Your Handcrafted Shaving Brush

Your Handcrafted Shaving Brush

From first use to lifetime care — everything you need to know about your brush.

Before your first shave

Give your new brush a gentle wash under warm water with a small amount of shampoo. We clean every brush in the workshop, but a quick rinse settles any loose fibres and prepares the bristles for lathering.

What to expect: A few loose bristles, slight natural scent (especially badger hair), and bristles that feel a little stiff are all completely normal. Performance improves with every shave — give it 5–10 uses to hit its stride.

Soaking & loading

Soak times

  • Synthetic — Quick dip, 30 seconds
  • Boar — 5–10 minutes in warm water
  • Badger — 2–5 minutes in warm water

Always warm water, never hot. Keep it under 40°C.

Building lather

  • Shake out excess water gently
  • Swirl on the soap for 20–30 seconds
  • Use light pressure — let the bristles work
  • Loaded when the tips look creamy and full

Know your bristles

The difference between bristle grades comes down to softness, water retention, and feel on the skin.

Synthetic

No break-in, quick-drying, zero maintenance. Works from day one. Ideal for travel, beginners, or anyone who prefers a cruelty-free option without compromising on lather.

Boar

Firm backbone with a scrubby feel that's great for hard soaps and exfoliation. Takes a few weeks to break in — the bristles soften with use and lather quality keeps improving. A classic for a reason.

Essential badger

Your entry into natural badger hair. Good loft, decent backbone, and a satisfying lather. Quick break-in. A capable daily brush that punches above its weight.

Premium badger

The sweet spot. Excellent balance of soft tips and firm backbone, with superior water retention that builds rich, protective lather with less effort. The brush most daily shavers land on.

Luxury (silver tip) badger

The finest grade available. Exceptionally soft tips with remarkable backbone and water retention. Builds luxurious lather effortlessly. The one collectors and connoisseurs reach for.

On grades: Higher grades feel gentler on skin and hold more lather. All grades work well — it's a matter of preference and budget.

Understanding shedding

The most common concern with new brushes. Some shedding is completely normal during break-in.

Normal shedding

  • 1–5 bristles per shave in the first 2–3 months
  • Short or loose hairs working their way out
  • Gradually decreases with each use
  • Synthetic brushes shed very little
  • Boar can take longer to settle

Problem shedding — contact us

  • 10+ bristles per shave consistently
  • Clumps coming loose from the handle
  • Full-length hairs with adhesive on the base
  • Continues beyond 3 months of regular use
  • Visible gaps appearing in the knot

Common causes of excess shedding: water too hot, too much pressure when lathering, soap residue left in the knot, or storing the brush damp in a closed space. Gentle use and proper drying solve most issues.

Caring for your handle

Timber handles

Each handle is hand-turned from solid timber and sealed with natural oils, wax, and lacquer.

  • Huon Pine — Rare Tasmanian timber, naturally aromatic and water-resistant
  • Teak — Exceptional moisture resistance, warm golden tones
  • Walnut — Rich chocolate grain, develops beautiful patina
  • Olive Wood — Dense, dramatic grain, naturally moisture-resistant
  • Beech & Ash — Clean, classic, light-toned

Refresh with a light coat of boiled linseed oil every few months. Wipe with a damp cloth, dry immediately. Avoid soaking the handle.

Polymer handles

3D printed in-house from durable, water-resistant polymer in matte earthy tones.

  • Completely waterproof
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Zero maintenance — rinse and dry

Daily care & storage

Three steps after every shave to keep your brush performing for years.

Rinse

Flush with warm water until all soap residue is gone. Work the water gently through the bristles with your fingers.

Shake

Several firm shakes to throw off excess water. Don't wipe the bristles — this can splay or damage them.

Dry

Store bristles-down on a Wave Stand or Wave XL in a ventilated area. Never store in a closed cabinet while damp.

Avoid: Boiling or very hot water, wiping bristles with towels, leaving soap caked in the knot, storing wet in closed spaces, harsh detergents, and excessive pressure when lathering.

Complete the setup

Your brush pairs perfectly with Stuga Artisan Shaving Soap — formulated to work with natural bristles for a rich, protective lather. Keep everything organised with a Wave Stand or the Wave XL for your full kit.