Monthly Archives: November 2017

More old brushes

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A poster / advertisement for shaving brushes I found online, age unknown. The similarities with the brushes from the US Civil War I posted last week should be obvious; high loft, a ‘neck’ between the handle and the brush proper, and in some  cases the use of string to secure the knot.

At the same time we can see the development of the modern brush; shorter loft, use of rubber cement and glue to secure the knot, and less pronounced necking.

Shave of the day 13th November

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Razor: Gillette 1958 TV Special
Blade: Astra Green
Brush: Gustavo Rimano Manchurian Badger, imitation horn
Lather: Mike’s Natural Soaps Hungarian Lavender
Aftershave: Proraso Liquid Cream After Shave
Additional Care: Alum Block & Scotch Porter Beard Balm

Mid 1800’s shave brushes

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Some more photos of old shave gear I found online, this time brushes from around the time of the US Civil War. Three things that strikes me right off the bat is the use of string or twine to secure the knot, the length of knot in relation to the diameter, and the narrow neck between the knot and the handle.

While the use of a string to secure the knot most likely was due to the lack of modern glues, and the extreme length of the knot can be down to either the hair used or just the style of the times… the narrow neck probably had a practical purpose; to stop water and lather running down the handle.