Restore or retire?

[Craig9802]

I recently picked up Dad's and Grandpa's old brushes and cups. The brushes include a Stag B1183 and an Ever-Ready 150. The Stag seems in decent shape, though I haven't tested it out yet. The Ever-Ready sheds 6 or 8 bristles every time I look at it, much less handle it or clean it.

I don't recall my Dad ever using any of this stuff - when I was little he was either using an old 2-head Norelco or a Gilette Atra or similar with a can of Foamy. So, I don't have any particular attachment to these things other than knowing they were used by two very special men who are no longer around to talk to about shaving.

I plan to use the Stag as-is as long as it continues to hold up. I'm trying to decide whether to restore the Ever-Ready, possibly with a nice badger knot, knowing I'll be pleased with continuing to put this tool to its intended use.

Any thoughts? Should I put all of this stuff on a shelf and smile at it from time to time, or continue to use it, knowing I might eventually break something or decide to restore it down the road.

I just received my EJ DE89 and other accessories today, so I haven't actually started DE shaving yet. I plan to get up early tomorrow and go for a test drive.

 

[packersfan117]

The Ever-Ready looks like a great candidate for a restore. I personally like restoring old brushes, especially those with sentimental value. Knowing that I'm using something my grandpa used is a cool thing for me. If you do plan on restoring it, thegoldennib.com has knots you can glue in (just make sure to get some really good glue, like 24-hr epoxy). As for the Stag, I'd say wait on deciding on that one until you test it out, maybe it doesn't need redone.

 

[Mark1966]

+1 on restore

 

[superkreep]

Restore all the way mate.

 

[EccentricRuss]

I would use The Stag in its present state, no doubts. If I can use Burma Shave and VDH boar brushes, you can achieve quality results out of the Stag. Ever-Ready is a restore vote from me.

 

[Moondoggie]

I would go with the restore and enjoy the heck out of them! (Once you figure out what you like in a brush...) I only wish I could be lucky enough to have a brush from my dad or grandfather!! Since you are just starting out you could find a cheap brush to learn with and begin to figure out technique and what you like, then customize the brushes to what you like and works for you. I wouldn't rush into anything with those 2 keepsake brushes. There would also be very little chance of anyone ever prying those away from me either!

If you are hesitant to restore because you don't want to do the work yourself or are not sure you want to try it, there are plenty of members here on the forum that do it professionally and come highly recommended. Putting them on a shelf and smiling at them from time to time is better than nothing, but I can't imagine what it would be like to use them every day and know where they came from. I had to buy all of my vintage handles from people I don't know.

Welcome to B&B and have fun! I can't wait to see the future pics of those handles when they are restored!!

 

[California Cajun]

I recently picked up Dad's and Grandpa's old brushes and cups. The brushes include a Stag B1183 and an Ever-Ready 150. The Stag seems in decent shape, though I haven't tested it out yet. The Ever-Ready sheds 6 or 8 bristles every time I look at it, much less handle it or clean it.

I don't recall my Dad ever using any of this stuff - when I was little he was either using an old 2-head Norelco or a Gilette Atra or similar with a can of Foamy. So, I don't have any particular attachment to these things other than knowing they were used by two very special men who are no longer around to talk to about shaving.

I plan to use the Stag as-is as long as it continues to hold up. I'm trying to decide whether to restore the Ever-Ready, possibly with a nice badger knot, knowing I'll be pleased with continuing to put this tool to its intended use.

Any thoughts? Should I put all of this stuff on a shelf and smile at it from time to time, or continue to use it, knowing I might eventually break something or decide to restore it down the road.

I just received my EJ DE89 and other accessories today, so I haven't actually started DE shaving yet. I plan to get up early tomorrow and go for a test drive.

View attachment 329660

I'm for restoration, but first determine what kind of knot you like best. Silvertip badger is the most expensive but it is too soft and mushy for me. My favorite is finest badger because it has some backbone to it and is comfortable on my face.

I'd buy another brush and practice drilling out the old knot and installing a new one before touching the heirlooms.

Optionally, you might contact one of our hobbyists and get them to do the job if you are apprehensive about it. You'd buy the knot and the labor charge would likely be pretty reasonable.

 

[GDCarrington]

Restore.

 

[igasho]

restore all the way! I absolutely KICK myself every time I think about hanging out with my grandpa while he was shaving, he gave me a little gillette travel tech without a razor in it so I could join him, he would lather up my face and I'd shave with him and the reason I kick myself.....I don't have a fricken clue where that razor is......it kills me inside knowing I lost such a meaningful piece of my history.

 

[celestino]

Restore those wonderful brushes!