Do Finest badger brushes break in?

[DavidB]

I've read a few posts about Finest badger brushes softening up a bit over time (can't find the posts or I'd respond there). Is this true? My assumption about badger brushes is that once they've bloomed, that's about all the changing they do. I ask because I just got a new Finest brush and it's a touch skritchier than another Finest I have. I expect that is just how this new brush is.

Dave

 

[shaverjoe]

I've read a few posts about Finest badger brushes softening up a bit over time (can't find the posts or I'd respond there). Is this true? My assumption about badger brushes is that once they've bloomed, that's about all the changing they do. I ask because I just got a new Finest brush and it's a touch skritchier than another Finest I have. I expect that is just how this new brush is.

Dave

Is this a TGN Finest knot? If so, yes, I find they soften up quite a bit after about 10-12 uses.

 

[DavidB]

Is this a TGN Finest knot? If so, yes, I find they soften up quite a bit after about 10-12 uses.

Yes, it is. When you say soften up, do you mean in terms of backbone/stiffness or softness of tips/face feel?

Dave

 

[MaxP]

I find that TGN Finest softens at the tip or face feel. There may be a slight change in backbone as well. I can say that a broken in TGN Finest is a very satisfying brush, IMHO.

I must like them. I have four at the moment and will be setting number five later this week.

 

[deruitem]

I agree the tips become less scritchy over time

 

[DavidB]

That's good news, Max, since this one is a bit scratchy on the tips. Not much but more than my 22mm TGN finest. Do the ends split or what?

 

[DavidB]

I will say a finest does a heckuva job on soaps vs silvertip.

 

[MaxP]

That's good news, Max, since this one is a bit scratchy on the tips. Not much but more than my 22mm TGN finest. Do the ends split or what?

David-

They mostly split, though on one of mine there's a lot of curling as well.

 

[catherix]

Yes, it is. When you say soften up, do you mean in terms of backbone/stiffness or softness of tips/face feel?

Dave

View attachment 275956

ooooh purdy! I'd agree that it'll lose a bit of scritch after awhile. My 22mm TGN Finest XH knot got softer after about 10 or 15 shaves.

 

[OkieStubble]

That's good news, Max, since this one is a bit scratchy on the tips. Not much but more than my 22mm TGN finest. Do the ends split or what?

The 22mm finest is definitely a great knot. It is my favorite badger set at 50mm in an Everready R40 handle. I haven't noticed the ends splitting, but I have noticed the tips are alot softer when the brush is soaked with water then compared to when its dry. In fact, after I dry the brush, the bristles seem really stiff until I rub my hand over the dry knot which seems to break the stiffness a bit.