Brushes passed down to me, looking for info

[thedave87]

Since I've started wet shaving, my dad went through some old stuff and found a couple of my grandfather's old brushes and has given them to me. Both brushes are from Made Rite, one is a 100 and the other is a 303. Does anyone know anything about these? I can't seem to find much other than auctions when I search for them.

It's hard to read, but it says Badger Cased along with the model number of 303.

Also, is there any way I can safely get the curve out of the knot on the 303?

 

[oldbluelight]

For the 303 a nice, long, warm soak, then a partial drying in a towel while shaping the knot followed by an air drying might work. Moisture and heat helps remove 'memory' from hairs. You might have to repeat the process several times. The key will be gently reshaping the knot while it is still wet.

 

[thedave87]

Thanks for the info, I'll give it a try tonight

 

[strop]

Both should clean up nicely with just a little elbow grease and a soft cloth. Hopefully the 303 may be useable as is. My experience with those old boar brushes are that even with soaking the bristles are so brittle that they just break off. It would be a great candidate for restoration though.

 

[Snargle]

Both should clean up nicely with just a little elbow grease and a soft cloth. Hopefully the 303 may be useable as is. My experience with those old boar brushes are that even with soaking the bristles are so brittle that they just break off. It would be a great candidate for restoration though.

I agree...it's quite rare for a brush that old and well-worn to have usable bristles. That being said, replacing the knot with a new badger or boar knot is a fairly simple process. Stop by the Brush Making & Restoration sub-forum for lots of information on how to bring those family heirlooms back to life.