How do I choose a badger shaving brush?

BADGER HAIR BRISTLES

  1. Pure Badger: The lowest grade, these brushes are made from the most common badger fur and are usually dark in colour.
  2. Best Badger: Finer and lighter in colour, best badger bristles are packed more densely in the knot and will hold more water than a pure badger brush.

Are badger hair brushes cruel?

Boar and badgers, however, are trapped and killed for their pelts. The processing of badgers from China in particular (widely regarded as a pest and trapped under license there)–by far the primary source of badger hair for shave brushes–have come under criticism for years as unnecessarily cruel.

Why is badger hair used for shaving brushes?

The benefits of using a Badger hair shaving brush in general are that it works your preferred shaving cream or soap into a rich lather & holds moisture & heat superbly during the shave. Due to the slightly coarse nature of badger hair, badger shaving brushes can also act as a mild exfoliator.

Where does badger hair for brushes come from?

Badger hair is imported mostly from China China is the source of the vast majority of badger hair used in shaving brushes. It has been claimed that the badger was hunted primarily for its meat, the hair was a by-product of an animal which was an important source of food.

How long should a badger shaving brush last?

ten to fifteen years
Badger hair is often preferred for wet shaving because it absorbs water, is soft and durable, and it lathers well. Looking after badger brushes properly is important to ensure that they last a long time. Being a natural product, with loving care, a badger shaving brush should last ten to fifteen years.

Do you need to soak a badger brush?

Badger brushes show the biggest improvement, but even if boar and synthetic brushes don’t absorb water as well as badger brushes, soaking them in hot water will still help. There’s really no harm in at least getting the bristles hot and wet before lathering, no matter what type of brush you are using.

How long do badger brushes last?

Are synthetic brushes better than badger?

The quality of lather that a synthetic can produce is very fine and rich, giving that smooth and easy feel while shaving. They last longer. Synthetic brushes do very well in just about any environment with less care. A badger brush, meanwhile, will easily give way to damage especially the silver tip ones.

How do you get rid of badger brush smell?

If the brush has a strong odor that will not go away, you can soak it in a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of either Borax soap or vinegar. Allow the brush to soak in the solution for a minute or two, rinse thoroughly, and then allow it to dry.