I recently purchased this Ever Ready 675 alongside a cased GEM Micromatic for just under $19 shipped. I love the handle, and could see putting a new knot in it, but I'm wondering if there is any reason why I should not just keep it as is.
Around the time I won this item on the bay, I did a search for how to clean a shaving brush, and found this article from livestrong. I have included some pics for reference. Basically, it details how to clean a brush using dish soap, apple cider (or distilled) vinegar, and/or borax paste. It also recommends using conditioner on the bristles to condition and protect them. I'm firstly wondering if this is something anyone else has tried, and if you were pleased with the results.
Since I may be doing a full restore anyway, I figured what the heck have I got to lose?...
Here are the initial shots of the brush:
I started by applying a mentholated "Wen" brand conditioner that my wife has. I lost probably about 8-10 bristles. I then used a Suave brand men's shampoo/condition and lost 3-4 more bristles. After rinsing that out thoroughly, I lathered up using my mostly used up Olgallala Bay Rum puck. After rinsing that out and thoroughly drying, I let the brush sit for about 24 hours.
About 24 hours later, I checked on the brush, and decided to do another round of conditioner, shampoo/condition, and shaving soap. I then shook out the remaining water (while holding the base of the bristles), thoroughly dried with a towel, and left to dry overnight. Here is the brush just before the second round:
About 7 hours later, I decided to cycle again. This time I took the brush into the shower with me. After the conditioner then shampoo/conditioner, I decided to work my Bath & Body Works Noir into it to try and get rid of the animal hair smell (maybe this thing is NOS?). After the Noir, I worked in some Herbal Essences volumizing shampoo. I finished by lathering up using Proraso, and I was surprised at how much lather this brush seemed to be holding. I'll have to get a picture of this brush when lathered up. I also only lost maybe 3 bristles this time. I thoroughly dried with a towel, and rubbed the brush lightly on a towel with my free hand on the drive to work. Anyway, here is my most recent shot of the brush about two hours after the last treatment.
The bristles are pretty soft, but do still feel a little dry. They are definitely much softer than when I received the brush. I may do one more treatment, and then actually try this brush out. Any pointers? Opinions as to whether I should just dive into a full restore? Help me, please!
Around the time I won this item on the bay, I did a search for how to clean a shaving brush, and found this article from livestrong. I have included some pics for reference. Basically, it details how to clean a brush using dish soap, apple cider (or distilled) vinegar, and/or borax paste. It also recommends using conditioner on the bristles to condition and protect them. I'm firstly wondering if this is something anyone else has tried, and if you were pleased with the results.
Since I may be doing a full restore anyway, I figured what the heck have I got to lose?...
Here are the initial shots of the brush:
I started by applying a mentholated "Wen" brand conditioner that my wife has. I lost probably about 8-10 bristles. I then used a Suave brand men's shampoo/condition and lost 3-4 more bristles. After rinsing that out thoroughly, I lathered up using my mostly used up Olgallala Bay Rum puck. After rinsing that out and thoroughly drying, I let the brush sit for about 24 hours.
About 24 hours later, I checked on the brush, and decided to do another round of conditioner, shampoo/condition, and shaving soap. I then shook out the remaining water (while holding the base of the bristles), thoroughly dried with a towel, and left to dry overnight. Here is the brush just before the second round:
About 7 hours later, I decided to cycle again. This time I took the brush into the shower with me. After the conditioner then shampoo/conditioner, I decided to work my Bath & Body Works Noir into it to try and get rid of the animal hair smell (maybe this thing is NOS?). After the Noir, I worked in some Herbal Essences volumizing shampoo. I finished by lathering up using Proraso, and I was surprised at how much lather this brush seemed to be holding. I'll have to get a picture of this brush when lathered up. I also only lost maybe 3 bristles this time. I thoroughly dried with a towel, and rubbed the brush lightly on a towel with my free hand on the drive to work. Anyway, here is my most recent shot of the brush about two hours after the last treatment.
The bristles are pretty soft, but do still feel a little dry. They are definitely much softer than when I received the brush. I may do one more treatment, and then actually try this brush out. Any pointers? Opinions as to whether I should just dive into a full restore? Help me, please!
) silvertip, but it seems to be getting better. I'll probably do another AVG before final judgment, and since the bristles are a little browned (probably from hard water) I plan to experiment with borax and/or peroxide to lighten them before replacing with something nicer. Who knows though, maybe if this thing really improves, I'll keep it as is. The bristles do still seem a bit brittle, even though they feel soft. Not sure how that's possible.
