Thread: First Shave Brush!

First homejob shave brush. Paduak and "bahzing" grade badger. The shape was inspired by a brush I bought from a forum member. Who did not sign it, and therefore who'se name I cannot remember.

So...makers...SIGN YOUR WORK. I'd like to give an attribution. So....Shout out to nameless thuya burl brushmaker dude!

Beautiful work! I am planning to reseat my old VDH boar knot in a new handle and it's nice to see inspiration...

Great looking brush, how do you have to take care of a wood handle?

Originally Posted by RVShave

Great looking brush, how do you have to take care of a wood handle?

Thanks!

I had this same concern when I bought my first wood brush. It's not a problem. When turning, you can have the option of using exotic finishes that are prohibitively expensive and difficult to apply to, say, a dining room table. The ones I'm familiar with are very effective moisture barriers. Turning on a lathe, it's easy to top-coat the finish with carnuba wax. This wax is rock hard, resists water and finger acids. It will wear before the primary finish, and thus act as single to maintain prior to the main finish being worn.

Of course, it's best to avoid the obvious things. When you invert the brush into a bowl of hot water, don't put the wood in the water. When you're done, don't set it to down in a puddle.

I've spent many years building and turning things meant to be used. What I've discovered is that over time, the acids from your finger oils is a much greater enemy that water. With little things like shaving brushes, pens, pepper mills, bottle stoppers a very effective way to care for the object is to give it a monthly or quartely wipe with something like paste wax or Renaissance wax (my preference) and clean t-shirt.

Post a pic of the thuya Brush

Nicely done!!

Ray