Is this normal for a genuine horn handle??

[Timmy!]

Hey guys! I figure I would ask the experts on this. I just picked up a genuine horn handled brush. It appears there are cracks at the bottom of the handle. Is this a normal imperfection in the handle or do I have a cracked handle? Thanks for reading and responding!

 

[Loric]

Many horn handles have stress marks on them, but that looks worse than I have seen before. Can you feel a crack?

 

[spindlecone]

Those are the growth rings of the horn, clean them out with toothbrush and dishsoap.
When dry seal them with CA glue, will be good as new

 

[life2short1971]

Its character

 

[Timmy!]

Many horn handles have stress marks on them, but that looks worse than I have seen before. Can you feel a crack?

Yeah, it's not as pronounced as you would think, but you can definitely feel them. I haven't used the brush as of yet. I am waiting to hear back from the manufacturer before use. It didn't look normal to me, but I figured I would ask those with more experience. Thank you for the responses so far! What would I seal this with if they are "normal"?

 

[Timmy!]

Yeah, it's not as pronounced as you would think, but you can definitely feel them. I haven't used the brush as of yet. I am waiting to hear back from the manufacturer before use. It didn't look normal to me, but I figured I would ask those with more experience. Thank you for the responses so far! What would I seal this with if they are "normal"?

Ah! Nevermind on the sealer. I just read above! Thanks!

 

[Loric]

What would I seal this with if they are "normal"?

Here is a picture of a horn brush handle that has normal stress marks no it. Note he white lines on it that look not unlike the marks on your fingernails when you dont get enough iron (or something) in your diet. I could not find a good pic of them on the end, but this is the kind of mark I was referring to.

View attachment 126807

 

[Timmy!]

Here is a picture of a horn brush handle that has normal stress marks no it. Note he white lines on it that look not unlike the marks on your fingernails when you dont get enough iron (or something) in your diet. I could not find a good pic of them on the end, but this is the kind of mark I was referring to.

View attachment 126807

I see! I can definitely see the difference. You stress marks are definitely finer than mine. Hmmmmmmmm. Thank you!

 

[Rudy Vey]

Made my share of horn handled brushes, many show something that we would call "crack", but they are pretty solid and holding up very well. One tip I want to add is that a horn brush needs some moisturizing from time to time. "Neats Foot" oil is what is recommended mostly. Just as your skin and fingernails, the natural oils in the horn will be depleted by the creams and soap we are using for shaving - just replenish them and the brush should hold up well.

 

[Timmy!]

Made my share of horn handled brushes, many show something that we would call "crack", but they are pretty solid and holding up very well. One tip I want to add is that a horn brush needs some moisturizing from time to time. "Neats Foot" oil is what is recommended mostly. Just as your skin and fingernails, the natural oils in the horn will be depleted by the creams and soap we are using for shaving - just replenish them and the brush should hold up well.[/QUOTE

Thanks for the suggestion, Rudy! I suppose I will draw my conclusion that this is indeed normal, though, I will keep my eye out on this post to see if there are more opinions. Thanks again, everyone!

 

[Nightbreed]

Yes it's normal.

 

[Timmy!]

Yes it's normal.

Thank you! Just paranoid. I spent a good chunk of money on this brush. I definitely was expecting a flawless product.

 

[bandg]

Normal. The difference between natural and manufactured products.

 

[Timmy!]

Normal. The difference between natural and manufactured products.

Wonderful! I suppose it's nice seeing that it isn't noticeable when its dangling from my brush stand. Thank you for your feedback. Phew!