Investments

[Edinburgh]

As someone who views high quality brushes not only as means to an end, but also as investments, I would like to see my brushes last a lifetime without compromising the quality of shaving.

Undue pressure clearly gets in the way of longevity, but what about circular motions both in the bowl or mug while lathering and on the face while lathering? Will these circular motions (minus undue pressure) reduce the life of a brush over time?

 

[Rivguy]

I view my brushes as tools to accomplish a task. I have many high end brushes and enjoy using them as they should be used. I also have some nice tools in my work shop as well and take the same approach. I certainly do not abuse any of my tools or use them for anything other than their intended purpose, but I do use them.

Regards,

Doug

 

[j_fro]

As someone who views high quality brushes not only as means to an end, but also as investments, I would like to see my brushes last a lifetime without compromising the quality of shaving.

Undue pressure clearly gets in the way of longevity, but what about circular motions both in the bowl or mug while lathering and on the face while lathering? Will these circular motions (minus undue pressure) reduce the life of a brush over time?

How can lather be built without either making circular motions in bowl/mug or on the face?

 

[taco8slo]

I use them and enjoy them, I don't abuse them but I realise they won't last forever. Having several to rotate will help them last a bit longer, periods of rest will help things last longer.

 

[CHSeifert]

I use mine, I don't abuse them though

Brushes are tools to create lather, and I don't regard them as investments per se, but one of the finer things in my life, just like red wine, special beer and fragrances are

With that said I do intend to 'take care of them' - so they stay in good shape and will comb and dry them after each use, unless I'm in a hurry.
But I do use circular motions, when I face lather - you can't build lather without using circular motions, so that is sort of a given

 

[celestino]

If they are well made brushes, then they should last you decades. Circular motions are, in my opinion, unavoidable in the beginning and then you can incorporate paint-brush strokes for most of your face-lathering. i would imagin bowl lathering would put more stress on your brush, so you would have to decide which is best. However, life is short and you should enjoy what you are doing! Good luck.

 

[mftoms59]

Swirl away, they average life of a brush that's not totally abused is probably 15-20 years or more, besides it's another good reason to buy backups

 

[Montecristo #2]

Nothing lasts forever. Get a big enough rotation and your brushes will out last you.

 

[CHSeifert]

Nothing lasts forever. Get a big enough rotation and your brushes will out last you.

I plan on, honestly I do plan on, stopping my SBAD once I reach 24 brushes (I'm at 18 now, 14 in hand, 4 on their way to me)
Do you think I then have enough brushes to last me a life time or two or should I keep adding backup brushes, even after that point

 

[Edinburgh]

How can lather be built without either making circular motions in bowl/mug or on the face?

Now that's a different question altogether and a largely rhetorical one at that!

My question was meant simply as a starting point for a friendly discussion. I don't intend to place the longevity of brushes before the quality of shaving in any case!

 

[mftoms59]

I plan on, honestly I do plan on, stopping my SBAD once I reach 24 brushes (I'm at 18 now, 14 in hand, 4 on their way to me)
Do you think I then have enough brushes to last me a life time or two or should I keep adding backup brushes, even after that point

I had 12 but cut it to 10, but I'm looking to pare it down to 6 so I can buy two more and keep it at 8

 

[j_fro]

Now that's a different question altogether and a largely rhetorical one at that!

My question was meant simply as a starting point for a friendly discussion. I don't intend to place the longevity of brushes before the quality of shaving in any case!

Sorry if you read my question as something it wasn't. Your statement seemed to say there was an alternative to swirling a brush around in order to lather. Just wanted to know what that was.

 

[Krona Kruiser]

I view high-end brushes like I view good leather dress shoes and leather band watches. Have a few to alternate so they have enough time to dry out properly which in turn, helps lengthen their lives. I also want to pass them to my boys, one who's 10 who will probably shave in a few years and my three year old which will probably have something nice in store for him when he starts shaving.

 

[Edinburgh]

Sorry if you read my question as something it wasn't. Your statement seemed to say there was an alternative to swirling a brush around in order to lather. Just wanted to know what that was.

No worries.

Perhaps we could compile a list of tips for preserving brush life without sacrificing the essential elements of bowl and face lathering.

 

[Rudy Vey]

In many cases I see mine as an investment with a lot of joy and fun in return. A well kept and cared for brush lasts easy 20-30 years, I have seen once a brush that was 30 year old and daily used, and it looked like maybe a couple years old.

 

[beginish]

With a big enough rotation, you could use a jackhammer to load the brush, and it would still be in good shape to pass on to your kids.

 

[Viseguy]

No worries.

Perhaps we could compile a list of tips for preserving brush life without sacrificing the essential elements of bowl and face lathering.

Tip #1: Own a lot of brushes.

 

[blantyre]

I consider brushes to be an investment in the same way that a good sound system is an investment - they give pleasure and enjoyment. They need some care in use but they are meant to be used - a decent brush will last 25 years of regular use with minimal care - just rinse it and dry it after use. As a cash return investment - not an important consideration IMO - I'll stick to more traditional vehicles for that.

 

[Cochese2323]

I view my brushes as tools to accomplish a task. I have many high end brushes and enjoy using them as they should be used. I also have some nice tools in my work shop as well and take the same approach. I certainly do not abuse any of my tools or use them for anything other than their intended purpose, but I do use them.

Regards,

Doug

I agree with Doug. I love my brushes, but they are tools that were meant to be used. I don't take any special steps to take care of them other than shaking them out and hanging them to dry. I am not overly gentle when lathering or drying them on a towel.

Plus I have 6 brushes, I rotate them regularly and only shave every other day. Would find it hard to believe any of them would every wear out unless there was sme manufacturing defect.

 

[Edinburgh]

Tip #1: Own a lot of brushes.

Perfect start!



Now, what about tips for preservation without sacrificing any quality in shaving?