I've noticed my badger brushes can take more of a beating than my boars. the boar bristle is 2x or more thicker so I think its more brittle. I suppose if you're careful enough with it and you soak it properly before you start lathering it'll be fine though. I get brush burn with my wee scot in best if I face lather then do 4 passes with the brush - I think its because of the short loft.