Thread: cost of making your own brush (confused)

The Golden Nib has both handles and knots, as does whippeddog.com. I can't comment on the knots that Larry at whippeddog sells, but I have used two handles from him and have no complaints. The general consensus seems to be though that the golden nib is likely the most reliable source for knots - assuming you're located in North America.

So I'd say give it a shot. Make sure you pick up some good epoxy too. There's no sense putting garbage between your knot and handle.

If and when you decide to make a handle from scratch, the one tool I'd say is essential is a good forstner bit in the appropriate size for the knot you want to mount, and a drill press *really* helps. Prodigy is quite right that the bills for tools can add up, but it is also possible to make a handle on the cheap. I carved this one from soapstone using wood carving tools, sandpaper, and micromesh.