<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe shaving brush can be broken into five sections: knot, loft, handle, overall height, and brush shape. Here’s an overview of each:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Knot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The area where the bristles are attached to the shaving brush is known as the knot. Knot diameters can range from 14mm to 31mm. A larger and tightly packed knot can hold more water. Handmade knots have been hand sewn and glued. A handmade knot will typically last longer than a machine-made knot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Loft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The area between the knot at the tip of the bristles is known as the loft. A longer loft can hold a greater amount of water. However, a longer loft is harder to control, which makes both mixing the lather and applying the shaving cream difficult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The backbone of the loft is a subjective measurement of the stiffness of the bristles. Some shaving brushes may have a “stiff” backbone, such as boar’s hair, where others may have a “soft” backbone such as silvertip badger hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Handle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Brush handles can be made from a variety of materials. Popular materials include acrylic, metal, wood, and ox horn. While the handle provides weight to the shaving brush, it has little impact on the overall performance of the lather or application of shaving cream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shaving brush handle shapes vary from rounded to angular. Choose one that feels comfortable when being held.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overall Height<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Selecting a shaving brush height is a balance of control and personal preference. A short shaving brush provides greater control. Some men may purchase a shaving brush that compliments their hand size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brush Shape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n A shaving brush can have several different brush shapes which include the following: flat, round, hybrid, and fan. The performance differences between each brush shape are minimal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Country of Origin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Shaving brushes contain several components that can make the country of origin difficult to determine. Handmade shaving brushes are often made in the USA, Germany, and Italy. However, shaving brushes made in these countries may import badger hair from China that is used during assembly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Compatible Shaving Creams <\/h2>\n\n\n\n Shaving brushes are recommended to be used with both traditional shaving creams and shaving soaps. Unlike a canned or gel shave cream, traditional shaving soap or cream can be whipped into a thick and dense lather with a shaving brush. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using and Maintaining a Shaving Brush<\/h2>\n\n\n\n While a shaving brush can be used by itself, it is recommended that you also have a shaving bowl and shaving brush stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n