So THAT'S what a wet horse smells like!

**rgbyminn** · 05-22-2012, 06:07 AM

I just received my no. 6 horse hair brushes from bestshave.net. They seem decent so far, though I have not shaved yet. The finish isn't great but it is pretty consistent between the two brushes I ordered; the knot is thick, full, and consistent between the two.
I couldn't smell anything but I decided to give it a wash anyways.I washed one to ready it for shaving...after letting it dry a bit I came back to it an wow, talk about STANK! I may have to hold my breath for the first few shaves because it is not a pleasant smell.
I'll search around the forum today, but does anyone have any tips for getting rid of this smell? I did not notice such a strong odor with either my badger or boar brush.

**Absolute Mustard** · 05-22-2012, 06:54 AM

Lather it up in a strong scent and leave the brush in it overnight

If that doesnt take care of it, I always go with a vodka and baking soda soak

**Neognosis** · 05-22-2012, 07:11 AM

Do you soak the brush in the vodka or drink it before you shave?

**fine wine** · 05-22-2012, 07:13 AM

I washed mine with regular shampoo for about 5 minutes and then rinsed it real good, about another 5 minutes.My horse hair brush is my everyday brush. I have boar and a badger brush but the horse is my favorite.................JR

**rgbyminn** · 05-22-2012, 07:35 AM

I can feel a nice middle ground between the boar and the badger.
I don't have any vodka...but I do have some Johnny Walker Black, but I think I'll just use soap.

**Bengal Tiger** · 05-22-2012, 12:36 PM

Shampoo if it smells horse-y. If it doesn't smell like a wet horse, then the stink is probably the epoxy.

**MajorBurnz** · 05-22-2012, 12:43 PM

Nothing is proof against the mighty Tabac. Lather it up in Tabac and leave it sit for a 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off. Do this 3 times and you should have a usable brush.

Never had one of the unnamed Bestshave ones, but my Vie-Long brushes all succumb to Tabac.

Of course, if you're one of those people who dislike Tabac, then you're out of luck.

**Straight Rasier User** · 05-22-2012, 12:52 PM

You are just lucky as my Unnamed Bestshave One did not stink.

So if you don't like the smell take it into the shower and use some shampoo and conditioner on it.

Have Fun.

**Crog** · 05-22-2012, 01:49 PM

Wrong, wrong, all wrong! What the OP should really do is man-up and use it intentionally with the natural, enticing aroma of a stallion! Save it for an extra special date, you (and she) will not be disappointed!

**jcwit** · 05-22-2012, 02:40 PM

I tried lathering with just about everything, shaving soap, ARKO, shampoo, hand soap, dish washing detergent, etc., etc.

Ended up by rinsing it out with warm water, the pouring cheap aftershave in it. I used Aqua Velvet Musk.

That worked.

Its now my favorite and has been for over a year.

**itsmedave** · 05-22-2012, 03:09 PM

This thread is full of good ways to break in a brush. Thanks!! I took them all down on a notepad

**JeffOlson** · 05-22-2012, 06:27 PM

I have a Vie-Long 13061 horse hair brush. When new, it did smell a bit "horsey," but I liked it! After using it dozens of times, the aroma has become very mild and not at all farm-like. It is my main brush now.

**rgbyminn** · 05-23-2012, 12:18 AM

Thanks for all the input. I ended up just using it though.
I thought that it might be the epoxy but it's a bit too "earthy" I think.
If the scent fades then fine, if not then that's fine too, I'll still use it...just an extra bit of musk :)

**Blade Boy** · 05-23-2012, 12:33 AM

Originally Posted by Neognosis

Do you soak the brush in the vodka or drink it before you shave?

either way it should help with the smell

**fine wine** · 05-23-2012, 06:12 AM

Originally Posted by itsmedave

This thread is full of good ways to break in a brush. Thanks!! I took them all down on a notepad

Good! Because there will be a test on this very subject next week.................JR

**La Linea** · 05-25-2012, 04:39 PM

Actually sweaty horse is one of my favorite aromas. But I was raised on an Arizona cow ranch. Not as crazy about the smell of hog hair though. That's the thing about memory and smell, it truly is a YMMV thing. Your nauseating stench is my heavenly ambrosia, thus all these Arko and Lilac Vegetal and Tabac threads, and everyone is sure they are correct. They are all correct, evidently there is no wrong answer.
Edited to add, I love the smell of Arko and Tabac, haven't experienced the Veg, yet. Based on my predeliction for strong scents, though, I'm betting I dig it, whether it digs me is another matter.

**guYom** · 05-25-2012, 07:20 PM

It's an amazing brush. The horsey smell will fade after a few lathering, just use it!
And what a bargain. I love my Semogue SOC, but I am not sure the price differential with the Tusrkish No. 6 is warranted as far as performance goes.

**BallisticBurrito** · 05-26-2012, 04:12 AM

When I got my Omega Silvertip it smelled like wet dog pretty horrendously at first. So I soaked it in a coffee mug with warm water and a little bit of dish soap for a few hours..rinsed it out..then did it again. After that it pretty much had no stank at all.

And I'll probably do the same when my little cheapo $7 Omega Boar eventually comes in.