Soaking the Brush. . .

[Darkbulb]

I'm getting an Cherry Wood handle boar brush soon in the mail and it will be my first 'nice' brush I've bought so I want to make sure I 'treat it right' so that it will treat ME well

Q1) When I pre-soak the brush for 5 mins or so how far into the water should I have the bristles?
I've heard somewhere that it's a good idea to leave about an inch of the base of the brush out of the water as that will keep the base more firm.
Is that a solid recommendation and if so does it apply to both boar and badger brushes?

I've also seen the complete opposite where people let the entire brush literally swim around in some water.

Q2) If I soak the entire brush/bristles will I end up damaging the bristles and/or the cherry wood handle?

Example of 'leaving a bit of the bristles out of the water':

 

[Badger Bill]

What you are doing in your picture looks just right to me. I'd try to avoid having a wood handle completely submerged if possible, although assuming it is sealed properly, even if it does get submerged for a short time it shouldn't be that big of a deal.
I think the key here is to soak it for no longer than you need. Definitely not more than 5 minutes. Perhaps less, depending on the brush.
Of course, also be sure to allow the brush to dry COMPLETELY. Definitely do not keep it in a location that prevents adequate air flow.

- Badger Bill

 

[Galactimax]

I'm not sure if it matters but I actually just run the bristles under water for a few seconds making sure they're nice and wet then let the brush sit tips up while I shower and shake out the excess when I get out and am ready to start lathering. I've noticed no difference between soaking my boars this way versus when I used to leave them in a bowl of water while I showered.

 

[Doryferon]

If you want to protect your handle just put the brush under the water of your sink
As it falls calmly from the faucet work with your finger the knot so the handle will stay almost dry.
If you feel that your handle has no problem (an acrylic for example) do what you done in the photo
No problem at all.
There is no need the water to be boiled,lately i soak my brushes in cool water.

 

[NSmalls]

When I had an SOC I soaked the entire length of the bristles. Just don't soak the handle and you should be fine.

 

[Westaway]

Think of the Boar Bristle as a sponge. You don't have to submerge most of the knot for it to absorb plenty of water. Just stand the brush up in your water soak so that the water level is well away from the handle. Just over halfway should be plenty. I would keep a wooden handle as dry as possible regardless of the "waterproofing" finish that it has had applied. If I didn't finish the brush handle myself, I would always wonder about the finish of the knot cavity that was drilled out where the bristle is glue/fixed to the handle. There will be moisture there if it is used to lather with.