Brushes and aging

[Friggin Joe]

Do brushes lose their effectiveness over time or does a decent brush last a lifetime?
I got a pure badger brush from ebay for a $7 bid, I figure it'd make a better shower brush than boar bristle if it's still any good, or can be used by someone getting into mug and brush shaving if I don't need it. (trying to get someone else strted on the DE wetshaving thing).

I may keep it and give him my near-new vulfix and use this one if it's still good.
I like old stuff.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=009&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=190095668904&rd=1&rd=1

[ari95]

I think a brush will remain effective for many years unless most of the hair falls out out breaks off. I would wash it with some conditioner, and it should be good as new.

[Doc4]

Hard to go wrong for $7. I don't know how long brushes can live, but I do know that you should clean them every so often ... I think that dish detergent is the favourite alternative, although some companies make expensive cleaners too.

[MaduroMan_wcp]

I am using brushes that are at least 40 years old with no problems, 3 badger and 3 boar....

[Friggin Joe]

Turns out it's a perfect little brush. I like the smaller size, I can swirl it wet on a dry soap puck just a few times and can build a lather on my face quick as a boar brush. :)

[Little Joe from Mexico]

I take mine into the shower with me every Saturday and give it a shampoo.