World’s first living shaving brush!
As unbelievable as it sounds an amazing observation by scientists at the World Hair Anagen Cycle Centre (WHACC) has led to the world’s first “living” shaving brush. “It’s a true phenomenon! We noticed that moulting hair from badgers, although separated from the badger itself, continued with the growth cycle” said a spokesman for the centre. Following a rigorous testing phase, scientists were able to harness this unique growth of badger bristle and apply it to a series of products to showcase the phenomena and it’s potential uses to the world.
“A couple of us are into traditional shaving using badger hair shaving brushes so we thought we’d have a bit of fun. We planted the bristles into a standard plastic handle, using a mix of resin and a unique formula agar jelly to hold them in place” said Professor Ed Brag.
The following pictures show the amazing 6 week growth experienced by the prototype shaving brush.
A clear 10mm growth in Badger Bristle Length (BBL) is shown, with the Badger Density Index (BDI) increasing proportionately with BBL. The scientists also noted that the bristle appears to mimic a badger’s natural hair growth cycle. “The initial growth period has been shown to be the most productive but growth slows down once it has reached the typical length for the hair if it was still growing on the badger’s body. After more testing we’ve found that because badgers do not hibernate, the bristle on the brush grows longer and thicker in the winter months” said Professor Brag.
Some have questioned the point of such a prototype. Brag goes on to state that “badger hair shaving brushes are still widely used and we believe there is a marketplace for this type of brush -who wouldn’t want a marvel of science sitting on their bathroom shelf that they can use daily? Should this go to full scale production it would in essence be a living shaving brush!”
When asked what maintenance would be needed on such a brush if it ever made it to market, project leader Dr Cam Tin said “…a yearly trim should be sufficient to keep your living badger brush in tip top shape” .
We’ll have more news on this soon..
Ask Aaron Q/A: Badger Shaving Brush Hair Grades
Aaron answers a question about the various badger hair grades
Bill Scott, from UK, asks:
“I currently use a shaving brush which is suffering from pattern baldness and definitely needs replacing. I had no idea that I would be faced with so much choice. From what I have gleaned so far it would appear silver tipped are the very best as they seem to be the most expensive. Am I correct? Your Taylor range of brushes makes no mention of the type of bristles used. Can you explain therefore what the difference in quality is between cheapest and most expensive? I look forward to hearing from you Bill.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Scott,
Thank you for a great question!! Choosing a new shave brush (I love your description of yours suffering from male pattern baldness!) can be daunting if you are not familiar with the various terms and details. One of the most confusing, as you have pointed out is the names and types of grades of hair used in brushes. For badger hair the general labeling is this from base to highest grade: Pure, Best, Finest, Silvertip. Now the caveat being that this is not set in stone and there is no standard, however the majority of manufacturers will follow these gradations. Describing all distinct differences between each grade is a long post all in itself, but hopefully these grades will give you a good idea of what you want. The best way to go about choosing a brush is to decide on your budget, and buy the best brush your budget will allow. The higher quality the brush, the better it will lather and the longer it will last with good care. Thanks for the question and smooth shaving!
Aaron”
How to select the right grade of badger brush (Part 1)
How to select the right grade of badger brush (Part 2)
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger?
CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Shaving Shack now stocking luxury Plisson shaving brushes
The Shaving Shack is delighted to announce that we are now stocking the luxury range of Plisson badger hair shaving brushes.
The highlight of this premium collection is the beautifully crafted Horn Handle Pure White High Mountain Badger Brush.
Made of genuine horn and the finest rare badger hair - this hand made brush really is the ultimate in French luxury.
The High Mountain White is characterised by its softness and its extreme resistance. The genuine horn handle is made to the very highest of standards, giving it a perfect weight and aesthetic quality.
Priced at £229.99, this brush does not come cheap but it would certainly add some class to your bathroom cabinet.
If you fancy something a little less pricey, then why not go for this Black Handle Grey European Badger Shaving Brush.
With a price tag of £99,99, this is the cheapest brush in the iconic Plission collection.
We also have two other luxurious badger hair shaving brushes in the Plisson range, the Black Handle European White Badger Brush and the Burled Walnut Handle European White Badger Brush.
“There are shaving brushes and there are the Plisson,” say the shaving cognoscenti. Based in France, Plisson are highly regarded manufacturers, renowned for their distinctive and ultra luxurious brushes.
Ask Aaron Q/A: Choosing the right shaving brush
Per Hansson, from Sweden, asks:
“Hi, I’m considering a new shaving brush and need assistance. The ones I’ve looked at are KentBK8 Silvertip, Simpsons Duke Best Badger D3 and Progress Vulfix 2235 Super Badger. Can you please advice me on pros and cons of these as I’m a little confused in my choice? Cheers Per.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Hansour,
The largest differences in shaving brushes stem from hair type, loft (how high the hair extends from the brush), and handle size/shape. In regards to badger hair there are three major grades of quality: pure, best, and finest. (there are technically one or two more, but it’s hairsplitting and we won’t worry about it here) The quality of hair is listed from least to best. There are some differences in the way the hair feels but buy for what your budget can afford.
Regarding loft, a lot depends on personal personal desire but it is generally recommended that if you use more creams choose a brush that has a higher loft, and a shorter loft if you use more soaps. If you seem to use both about equally then choose a brush with a middle range loft.
Handle size can play a factor if you have small or large hands, or they are thick or skinny. Find a larger or long handle for large hands and a thinner handle for thin ones. I hope this helps in your choice of a brush (I’ve eyed the Kent for quite some time a very good choice!)!
Smooth shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: Can you recommend me the best shave brush to use with shaving cream
Gary Chinchen, from the UK, asks:
“Please could you recommend a good shave brush to use with creams predominately, this is the first brush I have purchased so no idea what I should be looking for, I am sinking in conflicting advice. I’m looking to spend around £50.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Chinchen,
Thanks for your question! Generally for creams you would want a brush that is taller (or has a tall loft) and has a slightly longer handle. Some good choices are the Progress Vulfix 660, the Blubebeard’s Revenge “Privateer”, and the Kent BLK2 brush. These are some good standards to go with when lathering creams!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: Is a boar hair brush stiffer than a badger hair brush?
John Box, from the USA, asks:
“Is a boar hair brush stiffer than a badger hair brush?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Box,
Yes, you are correct a boar hair brush can be stiffer than a badger hair brush. The boar hair is quite typically larger in diameter than badger hair and this will most often lead to a stiffer brush. However very good quality boar brushes can often be almost if not as soft as a badger. Some other things that can effect stiffness if a brush is knot density (how tighty packed the hair is) and the loft or height of the hair from the top of the handle to the tips of the hair. Those can have significant influence on how the brush feels on your face as well as the type of hair. Whatever the choice, I hope you find a great brush!
Smooth shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q&A: My shaving brush has stopped producing a great lather - Any suggestions?
“Dear Aaron, Please help me. I have two fine badger shaving brushes (one is from Shavemac). They were excellent. A few months ago no lather at all. The only different thing I started doing was to clean them with very hot water. One time I used a kind of borax powder to clean them. What might have happened? I have tried all the best shaving with them. After a very poor lather, the second time the lather simply vanishes away. Is there a way of correcting this sitruation?” asks J Alcantara, from Brazil.
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Alcantara
I am sorry to hear you are having trouble with your brushes! My philosophy in brush care is to treat your badger brush the same as you would treat your own hair. Assuming you’ve not moved into an area with hard water, changed products, or technique my guess is that the borax treatment and extremely hot water has damaged the hair. However I think you can do some things to rescue your brushes. Wash them with shampoo, just as you would your own hair. Next use some good quality strengthening hair conditioner. Be sure to work the conditioner into the hairs of the brush well and leave the brush to set for a few minutes before rinsing it out. You might have to repeat this process a few times, but hopefully this will help to restore your brushes back to their normal performance!
Smooth Shaving! Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Bluebeards Revenge ‘Corsair’ badger shaving brush described as ‘outstanding’
American wet shaving legend Mike Sandoval has described The Bluebeards Revenge ‘Corsair’ Super Badger Shaving Brush as having “an outstanding density and lathering capability packed into a comfortable size format that will appeal to a wide range of wet shavers”.
Based on a traditional best-selling handle shape, the Corsair shaving brush is an upgraded model manufactured by Progress Vulfix specifically for The Bluebeards Revenge.
The lathe turned handle was previously marketed under the name “Buccaneer” and filled with a good quality pure badger hair, making it an affordable luxury.
But the Corsair is knotted with super badger grade hair that Vulfix is well known for using in some of their finest shaving brushes. In addition to the upgraded hair type, the brush is also loaded with around 20 per cent more hair to create a knot that has a stiffer feeling and more density for water retention and lathering capability.
Mike, who runs leading shaving blog Shaving101.com, started off his review by saying: “Vulfix brushes are softer than and not as stiff as other brands, such as Simpsons. They are well made and are well known for their quality and durability, and the Corsair is not an exception to these standards.
”The Corsair is not a firm brush but rather a soft and luxurious brush with a full density that gently massages the face and easily releases the lather on to the skin where you need it rather than holding it in the brush’s core like some overly stiff brushes tend to do,” Mike Sandoval, Shaving101.com
“Unlike the standard Vulfix models, the added badger hair gives it denser feel that is immediately noticeable upon first inspection. The loft of the brush is perfectly uniform in colouring with an attractive three-band colour pattern and a nice shape that is symmetrical and not overly bulbous.
”The handle of the brush is made of a quality faux ivory material and is polished to a nice shine and stamped with the Bluebeards Revenge logo in blue.”
Mike, considered a legend in the wonderful world of wet shaving, tested the Corsair on both shaving creams and hard shaving soaps and said he “found it to be useful for almost any product”.
“When submerged in water, the brush absorbs an impressive amount of water and infuses it effortlessly with any quality shaving cream to create a rich and voluminous lather,” he explained.
“Despite the softer characteristics of the fine super badger hair, the Corsair easily loads with shaving soaps and is great at producing quality lather directly on the face. The tips of the badger hair feel soft on the skin and combine well with the added backbone of the brush to create an ideal balance of density and comfort, which is heavily favoured by many experienced wet shavers.
”The Corsair is not a firm brush but rather a soft and luxurious brush with a full density that gently massages the face and easily releases the lather on to the skin where you need it rather than holding it in the brush’s core like some overly stiff brushes tend to do.”
Mike concluded his review by describing the Corsair as a “well made piece”, adding it is “filled with quality super badger hair”.
You can read the full review by clicking here.
How to care for a shaving brush - Top tips for maintaining your shaving brush
Wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger’s simple guide to maintaining your shaving brush
It’s now 2011, the Holidays are gone and you’re gazing at that beautiful new shaving brush someone gave to you as a gift. It’s a pretty wonderful gift too and it has helped you shave better than you have before. That brush is taking care of you, so how about taking care of it? Here we’ll provide some tips for giving your shaving brush the best care so you can use it for years to come.
It’s Hair:
Your brush is most likely made of boar bristle or badger hair. These are both hair products so treat it as your own! Wash your brush with a good shampoo and conditioner to keep the hair soft and residue free. If your brush has developed a soap residue, soak it in a 10:1 vinegar solution for a few minutes and then wash as above.
Kent produce high quality shaving brushes
Be Gentle:
When loading your brush with soap or building your lather with cream go easy. The core of the brush is where the magic happens and mashing down with your brush can twist and break the core hairs and over time cause hair loss and a dimpled effect in the center of the brush.
High and Dry:
When you are done using your brush shake it hard a few times to remove all the water and hang upside down in a stand to dry. If you don’t have a stand dry the brush thoroughly on a towel.
Using these tips should extend the life of your shaving brush and give you many comfortable and close shaves for years to come! Happy Shaving!
Shaving brush basics by wet shaving expert Mantic
More articles by Aaron Wolfenbarger
Get a free brush with every tub of Bluebeards Revenge
The Shaving Shack is offering a free shaving brush with every tub of The Bluebeards Revenge shaving cream.
The brush, dubbed the ‘Doubloon‘, is worth £6.99 and is a great budget brush, ideal for wet shaving beginners!
“We find that many men have long forgotten the pleasures of wet shaving and the obvious benefits it has over using an electric shaver,” said Tom Trueman, our head product tester.
“The first step is to get the right kit and a decent shaving brush is essential. Now shaving brushes can cost anything from a few pounds to literally hundreds for pure badger bristle varieties.
“However, the Doubloon is a perfectly good quality shaving brush at a budget price. This wooden bristle brush comes with attractive gold lettering and The Bluebeards Revenge’s trademark skull and crossbones in gold.”
The brush can also be bought as a single item, but to take advantage of our very special offer, simply add The Bluebeards Revenge to your basket, then add the free Doubloon shaving brush from the free gift selection box at checkout.
Happy shaving.
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