This is my first time owning a mixed fiber brush and in this thread I will document the break in process and any observations I make while using it. The knot is 26mm and composed of 70% two band finest badger bristles and 30 boar bristles. On the first defunking lather this knot lost at least 30 bristles. On the second and third maybe half a dozen each time. Before this shave (its fourth lathering) I combed it out and it didn't lose any. I so far I find that the boar adds a good bit of backbone to the brush and it can really dig into a soft soap if you aren't careful. There is a bit of scritch but I expect that to dissipate as the boar bristles continue to break in.
I bought the same 70/30 badger boar brush from Maggards also. I put it in a T400 brush that I bought an extra collar for. I like it, but wish I could find a 50/50, something even stiffer. I have gone to using all boar brushes, but miss a little the soft badger feel. My brush hasnt seemed to loose as many hairs as yours has, maybe I got a lucky one. It sat for a while before I put it in a brush,,,
After about 10ish shaves the scritch has softened up a little but it's still there, still lots of backbone too. Sent from my Galaxy using Tapatalk
I did a reknot with this Hess Favorite No. 5 using a Maggard 70/30 and found it to be a pretty amazing brush, especially with harder pucks. Once it breaks in and develops the split ends, it’s right on for me. I like a little scritch and avoid a floppy knot, so this one fits the bill.
After my first use this morning I would tend to agree with you. It's a very distinctive feeling knot in a positive way. Bloodwood handle.
This is mine Still a little scritchy after 20 shaves......but that is what I live. I reknotted a 24mm Yaqi which had a massive glue bump.
I had shedding in the beginning but after awhile everything is nice . I have two and both have broken in nicely
Mine lost a few hairs during the initial shampoos and none since. I need to use it more often. I only have about twenty shaves with it. Great knot. Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk