Origins of Kolinsky sable hair brushes Part 2 - Harvesting

Kolinsky Sable hair comes from the species called Mustela Siberica and the trade of its hair is managed by the provisions set out in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). 

The Hunt:
Trappers have caught Siberian weasels for the fur garment industry since the 16th century.  They must be trapped in the wild, as they must live in the freezing Siberian climate for their full winter fur coat to grow to the right length and thickness required.

The animals are protected in some areas and so there is probably a thriving illegal pelt trade.

To those who think that brushes are made from hair cut from the tip of the winter tail, and then left to grow back in 1 year cycle.  I'm sorry to inform you that that is just not true.  Escoda was the only brush manufacturer who confirmed that hair for making brushes is taken from dead animals. (Except for goats and ponies, which are shaved.)

These animals are killed, not killed solely for brushes, but for their skins to be made into coats etc.  The brushes are a byproduct of the fur trade, and are made from the tails.  Winsor & Newton confirm that natural hair brushes made by them are obtained from sustainable sources and animals are not sourced for the sole use of manufacturing their products.

Trappers lay out lines of leghold traps or snares.  Many weasels are caught and can be frozen solid before a hunter comes to retrieve them.

Locally, the weasels are considered pests because they kill farm chickens. Their meat is also commonly sold for dog food, little of the animal goes to waste. 

Farming: 
The weasel is not an animal that is raised well in captivity (unlike mink). There are some comflicting reports: some say these animals cannot be farmed and others report farms in eastern Russia and in Canada. Fur from farmed animals in warmer climates make inferior garments. Farming practices are generally not humane. 

Fur-traders /hair-dealers receives the pelts and tails of animals, 'dress' (de-grease, clean),  cuts and grades the fur. They bundle the fur by size and weigh and sells it to the brush manufacturer. The brushmaker is offered tail or pelts of different grades and mixtures. If he is not careful, however, he may unknowingly receive summer coat instead of winter coat, or other hair mixed in with the Kolinsky hair. 

Fur brushes are largely hand made. The tail fur of females are often used to blend a brush, but the male hairs are longer and more desirable. The hairs are individually selected to combine into a high quality brushes.