I could be wrong (always a possibility, but it's been at least 6 weeks... ) I don't believe badger brushes -- especially high-end ones -- are dyed. My current badger brush (EJ Best) had a little brown in the first rinse...but no funk ever, and no "browning" thereafter.I always clean a new brush with some shampoo before the first actual use to clean out anything that may have been left in the brush during manufacture (dust, oils, etc.). I have noticed that some of my brushes, two-bands in particular, will actually turn the shampoo and rinse water a light brown color. I'm not sure if this is dye used in the knot or what but it has happened even with some high-end brushes and I'd rather not get that on my face.
I always clean a new brush with some shampoo before the first actual use to clean out anything that may have been left in the brush during manufacture (dust, oils, etc.). I have noticed that some of my brushes, two-bands in particular, will actually turn the shampoo and rinse water a light brown color. I'm not sure if this is dye used in the knot or what but it has happened even with some high-end brushes and I'd rather not get that on my face.
Overall, got a great shave this morning. My wife even commented on good my skin looked, so the DE shaving is going well.
I always clean a new brush with some shampoo before the first actual use to clean out anything that may have been left in the brush during manufacture (dust, oils, etc.). I have noticed that some of my brushes, two-bands in particular, will actually turn the shampoo and rinse water a light brown color. I'm not sure if this is dye used in the knot or what but it has happened even with some high-end brushes and I'd rather not get that on my face.
This is excellent advice from someone who really does know his brushes...
Update here...Quick question: why dishwashing detergent vs. shampoo? Badgers have hair, not a glaze.
My first good brush (EJ Best) had no pretreatment/prep. I just put it to use: ran tap water on it to get it thoroughly wet, gently squeezed the water out, and put it to work. I noticed that there was a little brownish water coming off at first water contact, but it stopped in seconds. And no "funk" either (I would expect that using a brush with Tabac would get rid of any funkiness!) The only "prep" addressed in instruction manual for the brush says: "The brush is sterilized -- It should not be boiled."
I would suspect that a Simpson brush is also sterilized and clean, so any prep should be minimal.
I have a Colonel en route, and -- if I do anything to it -- I'll probably wash it with baby shampoo.