The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Shaving Brush

Are you new to the world of classic wet-shaving? Have a warm welcome!

To make you feel at home right away, we have a few tips for the right care and treatment of your straight razor, razor brush, and strop. You have carefully selected your shaving utensils and decided on a high-quality product - but only with the proper care will your tools accompany you for many years to come. 

Did You Know?

A quality brush can make budget shaving creams feel like luxury. It's like turning instant noodles into gourmet ramen—okay, almost.

The shaving brush has noble origins. Born in 18th-century France as the blaireau, or badger brush, it was once a symbol of upper-class grooming. Before mass production, owning a shaving brush was akin to having a tailor-made suit—personal, refined, and a statement of cultivated style.

As grooming rituals became a cornerstone of gentlemanly conduct, the shaving brush evolved alongside razors and soaps. In the early 19th century, a fine brush was often gifted to sons entering adulthood—part of a rite of passage into refined manhood. The craftsmanship behind these brushes was held in high regard, with some artisans passing their brush-making secrets down through generations. From the ornate ivory-handled designs of nobility to the utilitarian kits of wartime soldiers, the shaving brush has journeyed through history as both a tool and a symbol of self-respect.

Throughout the centuries, materials and styles have evolved, but the principle remains: lather up and look sharp.

Historic Facts

– The earliest brushes were exclusively made with badger hair.

– Napoleon Bonaparte was reportedly fond of grooming rituals, including wet shaving with a brush.

– In Victorian England, a gentleman's shaving set often came in a leather-bound travel case, complete with brush, razor, and soap dish.

– The first mass-produced shaving brushes appeared in the mid-1800s, coinciding with the rise of barbershops as social hubs.

– During World War I, soldiers were issued shaving kits that included compact brushes—clean shaves were essential for gas mask seals.

– In 20th-century Italy, artisan brushmakers elevated shaving brushes into hand-crafted luxury items, a tradition still thriving in regions like Tuscany.

Choosing a brush is like choosing a pet—each bristle type has its personality. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Badger Hair

– Best for: Rich lather, soft feel, traditionalists

– Types: Pure, Best, Super, and Silvertip (luxury grade!)

2. Boar Hair

– Best for: Firm exfoliation, budget-friendly, has a harder bristle so massages the skin a bit more (some like it, some don't)

– Quirks: Requires a break-in period, like good leather shoes

3. Horse Hair

– Best for: A balance between softness and backbone

– Fun Fact: Taken from grooming horses—no harm done! Basically the "vegan" option for not so vegan vegans ;) Does have a slight "horse" smell in the beginning. Again, some like it, some don't.

4. Synthetic Fibres

– Best for: Vegan options, easy maintenance, fast drying

– Modern Win: Many high-end synthetics now rival silvertip badger quality

Bristle Softness Scale

– Badger: Soft to Very Soft

– Boar: Firm

– Horse: Medium

– Synthetic: Depends on quality

The handle isn't just for holding—it's part of your morning ritual’s vibe.

– Wood: Classic and warm, but needs care to avoid cracking

– Metal: Very durable and heavy; feels premium

– Resin/Plastic: Affordable and long-lasting; depending on the plastic used, you can still buy vintage models which look like new

– Horn or Bone: Old-school luxury, very traditional, very dandy

Pro tip: Look for a handle shape that feels comfortable in your hand—grip can make or break the experience. Looks matter, but the grip and feeling shouldn't suffer. Form follows function. 

The knot (where bristles are packed) and loft (bristle length) define a brush’s character.

– Fan Shape: Flatter, spreads lather more

– Bulb Shape: Rounded tip, more precision and the traditional and most common shape

– Hybrid: Best of both worlds

Sizes

– Small (18–20mm knot): Precise, travel-friendly

– Medium (21–24mm): Versatile daily driver

– Large (25mm+): Big lathers, big personality

Size Matters, as larger knots use more product but whip up lather faster.

Proper care ensures your shaving brush not only performs beautifully but also lasts for years.

Here’s how to keep your shaving brush in top shape:

• Rinse thoroughly after each use: Swish it under warm (not hot!) water to remove all soap or cream residue. A clean brush is a happy brush. If soap is left in the bristles, especially where they are tight in the transition area to the handle, the soap over time will make the hair brittle and ultimately break. If you have a lot of hair in your soap after whipping up your lather, this might be the result of too little cleaning.

• Shake off excess water: After rinsing, give the brush a gentle flick to shake out moisture before drying. The longer the brush is wet, the easier it is for mould and bacteria to grow. They love it moiste. 

• Dry bristle-side down: Always store the brush with the bristles pointing down. This prevents water from seeping into the base and causing mildew or damage to the knot. 

• Use a proper stand: A brush stand helps maintain the brush's shape, encourages airflow, and makes your sink look exactly 34% fancier.

• Deep clean occasionally: If you see foam residue building up, which can be best seen in a dry state, you should soak the bristles in warm water for a while. Afterwards, rinse the brush thoroughly and let air dry completely.

• Avoid boiling water: Extreme heat can loosen the glue holding the knot in place. It's also not perfect for the bristles, which will become brittle over time and break easier. Stick to warm water.

Maintenance Myth Buster: You don’t need fancy cleaners—baby shampoo or gentle dish soap works wonders. Your brush doesn't care about brand names.

Bonus Tip: Never twist or tug the bristles when drying—just gently blot with a towel and let gravity do the rest.

Choosing the best shaving brush isn’t rocket science—but it is a bit of an art. From bristle types to handle aesthetics, everything plays a role in your perfect shave. Whether you're after performance, tradition, or a touch of old-school charm, the right brush is out there waiting for you—probably lathered in sandalwood cream.

So go ahead, elevate your shaving game. Your face will thank you.