Extra soft horse hair shaving brush by Zenith with a chromed copper handle.

Vie-Long is not the only company making quality horse brushes. While they are more known for their boar and badger brushes, Zenith has been making horse hair brushes for a number of years. Horse brushes are commonly described as a cross between boar and badger. I think of them as initially softer than pure or black badger, but with time will break in nicely. They initially hold more water than a boar, so don't need as long of a soak. Being a boar lover, I'm only now importing the softer horse brushes from Zenith. I believe that they use a higher ratio of mane to tail hairs to get the softness.

No harm is caused to the horse, the hairs are cut while grooming. Because they are cut, they take longer to break in than a boar brush. Unless you like the horsey smell, let it soak and shampoo several times before use.

One criticism for the Zenith Horse brushes is that they tend to be floppy. These are specially ordered with a slightly lower loft to reduce floppiness. One can always use the traditional Italian Barber pinch, by holding the knot rather than the handle for more control.

This has a large 28mm knot in it. The loft is set at 54mm with an effective loft of 48-50mm from the glue bump. The total height is around 123mm. The total weight is a hefty 120 grams. The knot is the extra soft version that Zenith makes with more mane than tail hairs. I've been unable to get the exact ratio.

Translated from Italian on their website:

"Pennellificio Pandolfo has over one hundred years of activity and is the only manufacturer of its Sicilian sector. Already in 1902, he participated in the fair in Genoa getting a coveted award for the quality of its products. A family business founded early last century with the aim of achieving the quality brushes and special characteristics which in those days was not easy to find on the market. Started with artisan methods, the production was mainly aimed at meeting the needs of professional customers. Then the company has added new technologies by diversifying production, expanding the range of products and adapting to the specific needs of the market. Today, the production of Pennellificio Pandolfo includes products suitable to meet the professional needs of DIY: the various series of ovals brushes, flat brushes, ceilings, astuccini and brushes for particular uses, it has been joined by a complete line of rollers and brushes for beautiful Arts. The quality of products is guaranteed Pennellificio Pandolfo experience gained over time, from the careful selection of raw materials and the use of skilled labor."

In 2008-2009, I found a brush at a thrift store that was unused. It quickly became my favorite brush and I used it solely for 6-7 years. The logo wore off years ago, but I always remembered that it was made in Italy. As I learned more about shaving brushes, I wrongfully assumed that this brush was made by Pennellificio Omega, the famous Italian brush manufacturer. Fortunately, in the spring of 2015, I stumbled across some discussion posts on Zenith brushes but was unable to purchase one here in the States. After contacting the manufacturer, I decided to bring these special brushes to you. My original Zenith brush has given me (and is still giving me) years of pleasure. I expect this Zenith brush will do the same for you.