My badger isn't drying out...

[KingSlug]

My Simpson Major Turnback Best Badger brush isn't drying out between uses. After I finish shaving I shake the heck out of it, but I guess the Hawaiian trade winds aren't drying it out enough. Should I be concerned? Mold and other funk are common here in windward Hawaii. Any solutions? Is it ok to give a badger a blow dry?

KingSlug

 

[rtaylor61]

KingSlug (do you have a first name?),

I use a blow dryer on my brushes. Let me explain my drying technique. After rinsing out the brush, I shake it until I no longer feel water "flying" off of the brush. Then, I gently wrap it in a washcloth, and lightly compress the cloth on the bristles. Finally, I use my blow dryer, on a cool setting, on the brush for one minute. Seldom longer. Now, I generally do not use the same brush 2days in a row, which gives the brush more time to air dry. Try that method, or, buy another brush. What better reason to buy a brush than to protect the investment of the first brush?

Randy

 

[Suzuki]

I have the same problem, which I solved by buying multiple brushes!

I find that my pure badger brushes dry much more quickly than my silvertip - which makes sense given that the silvertip holds much more water.

 

[thestubblefactory]

I have the same problem, which I solved by buying multiple brushes!

I find that my pure badger brushes dry much more quickly than my silvertip - which makes sense given that the silvertip holds much more water.

I second this. This is the primary practical reason to have at least 2 brushes. If you are hanging this Simpson upside down you may try uprighting it to help it dry faster after it has hung for a few hours or even a day. Simpson knots are tight enough that they usually prevent water drops from going below the knot. I myself would be wary of a blow dryer.

 

[rtaylor61]

I second this. This is the primary practical reason to have at least 2 brushes. If you are hanging this Simpson upside down you may try uprighting it to help it dry faster after it has hung for a few hours or even a day. Simpson knots are tight enough that they usually prevent water drops from going below the knot. I myself would be wary of a blow dryer.

Just remember, you have to use the "cool" setting. Air in motion will help the brush to dry quicker. It doesn't have to be hot air.

Randy

 

[htownmmm]

after shaking out the water, blot brush on a towel, hang to dry and finally:

GIVE IN TO THE BAD, resistance is futile!


Marty

 

[KingSlug]

Thanks for the replies.

I talked to my pop last night and he said not to worry so much about it drying out completely if I keep it clean. He suggested after I was done shaving and rinsed the brush to rinse it a final solution of borax disolved in water the shake out and put it away. Apparently the borax is an anti-fungal and anti-mold. He said some Master Gunnery Sgt in the USMC taught him this in Vietnam; apparently washing and final rinse for your clothes, body and even shave brush with weak solution of borax will keep you mold/fungal free.

I looked it up on the net and borax is a good anti-fugal/mold treatment for water damaged wood, a treatment for termites, poison for ants and other critters but is non-toxic to humans.

I only have 2 shave brushes: a Simpson turnback and a Vulfix turnback. I guess I will break the Vulfix out of my hygiene kit. Normally I let the brushes dry knot up, I have used a cool blowdrier when on the road when I had to put my shave brush in my kit directly. I guess I will breakout the borax.

Thanks again.

KingSlug

 

[bearbeard]

I spread my fingers out like I am showing the number 4 to myself and then I flick the brush back and forth across the fingers. It seems to help get quite a bit more water out. (works well for paint brushes as well)

 

[yomuppet]

In humid climates, a *gasp* synthetic such as the Men-u or Omega might be something to try (I use mine on and off, it's different than the badger, much more 'targeted' rather than 'all over the face' if you will).

J

 

[thestubblefactory]

Just remember, you have to use the "cool" setting. Air in motion will help the brush to dry quicker. It doesn't have to be hot air.

Randy

good point

 

[rtaylor61]

When I first started using a brush, I would read on the forums where gents would buff the brush on a towel to speed up the drying process. I figured if buffing the brush on a towel would not hurt it, then using the cool setting with the hair dryer could do no harm. Well over a year later, and I see no damage, and my brushes aren't shedding.

Randy

 

[Hammond_B-3]

Having two brushes & alternating 'em between shaves makes perfect sense, which (happily) justifies yet another brush purchase.

Ain't it great?!??

Only WHICH one...?

-Clive

 

[rtaylor61]

Having two brushes & alternating 'em between shaves makes perfect sense, which (happily) justifies yet another brush purchase.

Ain't it great?!??

Only WHICH one...?

-Clive

What do you mean "which ONE?"

Randy

 

[thestubblefactory]

Having two brushes & alternating 'em between shaves makes perfect sense, which (happily) justifies yet another brush purchase.

Ain't it great?!??

Only WHICH one...?

-Clive

Then you feel brush # 1 and think, "you know, this is still a wee bit damp- I must buy a third brush" and so it goes...