Why does my brush look like this?

[Emanon]

I have been using this brush for about 5 years but it has looked like this for quite some time now. Is this normal and due to age? I only recently, after attempting to switch to soap, thought this might be holding me back from a good/better lather.
For a couple of years it has had this cup shape to it in the center of the brush. Like it wore out. At first I thought it was because I rub it on a towel to dry it but I have read many posts here of shavers doing just that. Maybe I'm just to aggressive a shaver all around.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mbqyf53scuh7jje/207.JPG

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5p8lsivdpja89zt/208.JPG

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xkdhyrrt085hp50/209.JPG

 

[Mick]

That type of damage is typically caused by using too much pressure. When applying lather you should "paint" back and forth on your face to deposit lather, not scrub it around.

Escali/tweezerman brushes are not built to high standards. It should not look like that in 5 years but at 5 years of use it is ending the last roundup.

Time for a replacement.

 

[Wingnut]

Hi Emanon! First, welcome to B&B!

From your pictures, it sure looks like you're being aggressive with pushing that brush into something--either your face, your lather bowl, or the puck of soap.

I'm not familiar with the brush from what I can see--what brand is it?

I ask because often less expensive brushes are not generally packed very densely and, in an effort to get them to load or lather well, shavers will "pump" the brush while loading or lathering. Do you do this? If so, you might want to back off a bit and/or consider a denser or stiffer brush. If not, then it may just be that the brush is not the greatest quality and is wearing out faster than average.

When you get a chance, please head over to our Hall of Fame and tell us all a bit more about yourself. There are links in my signature to areas of B&B of special interest to beginning shavers--perhaps you might like to have a look at them. If you ever have questions or run into problems, don't hesitate to post them up. We're a welcoming and friendly group here, and there's always someone around to offer advice or lend a hand.

Enjoy your time here, happy shaving, and once again, WELCOME!!

 

[Sir Lurkalot]

Time for a newer, denser brush.

 

[inspiringK]

It does look like you are using too much pressure, but it may also just be the brush. You don't typically have to be too gentle with better quality brushes.

Overall, I would say that it is time for a new brush

 

[Emanon]

Thanks for the replies. It's a Tweezermans. It was my starter brush and I just kept it. I have a few hobbies and things tend to get expensive so I have to cut somewhere.


I do press it to my face. Kind of "splayed." I hold it by the not and swirl in circles with the hair splayed. I was face lathering for a long while and then switched to hand also for a long while. I've only used it twice on soap since starting with soaps last week. I may have to break down and buy a new one, but now that I am using soap I was looking at a boar. Like a Semogue 1305 or something. I like to feel a little brushing on my face. Nothing too soft...I'm aggressive and I like the feel of aggressive. Well...not too aggressive.

I guess I have been too rough with it. For a time I thought it may have been from leaving it in the sink with the faucet running (forcefully) down the center of it to clean it after shaving.

Thanks

 

[Gabacho]

I like the feel of the brush on my face and head, so I really give it a nice scrubbing with the brush! Been using the same "cheap" badger brush for years so YMMV!

 

[Jut]

replace it with a semogue boar. these are quality, affordable brushes, and once broke in (it takes a couple weeks) you will have yourself a brush that you should be able to use for years to come.

 

[sdekuyper]

I had the same thing happen with a Geo F. Trumper super badger, so I am not sure it has to do with the quality. I think I know what the problem was with mine, so I ask you this question - do you use a stand to let your brush dry after using your or do you let it dry standing up right? I am pretty confident it makes a difference.

 

[Emanon]

I had the same thing happen with a Geo F. Trumper super badger, so I am not sure it has to do with the quality. I think I know what the problem was with mine, so I ask you this question - do you use a stand to let your brush dry after using your or do you let it dry standing up right? I am pretty confident it makes a difference.

I stand it upright (brush up) on top of the medicine cabinet. Gravity?

 

[ackvil]

[FONT=Verdana, serif]Your brush may be able to be saved. Try washing the brush as follows.

First, wet the brushes and take a bit of liquid dishwashing soap and applyit to the wet brush. Gently massage the brush and then rinse outunder warm water. Apply a tiny bit of hair conditioner to the brushand then take the brush and soak in plain warm water for a fewminutes gently pumping it up and down to get our more of thedishwashing soap. Then soak the brushes in a solution I of about anounce of white vinegar, a squirt of glycerin, and warm water againgently pumping the brush up and down in the solution. Another rinse,shake, gently rub the brush around a soft towel and let dry. When it is dry take a comb and run it through (gently) the bristle. Often this procedure will give new life to a brush.[/FONT]

 

[Mick]

Thanks for the replies. It's a Tweezermans. It was my starter brush and I just kept it. I have a few hobbies and things tend to get expensive so I have to cut somewhere.


I do press it to my face. Kind of "splayed." I hold it by the not and swirl in circles with the hair splayed. I was face lathering for a long while and then switched to hand also for a long while. I've only used it twice on soap since starting with soaps last week. I may have to break down and buy a new one, but now that I am using soap I was looking at a boar. Like a Semogue 1305 or something. I like to feel a little brushing on my face. Nothing too soft...I'm aggressive and I like the feel of aggressive. Well...not too aggressive.

I guess I have been too rough with it. For a time I thought it may have been from leaving it in the sink with the faucet running (forcefully) down the center of it to clean it after shaving.

Thanks

Look on the bright side. You learned what not to do on an inexpensive brush. You would have been able to see the tears of your fellow B&B members through your monitor if you had posted a pic of a vintage Simpsons or Rooney in the same condition.

 

[inspiringK]

I had the same thing happen with a Geo F. Trumper super badger, so I am not sure it has to do with the quality. I think I know what the problem was with mine, so I ask you this question - do you use a stand to let your brush dry after using your or do you let it dry standing up right? I am pretty confident it makes a difference.

This comes up from time to time. There are a good group of us who have brushes both hanging and standing upright to dry. It has never been clear that one technique is in any way better than the other for the brush. Really just whatever you prefer.

Thanks for the replies. It's a Tweezermans. It was my starter brush and I just kept it. I have a few hobbies and things tend to get expensive so I have to cut somewhere.


I do press it to my face. Kind of "splayed." I hold it by the not and swirl in circles with the hair splayed. I was face lathering for a long while and then switched to hand also for a long while. I've only used it twice on soap since starting with soaps last week. I may have to break down and buy a new one, but now that I am using soap I was looking at a boar. Like a Semogue 1305 or something. I like to feel a little brushing on my face. Nothing too soft...I'm aggressive and I like the feel of aggressive. Well...not too aggressive.

As far as hobbies go, this one can be relatively easy on the wallet (at least compared to golf, cars, skiing, racing, etc.). Semogue does sound like a good fix, but the 1305 may not be perfect for your needs. It is a softer boar with a fairly high loft (so it can tend to feel floppy) which is not ideal for face lathering and scrub. Maybe something like the Semogue 620 would suit your needs better.

 

[Emanon]

As far as hobbies go, this one can be relatively easy on the wallet (at least compared to golf, cars, skiing, racing, etc.). Semogue does sound like a good fix, but the 1305 may not be perfect for your needs. It is a softer boar with a fairly high loft (so it can tend to feel floppy) which is not ideal for face lathering and scrub. Maybe something like the Semogue 620 would suit your needs better.

I looked at the 1305 because it was longer and I thought it would be better for use in a bowl which is what I use. I did face lather for awhile but that was more due to rushing. I am now back to bowl and brush. Sort of half mug half bowl. So I figured I'd go for length. I had first looked at the 830. The floppiness is a good point I hadn't considered.I'll have to do a recheck.
Thanks

 

[Wingnut]

Yeah--I'd say that, given your technique, you're jonesin' for a brush with more backbone. Give a Semogue or Omega boar a try.

 

[Emanon]

Your brush may be able to be saved. Try washing the brush as follows.

First, wet the brushes and take a bit of liquid dishwashing soap and applyit to the wet brush. Gently massage the brush and then rinse outunder warm water. Apply a tiny bit of hair conditioner to the brushand then take the brush and soak in plain warm water for a fewminutes gently pumping it up and down to get our more of thedishwashing soap. Then soak the brushes in a solution I of about anounce of white vinegar, a squirt of glycerin, and warm water againgently pumping the brush up and down in the solution. Another rinse,shake, gently rub the brush around a soft towel and let dry. When it is dry take a comb and run it through (gently) the bristle. Often this procedure will give new life to a brush.

After closely inspecting the brush today I am not sure that will work. It may refurbish the remaining hairs but the center of the brush is just plain worn away. Those hairs are gone!! Short hairs so to speak. Thanks though. That is useful cleaning info.

 

[Absolute Mustard]

5 years on a Tweezerman is impressive

 

[SteveWY]

It looks like a Tweezerman or Escali to me. Not bad for the price but not made to the quality of others. I wouldn't invest anything in trying to refurbish it. Use it as a travel brush or toss it and get a new brush. If you use hard soaps, try a good boar like Omega or Semogue.

 

[edgerunner]

If you don't care about your brushes, keep doing what you do, they're just tools and replaceable. If you care to extend the life of your brush, change the way you use it.

http://www.shaving101.com/index.php...rush-damage-and-maximize-your-investment.html

 

[ackvil]

After closely inspecting the brush today I am not sure that will work. It may refurbish the remaining hairs but the center of the brush is just plain worn away. Those hairs are gone!! Short hairs so to speak. Thanks though. That is useful cleaning info.

I didn't realize the middle section has gone. Well, the good news is that you are in the market for a new, better brush.