Review: The Copper Hat Journey Shave Brush

(2021) The ancient duty of removing facial hair is an exercise to be enjoyed, a solemn moment of peace with brush, soap, and straight razor. We have posted numerous articles touting the advantages of wet shaving over cartridges and aerosol shave ‘cream’. Only recently did we add a new piece to the process, that we had to report on it.

What was pulled from constant rotation was a short wooden shave brush with badger bristles. It has been a stalwart of a performer; it has delivered a lather every time it has been pressed for duty. It is also the exact opposite of the brush that moved into its place. The Copper Hat is a Canadian shaving company that turns its own brushes. What was entered into service was a long-handled aluminum shave brush with synthetic bristles. 

The Copper Hat Journey shaving brush came in a lovely little box.

The Copper Hat has been producing the Journey shave brush since 2009. Its heft is the first thing to note when holding it. This is quite the tool for lathering. Made by Brad of The Copper Hat, the shave brush is turned before having the bristles added. Boars bristles are sold for those looking to shave the legs; the stiffer brush allows coverage of a larger area. We went with synthetic bristles, a natural alternative to badger knots and suitable for sensitive facial skin.

The Journey proved itself immediately. A few quick turns of the scuttle led to a deep pillowy lather with tiny bubbles. Journey’s stiffness remained consistent. Since synthetic bristles do not require softening in warm water, its readiness is instant. Leverage is gained by the long handle, aiding in quick lather. Going to the face and the coverage is thick and quick. We had to remind ourselves it was time to shave instead of looping around the face, watching the lather build with each pass. Because of the brush’s work up front, the second pass lather application was enjoyable as well. Our lather remained puffy effective for round two.

The Copper Hat Journey shaving brush in amethyst with synthetic bristles.

Cleaning up was a cinch. Having synthetic bristles lends itself to the rinsing process. A couple of moments under running water and a few passes over a towel The Copper Hat Journey was back to the way we found it. It was such a relaxing shave we half considered a second shave with another razor and a different shave soap. Naturally we would stick with the brush.

We featured The Copper Hat’s Journey shave brush some years back on a Holiday List. We were so excited to receive it due to its simplicity. Journey’s fair price and animal-free products make this the perfect entry into wet shaving or the right addition to the shave collection. The amethyst color is perfectly suited for standing out on a chrome brush stand. With the comfortable handle expect to grab the brush every time it gets passed by, and expect to bounce bristles on the palm. This is one of those brushes that will keep you coming back for your shave of the day.

*As with all shave brushes, do not use aerosol shave cream with this product. The additives in canned shave cream will melt the bristles, another reason to bin the grocery store products.