I'm wondering how long should a badger shaving brush last if I shave with it daily?
How long should a brush last?
- Thread starter noahpictures
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A quality brush, kept clean and allowed to dry, should last for many years. This is particularly true if you have more than one brush and rotate them, allowing each to dry properly. There are people on this board shaving with brushes that have been in use for more than 20 years. Conversely, any brush, neglected and allowed to remain wet, will break down before too long.
If a badger brush doesn't last 30 years in daily use, you got ripped off. All bets are off if you use it to apply latex or oil-base paint.
A well maintained, quality brush should last many years, even decades before replacement become required.
Yep, years and decades! These things are build for the long haul 
decades if you treat it right.
As many have already eluded to, it should last you several decades...If taken care of properly, it may even outlast you 
Make sure that:
1. Clean your brush regularly if you are in a hard water zone...with Shampoo/conditioner, Borax/vinegar...whatever can dissolve the scum from the brush
2. Dry it properly
3. Store it properly
I can't think of anything else, but I am sure that I am forgetting something
Cheers,
Robert
Make sure that:
1. Clean your brush regularly if you are in a hard water zone...with Shampoo/conditioner, Borax/vinegar...whatever can dissolve the scum from the brush
2. Dry it properly
3. Store it properly
I can't think of anything else, but I am sure that I am forgetting something
Cheers,
Robert
Just to let you know my experience...
I got a Kent silvertip brush for my high school graduation, in 1974. It wasn't until about 7 years ago that I finally had it re-knotted by Rudy Vey (who, BTW, does great work and is highly recommended). Now, by the time I sent it to Rudy, there wasn't much in the way of hair left - not more than 1.5 inches - but I used that bad boy every day for almost 30 years without a care or complaint in the world.
If you depreciate the cost of a good brush over it's lifetime, it's literally only pennies a day (if that) for even the most expensive brush on the market today.
I got a Kent silvertip brush for my high school graduation, in 1974. It wasn't until about 7 years ago that I finally had it re-knotted by Rudy Vey (who, BTW, does great work and is highly recommended). Now, by the time I sent it to Rudy, there wasn't much in the way of hair left - not more than 1.5 inches - but I used that bad boy every day for almost 30 years without a care or complaint in the world.
If you depreciate the cost of a good brush over it's lifetime, it's literally only pennies a day (if that) for even the most expensive brush on the market today.
I did this as my first restore about a good year ago. The first picture showed how the brush looked when I received it, the second one before I send it back.
Guess, it will last another 30+ years....
Guess, it will last another 30+ years....
Good quality badger brush should last decades. I agree with suggestions, treat it well, don't neglect it and it will serve u well. I actually had a silvertip Merkur Vision brush that I didn't care about, meaning I didn't clean it or anything else and it was still good after 6 years of my "neglect". It did have a shedding problem, which the vendor I bought it from rectified after 6 years. Can't say same thing about the manufacturer though 
Odds are with proper care it will last longer than you will and toward the end do what it needs to do far better.
- Thread starter
- #12
Oh no I bought too many. Thanks for all the feedback and advice.
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #13
Wowza! I know it is not a word, good job!
Welcome to B &B.
Agree with the "very long time" theme. To give you a very conservative minimum, Shavemac warrants its brushes for 5 years (IIRC). While Shavemacs are built to last, and I envision mine lasting far (far) longer, my point is that you can absolutely guarantee a minimum lifespan of 5 years for their brushes, and I'd assume other quality brushes would be similar. Thus, the "decades long" estimates would seem entirely reasonable.
Hey, Rudy. Cool brush. For some reason I immediately thought of Star Wars and Princess Leia when I saw it. Is it an EverReady handle?
Slash McCoy
I freehand dog rockets
ROTFLMAO! The "before" pic! It looks like you were determined to get your money's worth out of your brush!
No, it is the Kent brush I restored for Wingnut - see his post before mine.
One of my brushes goes back 30 years and it still is in great shape. I rotate it with three other brushes that are newer - but it is still one of my favorites.
I am 82 years old. My father gave me a shaving brush when I turned 16. I have used it every single day, and even brought it to D-Day, Korea and Vietnam. I intend to be buried with it. A person really doesn't need more than one brush during his life.
Ok, not really, but I bought a $20 badger about 7+ years ago and used it every day with soap. I just sold it on the BST and it has a lot of life left. My first brush was a C&E badger, and I only got 3 years out of it before it fell apart.
As said above, it should last a very, very long time.
Ok, not really, but I bought a $20 badger about 7+ years ago and used it every day with soap. I just sold it on the BST and it has a lot of life left. My first brush was a C&E badger, and I only got 3 years out of it before it fell apart.
As said above, it should last a very, very long time.
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