Proper brush use and care
- Thread starter Kwikrp
- Start date
Circular motions are fine , but not alot of pressure . Let the tips of the brush do the work..
This issue has been coming up a lot lately. Search some of the other threads here and you will see. The general consensus seems to be that although logical there is not a ton of hard evidence that circles destroy brushes. In some cases the knot may be poorly made or the hair from a badger afraid if circles but there does not seem to be any consistency to the issue. What I will say from buying many vintage brushes for the handles I often see the center of the knot week or gone altogether. This seems to stem from forcing the brush down and crushing the bristles. This I can say is a real issue and you should be gentle in this regard . however if you enjoy circles go wild. As some have said a brush is a tool if it wares out and needs to be replaced then so be it. Keeping in mind being gentle will extend the life of anything brushes included.
Regards
Dave
Regards
Dave
I have been using a boar brush for face lathering for almost 30 years. I enjoy circular motion to build up lather and cannot imagine painting motion doing the same. I also apply pressure to crash my Omega 49. Yes, brushes lose mostly center bristles. So what? I'll replace a brush in 10 years. I have a lifetime supply of brushes if not more.
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I like lather so I use circular motion. Gotta agree with the other gents here. That seems like its ill researched. Could be simply company promotional message without much validity.
Hypothetically speaking. I'm certain that actual badgers and boars both, would enjoy swirling around in shave products and/or the whiskers on my face.
If you want ultimate brush longevity, this prohibition on circular strokes is sound advice. It comes from the preeminent Simpsons brushmaker of the family era, Stan Archer, and was oft-repeated by David Carter of pre-Vulfix Simpsons. I'm not sure if Mark Watterson or Gary Young could give any hard evidence either, but I doubt they would disagree. Mr. Archer's point was that it is the twisting of the hair strands against each other that was particularly rough on the hairs and knot. I would suggest this is even more critical in high-lofted brushes. Gently combing out your brushes may help realign the strands and keep them from being chronically twisted.
I have found the Mike's Natural soap tins to be awesome for loading a brush using painting strokes. No need for circles with the nice wide, flat cake.
I have found the Mike's Natural soap tins to be awesome for loading a brush using painting strokes. No need for circles with the nice wide, flat cake.
What he said--great tins and soap, however I still circle when I load, circle when I lather, and most importantly gently circle on my palm when I rinse out my brush. Gentle pressure. I'm amazed how well my brushes last and how restrained (in a good way) the bloom has been over the years. I attribute this to decent brushes, gentle but thorough rinsing and a complete drying on a sill by an open window--every time I shave. Paint brush strokes? Meh...
I wonder if we are not over thinking things.......
Its a brush, brushes brush, its what they do best.
Its a brush, brushes brush, its what they do best.
As others have posted in other threads, a shaving brush is a tool, and even the best tools do eventually wear out. A brush will last forever if you don't use it at all. btw, here's an interview (link below) with the head guy at Thater brushes, whose recommendation is against mashing the brush (at least Thater brushes) when loading or lathering. His point is twofold: that mashing is less effective in creating/applying lather than applying firm but non-mashing pressure, and that mashing damages the knot by concentrating soap/cream residue in it. And he also cautions against super hot water.
http://www.straightrazormagazine.com/2013/05/interview-with-harald-schuldes-ceo-at.html
http://www.straightrazormagazine.com/2013/05/interview-with-harald-schuldes-ceo-at.html
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Meh. As I read in this forum one time, "it's a brush, not a Rembrandt". That seemed like a good perspective. Probably don't mash the brush into your face. Rinse it after each use. It will last for years. No matter what you do, it won't last forever.
Kent also recommend against circular motions.
OP It's your brush, do what you want; you can always buy another.
As long as you don't mash it, and give it the B&B recommended clean every now and again, you should alright.
Seriously...Circular motions are half the enjoyment of face lathering!
+1 On Mike's Wide Mouth Tins...Awesome for brush loading!
+1 On Mike's Wide Mouth Tins...Awesome for brush loading!
its a load of crap - circles/painting, whatever works - use it.
