What would you do?

[Shaun2]

I was in a junk shop today and saw this little brush with a well-utilised (worse for wear) loft in fine-haired badger, a little bit of a hole forming (this is what happens if you mash a brush onto your face) but what can you do? It is what it is.

So I'm not taking much notice, first thinking the handle is wood. Turn it upside down, and it has a sticker saying $4 (Australian). Lift it off and realise, nup, it's a horn handle.

So I brought it home and I'm saturating the handle in neatsfoot oil. Trying to guess the age and make (the latter unlikely). Possibly 1920s - 30s?

What would you do? I have never tried a re-loft, and don't know anyone here who does re-lofting.

Or do I leave it?

 

[Nav]

I would 100% do a re-knot!
The handle is so nice and i would want to enjoy using it.

Use the steaming method. Shouldn't take much to remove such an old knot.

 

[TobyC]

She's calling out to you "Please help me, give me a nice boar knot!"

I wouldn't steam bone, pull and twist, or drill it.

 

[UKRob]

The horn should polish up with some fine grit wet and dry paper (start at about 600 and work up to 2000) followed by buffing with a compound suitable for plastics. If you don’t have a buffer you could use an electric drill but don’t run it too fast.

 

[Driftwood]

I'd be careful if steaming out the knot, it could cause the horn to soften and misform. I would suggest trimming the hair as short as possible and drilling out the plug.

 

[Shaun2]

Thanks for the tips, fellow brush lovers.

Lots of fine sanding already done. The horn was very flaky/lifting badly, but various techniques have now got it in reasonable shape. An area at the base, a sort of lifted ring of horn, was clamped and glued back (you can make it out, but it looks better in real-life). Lots of compound polishing. Lots of neatsfoot soaking.

The knot is only 18mm, and, being in Sydney, ordering a knot online might prove expensive and a bit of a gamble. As it was originally a badger loft, I'd prefer to keep it a badger loft. Or I could just leave it. I mean, I don't really need a brush for daily use . Just a little object to look at and enjoy.

Tomorrow, I'll give it a coating of Renaissance Wax and post another pic.

 

[Shaun2]

Well, I decided to take the old loft out. I have a Golden Nib knot coming all the way to me from a land, far, far away: the USA. It is a Silverptip, Grade A badger, 18mm. Shipping a bit pricey, so I bought a second: another of the same, but larger: 26mm. Why? Because I got into a groove and decided to de-knot the rare Simpsons KR7 Nimmer Mills, Somerset butterscotch: a beast of a handle.

I drilled both old knots out, mostly using a drill bit in my hand as I don't have all the right tools. Steaming? Nope. Heard some bad stories about using that technique on old, valuable brushes.

Here are the two handles. When I re-knot them, more pics coming, probably in the new year. I am going to use silicone to set the knots.

 

[TobyC]

Knot needs to be 2mm smaller than the hole.

 

[UKRob]

Knot needs to be 2mm smaller than the hole.

I believe most knot retailers allow for this in their sizing - however it’s not the end of the world if what turns up is a bit tight. In the past I’ve been able to downsize the knot a little and/or expand the hole with judicious use of a rotary tool.

 

[R181]

I believe most knot retailers allow for this in their sizing - however it’s not the end of the world if what turns up is a bit tight. In the past I’ve been able to downsize the knot a little and/or expand the hole with judicious use of a rotary tool.

IIRC, knot sizes are given as the diameter at the glue plug. The knot bulges out at the top of the glue plug and that is where you get the recommendation to have the hole in the handle about 1mm - 2mm larger than the knot size. It is a possibility that with a too tight fit the handle will crack/split when it swells. Yes, it does happen, ask me how I know.

Bob

 

[UKRob]

IIRC, knot sizes are given as the diameter at the glue plug. The knot bulges out at the top of the glue plug and that is where you get the recommendation to have the hole in the handle about 1mm - 2mm larger than the knot size. It is a possibility that with a too tight fit the handle will crack/split when it swells. Yes, it does happen, ask me how I know.

Bob

Sometimes the glueplug is oversize which is why I’ve been able to reduce it without affecting the integrity of the knot. But you’re right about potential problems if it’s too tight Bob, that’s when a Dremel rotary tool comes in handy.

 

[R181]

Sometimes the glueplug is oversize which is why I’ve been able to reduce it without affecting the integrity of the knot. But you’re right about potential problems if it’s too tight Bob, that’s when a Dremel rotary tool comes in handy.

Sorry, I said glue plug when I meant the glue cap at the bottom of the knot as being where the size is measured. Yes, a Dremel tool or plain sandpaper is your friend when reknotting a brush handle.

Bob

 

[Shaun2]

I read as much as I could, and there are differences of opinion, but yes, the consensus is a knot at least 1mm smaller than the knot hole.

The knot hole in the above horn handle measures very close to 19mm across (just shy of it); the larger KR7 27.5mm.

Interestingly, the TGN knot advertised as 18mm (on its way) is described in the details as 17mm. The 26mm knot is ... 26mm.

I guess I'll just have to wait and see. I can borrow a Dremel and a bit with a sandpaper cylinder, and very carefully make the hole slightly larger should I need to.

Wish me luck!

 

[R181]

I guess I'll just have to see. Interestingly, the TGN knot at 18mm is described on their website as 17mm (in the knot description details). If it's 19mm, well then I might have some issues...

If you go to Maggard Razors, you can check out the knots they have there. If you contact them and give the hole size of the handle you have, they will tell you if they have a knot in a size, they feel will fit with proper clearance tolerances.

Maggard Razors Traditional Wet Shaving Products

We offer straight razors, safety razors, thousands of wet shaving supplies, and restoration services. We are constantly expanding our offerings, and operate the largest traditional shaving products showroom in the world in downtown Adrian Michigan!

maggardrazors.com

Bob

 

[Shaun2]

If you go to Maggard Razors, you can check out the knots they have there. If you contact them and give the hole size of the handle you have, they will tell you if they have a knot in a size, they feel will fit with proper clearance tolerances.

Maggard Razors Traditional Wet Shaving Products

We offer straight razors, safety razors, thousands of wet shaving supplies, and restoration services. We are constantly expanding our offerings, and operate the largest traditional shaving products showroom in the world in downtown Adrian Michigan!

maggardrazors.com

Bob

Thanks Bob, but I already have the knots on order from The Golden Nib. They have been shipped. Being in Sydney, I estimate... three weeks... unless by some miracle of postage over the Festering Season....