using an old boar brush

[benvh]

I just got an old 40's boar brush (Peerless) off the bay...never used still in the box. I've been wanting to try out a boar brush with shaving soap and was wondering if there were any drawbacks to using that brush...would the hairs be damaged from age, etc. I was planning on replacing the knot, maybe I'll replace with a boar knot to keep it "extra" vintage.

FYI I just started wetshaving with a DE Merkur and so far have gotten great results with a badger brush and cream, but less so with the soap. Wanted to give a boar brush a try for both the experience of trying boar and also to see if I see an improvement in making lather with soap.

Ben

 

[Luc]

I don't see why not. Do you have any pictures? If you think it's worth being used, try it.

 

[Nadir M]

I recently bought a vintage badger brush, and the bristles did seem brittle to me at first. So I decided to take some of the wife's conditioner, and gave it a good conditioning. The bristles felt a little softer after, but the only thing that got the brush to feel like normal again...Simply breaking it in with different soaps and creams. Even though it's a boar brush, I think this may work for you. If you decide to get the brush restored, even better. Either way though, let us know what you decide to do with the brush.

 

[luvmysuper]

It's there begging to be used for shaving. Give it a go.
If after a week or so you find the hairs are breaking or falling out, no foul no loss, you can have it re-knotted.
Be a shame to re-knot it if it turns out to be in great shape and a real lather maker though, wouldn't it?

 

[benvh]

Sounds like a plan to me. I'll give it a go and let you all know what happens.
Ben