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: Can you recommend me a decent razor, shave cream & badger shaving brush?
Philip Morgan, from the UK, asks:
“I am thinking of starting to use a DE razor after a lifetime of overpriced Gillettes and not very good Azors. However, I am utterly bewildered by the choices on offer, from pre-shaves to post-shave products, especially brushes, razors, and blades. Re the razor I would like one razor, instead of several different razors for different levels of “aggression”. I have a beard that is quite tough in places, and currently have to shave against the grain to get a decent result - shaving with the grain leaves my face only half shaved. Any advice you can give me across the whole board of shaving products would be greatly appreciated.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Morgan,
Thank you very much for your question! As wet shaving becomes ever more popular the number of choices and options grows exponentially! Confusion is easy, and I hope to help with that. Regarding your razor choice, I highly suggest going with the Merkur Progress. It is one of the most popular adjustable razors on the market right now, and is well loved by anyone that I’ve talked to that has used it. Another thing that will greatly affect this end of your shave is the blade. Buying a blade sampler is a very good way to find out which blade works best for your skin and hair type.
Regarding a brush go with a badger hair brush around 20mm in diameter. This will give you the all around best general application brush that you can use for now, and you can choose the grade of hair (Pure, Best, Finest, Silver tip) that suits your budget.
Any of the other products are really kind of up to you. Many of the top brands have complete lines of products that go from pre-shave to post-shave with everything in between. My suggestion is to go with a well known brand such as Bluebeard’s Revenge, Art of Shaving, Geo. F. Trumper’s, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Truefitt & Hill, Proraso, Speick or another of many numerous others and pick the scent that you like the best. This will give you great products to use and in a scent that you will enjoy!
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
The Progress Vulfix 404 “Grosvenor” Mixed Badger and Bristle Brush lands at the Shack!
The Progress Vulfix 404 “Grosvenor” Mixed Badger and Bristle Brush is a firm favourite amongst wetshavers looking for a bargain brush. The badger/boar bristle mix provides that rare combination to give a stiff backbone, ideal for lathering soaps, yet not at the cost of being too scratchy like a pure bristle brush can be.
The handle itself is substantial and feels very much fit for purpose. It does a fantastic job of whipping up a lather from soap or cream in no time at all. So, at £10.99 this brush is a real bargain - and don’t forget that it will make your order eligible for our free razor blade selection too!
The Bluebeards Revenge ‘Privateer Collection’ arrives at The Shaving Shack
We are delighted to announce the safe arrival of The Bluebeards Revenge ‘Privateer Collection’.
The new range is an exclusive set of contemporary shaving tools designed for comfort, visual impact and individuality.
The Bluebeards Revenge 'Privateer Collection' Brush
A unique, stylish and contemporary brush for the modern man!
The highlight of the new collection is the pure badger brush, which is fashioned from durable high-grade resin sporting a silver The Bluebeards Revenge logo against a rich bespoke “Bluebeards Blue” colour.
High-grade resin requires expert craftsmanship where the material is turned from round rods and then polished.
The chrome ring at the base of the hair provides an understated yet elegant modern accent to the brush.
It comes with a clear acrylic “The Bluebeards Revenge” drip stand for storing, presenting and correctly drying your brush.
This luxurious badger brush has a bristle diameter of 45mm, bristle length of 55mm, handle diameter of 35mm and an overall length of 110mm.
A unique, stylish and contemporary razor for the modern man!
The ‘Privateer Collection’ also consists of a luxurious Mach 3 razor that is fashioned from durable high-grade resin sporting a silver The Bluebeards Revenge logo against a rich bespoke “Bluebeards Blue” colour.
Lightweight yet comfortably substantial, the handle provides for a solid grip. The razor is 13cm in length and has a total weight of 32.5g with blade attached.
Both of these fine shaving products are also available to buy as a set, which comes gift boxed and includes a free tub of The Bluebeards Revenge shaving cream worth £14.99.
We are also pleased to announce the arrival of two Bluebeards Revenge shaving bowls.
The first is made of stainless steel and is ideal for whipping up a lather using The Bluebeards Revenge shaving cream.
The second is a platinum rimmed bowl made from the finest porcelain.
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
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