Brush Age

[ilias]

People often make recommendations on how long a particular brush grade will last: pure badger might only last a few years, while silvertip may last a lifetime.

What are the specifics of brush deterioration? How do you know when a brush is on its way out? In the end, I'm sure that shave quality is all that's important, but I'm just wondering what to look for.

Right now, I have an AOS pure badger brush that came with their entry-level kit. They don't even sell it individually; it's the cheapest one they manufacture. I've been shaving with it for two years, and the best I can come up with is that it seems a bit soft these days. I wish it were stiffer simply to pick up more soap off the puck, but it feels nice on my face.

When is it going to die?

 

[cfriend]

I'd think that knot quality/craftsmanship is more important than grade of hair in regards to brush longevity. I'm sure more knowledgeable minds will chime in soon.

 

[rcd213]

I would tend to agree with the previous poster, saying it has more to do with the quality of the knot etc. However, at least for boar brushes, they definitely get better with age. I have several Omega Boars, one of which I've used about 7 years, the others, sparingly, and this one is much softer/more comfortable than the others. I just got into badger recently, and I would think that really with proper care and a adequate knot/handle, it will last 20 years or so.