Gary has written about the way to use and care for a shaving brush that has been followed by the Simpsons family. I quote it here:
"As far as how to use a Simpson brush that's an easy one. From Great Uncle Alex down to myself, the males of the family have always used the same method with a brush (and whenever asked we always gave the same answers!). The brush should be used like a paint brush, stroking across the beard area, never with circular motions as this can loosen the knot and cause uneven wear of the badger hair. I use both bowl and face lathering. So long as you stick to the 'paint brush' method a Simpson brush will last for years - both myself and my father use brushes which are over 20 years old and still going strong! Another tip would be to always store the brush upright after rinsing through with warm water and then gently squeezing any excess water out of the head from the base of the knot upwards. Never shake the brush to dry! Hope that helps, but of course that is only our family's advice!"
Gary, you will find that the majority of today's shaving enthusiasts are more interested in using their brush effectively and enjoying it's use rather than adopting a method mainly intended to preserve the life of the brush. Just look at Mantic's videos, the guy who has done more than anyone to promote the wet shaving community. His swirling circular motions would have given your family nightmares!
And I think your rinsing and drying routine will get a few people thinking. I for one will find it difficult not to give a brush a few shakes before leaving it to dry.
If I may, one question: Did all these two and three band super/finest excist back in your time?