Is there any way of speeding up the break in process?

[jl.]

I've just ordered a Rooney 1/1 in Super. I've read that it may take 20-30 uses for it to break in. Is there any way to speed this up? If I lather up in my hand 3-4 times a day for a week will that do it?

.... I'm asking as I've heard that Rooneys are quite dense and scrubby and I fear that it will feel too rough compared to the only other brush I've ever used (EJ Super medium - apparently a very soft, floppy brush).

 

[Jethro1984]

I'm just spitballing here but I would think that a "use" would refer to using the brush for a shave and then letting it fully (or nearly fully) dry before the next use. Sort of how you would condition a new rechargable cell phone battery or such. Just my 2 cents.

 

[dpm802]

Disclaimer: I'm not a brush expert, and I've never owned a Rooney.

Why rush it? The Rooney will last a lifetime, so what difference will it make if you start using it a month later?

I've just ordered a Rooney 1/1 in Super. I've read that it may take 20-30 uses for it to break in. Is there any way to speed this up? If I lather up in my hand 3-4 times a day for a week will that do it?

If you lather it 3~4 times a day, it won't have sufficient time in between to dry out, and that is an important part of the break-in process.

.... I'm asking as I've heard that Rooneys are quite dense and scrubby and I fear that it will feel too rough compared to the only other brush I've ever used (EJ Super medium - apparently a very soft, floppy brush).

You could alternate between the two ... lather the Rooney in your hand for 30 days, but use the EJ to shave with. Try shaving with the Rooney once a week or so until it reaches the softness that you're looking for, then you can put the EJ away.

 

[Thebigspendur]

I don't know. I have several brushes including a Rooney Finest and I have never had to break-in any brush and the performance never changed with use.

 

[dpmtherrien]

I don't think a breakin period is needed. I have several brushes and all have worked good right from the start. If its an odor problem, I'll just use shampoo and conditioner a couple of times to get rid of the odor. Then I like Proraso soad or cream, after a couple of shaves the smell is gone.

 

[blantyre]

Enjoy the process - it may take a couple of dozen shaves before it starts to stabilize. All the more fun - you get two brushes for the price of one. A pre-wash in conditioner helps to get the "new car" smell out of the way.

 

[Bertilak]

My favorite brush was a Rooney 1/2. It did take a wile to reach "maturity" but it was very usable from day one.

I say "was" because I sold it and am waiting for my 1/1 to show up so will be going through the break-in process again. I am not bothered or concerned by that. To paraphrase Nike, I will "just use it".

 

[jl.]

Good advice gents, I guess I'm just too impatient!

My brush has finally arrived but they sent me the 2/1 instead of the 1/1/ though I think I'm inclined to keep it as the handle is such a nice shape.