Shaving brushIs a shaving brush a thing of the past? Your grandfather used one, maybe even your dad. You, however, may be one of those guys who smears shaving foam (that smells like a deodorant) on his face with his fingers, wondering why anyone would bother using bristles to apply lather. You won't know the answer until you step into a world that's literally only a 'hair' away. What to know about shaving brushes
Yet if you’re the least bit serious about the “perfect shave,” lathering with a brush is fundamental. The value of a brush is determined by its bristle load. The handle, regardless of whether it's plastic, wood, pewter or silver, rarely affects performance and is a matter of budget and personal preference. Badger Brushes A badger brush's water-holding capacity, durability and smooth sensation on the skin have never been matched by synthetic or natural materials - or by blends. With badger bristles, "pure" badger is the lowest grade, "best" is next, followed by "super" and finally at the top, is "silvertip". A knowledgeable retailer of shaving brushes will explain the differences. Prices range from $25 to $500 for these high-quality tools. Synthetic shave brushes usually have nylon bristles. They are at lower end of the price and quality spectrum because of their lower water-holding capacity, prickly feel and the difficulty they have in whipping up a high-quality lather. Blended brushes, combinations of synthetic and natural bristles, integrate boar's hair with synthetic bristles without greatly helping the quality of lather produced. Boar's hair is often as stiff and "prickly" as synthetic bristles. While it holds more water than synthetic bristles, producing fuller, more effective lather, boar bristles tend to break more easily than synthetic bristles. Benefits of a shaving brush• holds significant amounts of water, which means more soap gets mixed in, delivering a moister and richer lather with less razor skipping and dragging, which is especially good for shaving dry skin - or sensitive skin. • an exfoliating effect occurs as bristles are moved across the face. • may replace the pre-shave routine of washing and applying a pre-shave oil - depending on your particular skin and preferences. • the circular motion of application produces a good quality and quantity of lather. That lather softens and lifts whiskers, eliminating the need to press hard with a razor to get close results. • the perfect partner for a straight razor or high-quality safety razor. Between the emollient lather produced and the upright, softened whiskers, there is no need for more than a single blade. If you're struggling with razor burn, rashes, dry skin or razor bumps from the method of shaving you currently use, perhaps you're ready to experience the benefits of a good traditional wet shave. Despite the fact that every man's facial hair has its own personality, a mug, brush and safety razor can make this daily process more of an event and a luxury than a chore. We announce our identity by what we use or refuse. Kevin Kelly
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