Shaving Brush - Durability ?

[Wantedteen]

I bought a Wilkinson Sword Shaving brush from Superdrug a month ago. I use it for the whole month and it has already worn out. Is that normal for the brushes? How long do shaving brushs last for?

[moviemaniac]

First: rinse your brush thoroughly after use and shake out the water in it as best as you can. Also store the brush hanging upside down and _not_ standing. A good, quality badger brush treated that way should last you up to or even beyond 10 years of daily usage.
Don't know about the cheap wilkinson-brush, though..

[DragonBoy]

A budget brush like the wilkinson might have a very short life span.. Mine did.. Less than half a year before I scrapped it.. I would suggest a proper badger brush from eg. Crabtree & Evelyn (Best Badger) or from a german firm Muehle Pinsel ( http://www.muehle-pinsel.de/shop/en/special_offers/products/shaving_brush/5_1_1_366.html ) Dont worry the site is in English.. Many people love the C&E but I havent used it, but I can wouch for the Muehle.. Its a great brush that would give you years of good service..

And as Klaus wrote, learn to take care of your brush.. Letting it dry in open air is mucho importante..;)

[moviemaniac]

I'd also vouch for a Mühle-Brush. I have one, a best badger brush, not even a silvertip, cost me around 35€ ($45) and it lathers like a champ.

[PalmettoB]

Sounds like a boar brush. Some of those can last a while, but some don't. Omegas are a good one, as are the Col. Conk's.

And it depends on how you use it. If you are really scrubbing hard to get a lather and apply the lather to your face, you won't get a long life outta any brush. You don't mention what kind of cream or soap you are using. Tell us a little more about your lathering technique, and that might help also. ;)

But in general, I would go with a Tweezerman or Crabtree & Evelyn Best Badger Brush for now. They can be readily bought online, or depending on where you live, you can find the C&E one in their shops sometimes. Others can be ordered online, like the Muhle-Pinsel, Edwin Jagger, etc. Most of the good English companies have a lower end brush (still badger, though, that would be the better choice over boar) if you are just starting out.

[Stubble]

Some of the inexpensive boar brushes really do 'wearout' quickly. I think the hair is just to brittle and it just breaks. You can get a pure badger brush for $25 at Shavemac.com. These are excellent German brushes and a great value. The next step up would be their Finest badger, these go for around $40. These are really good quality, not floppy brushes. Go to the site, you can see pictures, sizes etc, etc.
Best,
Ken