Is there such a thing as breaking in a new brush?

[Easttexasman]

I just got a new Dan Capshaw brush and man is this thing dense so much so I am having trouble using it.What I wanted to know is will it loosen up or am I supposed to do anything to break it in besides just using it.These pics were took when I opened the box.The other brush is my Thater.

Paul

 

[theperfectstorm]

Just use it, man. Grind hell out of some hard soaps for a week or two and it will break-in. The denser the knot the longer it takes to get right. Rooney's are legendary for needing break-in time.

 

[Luc]

Yes!

Using it is the best way... Ambrose did a good thread about that: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=139297

 

[Easttexasman]

I will have it soaking tonight.

 

[scoopster]

I found some of my more densly packed Simpsons took a few weeks to break in. It's a fun process to see where a brush ends up. After an extended period of use (like a year) the tips become softer.

 

[solar]

All of my brushes have softened over time, so I guess that's a breaking-in

 

[Loric]

Yep brushes take a while to break in.

That brush is gorgeous, what size is that knot? What kind of wood is it? It looks like a nice large size.

 

[ssultan]

Beautiful brush...should break-in/bloom nicely. Try ambrose's approach...it's pretty gentle on the brush. I've also tried a good quality hair-conditioner after a deep soak...works fine to soften/bloom a new brush. Regular use will take care of the rest.

 

[Easttexasman]

It is a 28mm knot,58mm loft and 120mm tall and the wood is Camphor Burl.It does look good.It sucks up all of the cream when I make lather.

Paul

 

[ssultan]

That's a huge knot, same size as my Chubby 2...it DOES suck in the cream...you'll also realize you have to use more of it...and also make sure you give the brush a long soak before using. I've been in love with mine ever since I got it...mine I believe is set at around a 55mm loft. I believe the trick here is to use it regularly Paul...and post some pictures once it blooms.

 

[Slash McCoy]

I don't do much of anything special to break my new brushes, as long as they don't smell like a wet, dead badger or a wet, dead boar. (Badgers are more likely to have an odor than boar.) I just use them normally.

 

[huntmol]

Some dense brushes can take up to a month to break in properly - just keep using it, that brush will only get better! :thumbpup:

 

[Elecid]

(Badgers are more likely to have an odor than boar.)

My Omega Boar 10098 stunk to high heaven until I soaked it in soap, lathered it up, and let it sit overnight. Before that, I found it hard to use because of the stench.

My badger, not so much. Then again, I'm not buying all the expensive badger brushes most of you folks have. Who knows where your white collar badgers have been

 

[andrew98]

Also, that densely packed brush will require the use of more soap/cream than you're used to, in order to get an acceptable amount of lather. Where did you get your Thater Brush, Paul. I really like that handle. Is it Pure grade hair?

-Andy

 

[Easttexasman]

This morning the brush was alot easier to use and it was softer.It made the best lather I have ever gotten out of C.O Bigelow.It is soaking again today in lather.

 

[Leon]

Dense boar brushes need a specially long breaking in phase.
They'll become softer with use and will generate more lather.

 

[Easttexasman]

Also, that densely packed brush will require the use of more soap/cream than you're used to, in order to get an acceptable amount of lather. Where did you get your Thater Brush, Paul. I really like that handle. Is it Pure grade hair?

-Andy

I got the Thater at http://www.straightrazordesigns.com and it is the least expensive of the Thaters pure grade but it is a good brush and very soft