Some people ask why badger hair is used in making shaving brushes. Badger hair is different to many types of fur and like human hair it absorbs water and it is this characteristic that makes badger hair perfect for shaving brushes. The lathering process whips hot water, soap and air into a warm foam that cleanses the skin and lubricates the path of the razor. Water is the key element in a good shave and the more a brush can hold, the better the lather and shave will be. The fine tips of the hairs help to make a smooth and creamy lather and the exceptional softness of badger-hair cleanses the face gently, giving a comfortable and reliable shave.
There are three main types of Badger Hair:
Silver tip: this is highest quality of all. The finely graded and sorted pure badger hair is the softest, rarest and most expensive badger hair with natural untrimmed silver tips and is the highest quality available in shaving brushes worldwide. The pure colouring of this hair, enhanced by careful hand grading and filling, originates from the neck of the animal. The shape of our silver tip filled brushes is created by hand. The long hair is ultra soft flexible and will provide years of luxurious shaving.
Super Badger: the finer hair from the back of the badger, it is longer and softer than best badger and because it is finer, requires more hairs to fill a brush. This high quality grade of badger hair is only used in hand filled brushes. Visually, the badger bundle displays a distinctive black band capped with pure white tips and is presented in a natural fan shape, using the natural hair end to create the shape. The shape of Edwin Jagger Super Badger filled brushes is created by hand. We do not trim to create the overall badger bundle shape, which time saving method is used by some other suppliers. Our Super Badger brushes are very soft because the naturally tapering tips of the hair have not been trimmed.
Best Badger: this is a good quality of pure badger hair. It is normally regarded as the benchmark standard of shaving brush manufacturers. The hair is harvested from the majority of the pelt, including the belly. It is generally darker in colour although the colours of individual hairs vary from grey and brown to black. This quality creates a lather far superior to that resulting from the use of a bristle brush.
Archy Ash writes for Edwin Jagger ltd. makers of
shaving brushes, mirrors, cut throat razors and accessories at http://www.theenglishshavingcompany.com
