using the brush and they get better and better. I think most boars really get "right" after about 15-20 uses.

 

[Okla1911]

I found a hot blower dry after being used really helped my boars along.

 

[mswofford]

These are all good ideas. Alternating brushes to allow for the brush to dry and the hairs to split seems to be the trick also. I've tried several techniques but at the end of the day I just start using the brush and they get better and better. I think most boars really get "right" after about 15-20 uses.

This is exactly my program! I don't do anything but use and rotate, Make sure they have time to thoroughly dry. __Google "A Beginner's Guide To Boar Brushes" by Zack. It's on Shave My Face website and Bruceonshaving website. It's thorough and informative complete with pictures. Badger brushes are included in the discussion. It's a must read for beginner and pro!

 

[Red_Oak]

I have read everything from palm lathering to using leather to chemicals. I recommend you just use the brush and break it in naturally. It gives a great deal of satisfaction to see the brush bloom. And,it only gets better with each shave.

 

[Jarick]

My B&B felt broken in after a few uses. My 1460 never felt like it broke in. I've had a couple cheap boars that always felt terrible and scratchy and stiff.