With synthetics I would expect one (1) would be sufficient as it is not critical for brush health to dry between uses, but for badger and daily use it would seem at least two (2) are needed if using a small knot and in a relatively dry climate. (My 22mm knot brush takes 24 hours to dry, if not more sometimes.) If using bigger knots and/or in a humid climate I suspect the minimum number to go [way] up. Sound about right?
Minimum Number of Brushes?
- Thread starter electrum
- Start date
That sounds about right if you want your natural bristle brush to dry completely between shaves, though I'm also pretty sure many of our dads and grandads (and their dads) used the same, single brush to shave every day.
You only NEED one brush, regardless of hair type.
Dry it out thoroughly. Squeeze base of knot to get water out, flick to get water out, towel lather, place on shelf.
Dry it out thoroughly. Squeeze base of knot to get water out, flick to get water out, towel lather, place on shelf.
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I need folks to start stating much higher numbers before I can show the thread to my wife. 
Exactly… the minimum is way less than I have…I need folks to start stating much higher numbers before I can show the thread to my wife.
At least 25.
I'd say half a dozen would be about right. Maybe ten. Variety is fun.
I have found the number to be 12.
At least one more.
Just pretend and convince yourself and SWMBO that brush needs 2 weeks to dry.
That way you could get more brushes.
That way you could get more brushes.
I've got 4 and I'm on the hunt for the next 4
I like this answer, but I think it might be excessive. I suspect 20 is the appropriate number, and would be willing to settle for 18 - although that might leave a sad longing in the soul of a true disciple.
But I'd be willing to listen to the proposition that two brushes that you truly love might be enough. But the handle, loft, backbone and feel of the tips would have to be perfect. Short of perfect and you're still shopping.
I have 6 on the go at any one time. 1 boar and 5 badger friends. To my reckoning, that means you need at least 12 - a line of reserves in the event of an event.
Doesn't matter how many you get after the first one, they'll multiply on their own after that.
I ended up with 23 brushes within a few months of joining B&B. I've whittled that down to 5 badger brushes for soap lathering and 3 badgers for Pre-shave application. I do have 4 Zenith boar brushes in reserve for DecemBOAR month, though towards the end of December, I'm anxious to get back to my badgers.
My wife uses 2 of the 3 synths I had remaining.... the last synth went to @Eric_75 : the Omega Evo Original with a Sapphire blue handle.... It was my personal choice out of the three but my wife preferred the Rudy Vey handle Amboyna Burl STF 25mm and a FB buy from Alpha Shaving with a blue aluminum handle and G5 "D" knot.
That gives me a total of 12.... In some religions, 12 is a significant number.... In brushes... It teeters on the edge of "just about right" for me. I've seen some very large brush collections here on B&B and on YouTube videos... "Very" large... and I've read posts here where people love having just one brush... "Enough" is a personal thing. <eg>
My wife uses 2 of the 3 synths I had remaining.... the last synth went to @Eric_75 : the Omega Evo Original with a Sapphire blue handle.... It was my personal choice out of the three but my wife preferred the Rudy Vey handle Amboyna Burl STF 25mm and a FB buy from Alpha Shaving with a blue aluminum handle and G5 "D" knot.
That gives me a total of 12.... In some religions, 12 is a significant number.... In brushes... It teeters on the edge of "just about right" for me. I've seen some very large brush collections here on B&B and on YouTube videos... "Very" large... and I've read posts here where people love having just one brush... "Enough" is a personal thing. <eg>
It might be my favorite brush but...<eg>
Could always go with the hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy answer and say 42
