SHD Maggard 2-Band

Hey guys, so along with my satin edge project I also have a couple brush handles Andrew made for me a while ago. Never got around to putting knots in them. I was torn between the regular 24mm 2-band and their new Super High Density (SHD). Well ended up going for the SHD as I heard it was comparable to the Elite manchurian that I wanted to try. However they said the Maggard has better flow through.

It was in the mailbox when I got out of work last night and my initial impressions are pretty good. Needed a good cleaning but what new knot doesn’t. After washing well and soaking in vinegar it bloomed beautifully. The tips out of the box were kinda prickly on my forehead but after the wash it was perfect. The knot is packed incredibly dense and has a a really nice look. I’m posting this on my phone at work so won’t be able to post pictures till I get home tonight. Going to set it with hot glue first as usual just to make sure 49mm isn’t to low for how dense the knot is. I will post a full review in a week or so of use. Looking promising though!

Best Regards,
-Laramie-

Standing by.

Sorry haven't been on my post game lately. I work 12hr days 60 hours a week, and we swing from nights to days every other week. I mean it pays really well but holly crap it wears you out. Gotta make that money while i'm young, but I digress. Anyway here are some pictures of the knot, cause I mean it didn't happen if there aren't pictures, lol.
Attachment 305086
Attachment 305087
A very well worn TGN grade A 24mm on the left for comparison
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Now I just gotta decide which handle to put it in. It literally sits perfectly at 48mm loft in the walnut handle, but sits kinda low in the other one (can't remember the type of wood), so I would have to build it up a little.

Also wanted to mention for anyone new who may read this. If you buy a brush (from a reputable maker), and he says he drilled it for a 24mm knot put a 24mm knot in it!! Even if it measures 2-4mm larger. They have been doing this longer than you and have already cracked a few handles stuffing oversized knots in. I have found in my limited experience that the knot actually swells a bit near the base once it fully breaks in. My theory is over time and with lots of use, soap and crap slowly work down deep into the handle and kinda plug it up. Even with a regular cleaning schedule, it would be impossible to clean near the plug once the handle has been set. YMMV!!

Good looking handles and the knot should be good at the 48mm loft.

Yes, most knot sellers recommend you drill a hole 1mm to 2mm larger in diameter than the knot size. Keep in mind the knot size is quoted at the glue plug and as you say the knot bulges out slightly just above it. Knots will swell with use and can crack a handle if fitted too tightly.

Bob

I have my knots set at different heights. Some days I just prefer the scrubbier shave of a low knot with heavy backbone.

If you need to raise the knot, i found a coin works great for this.

I ended up setting it in the walnut handle as it just fit perfectly, seemed meant to be. However the first knot I did I had to raise the loft and if I remember correctly I used a few coins to raise it.
Attachment 305119
I wrapped the knot with a piece of kanthal wire to help keep it from wanting to spring out of the hole. Sitting a little over 48mm loft, I like a floppier feel to my brushes. If I look at my skin wrong I break out, so never really liked the scrubby feel. I finally like my boar brush after two years if that says anything. I will post a full review once I've break this sucker in fully. Maybe a month or so of use should do it, so I will report back with my findings.

-Laramie-

So after the first shave, it is looking really good. For the knot being so fresh the tips gel up wonderfully, and create that great cotton ball feeling. The backbone is really good. I would compare it to my well worn boar, springy, firm backbone, but willing to splay without to much pressure. I am really excited to see how this thing evolves as every brush I have ever owned only got better with age, to a point. Most new knots I have used are kinda lather hogs in the first week or so of use, and this one really wasn't much different. However for how densely packed the knot is, I was expecting it to be a lot worse. My grade A silvertip was more trouble than this one in the beginning, but maybe that's the experience at work. I also notice that tips curl, don't really know much about that, but have read its from a chemical process or something.
Here she is after her inaugural use.
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And here's a picture of the tips from an Okularis 30xloupe.
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I also wanted to mention that after the initial couple washing with dawn, and soaking in vinegar, and during its first use. It has only lost two hairs that I have noticed. Which I thought was noteworthy, my other badger brushes probably lose like a hair every week or so. Which I have read is pretty normal wear and tear so to speak.

What adhesive did you use to secure the knot to the handle?

I tore the label off the tube, but I believe it is just regular old loctite 5 minute epoxy. I bought it a few years ago, so can't really be sure. However pretty much any old epoxy will work, just make sure when you go to glue it in you are 100% sure you have the loft where you want. I use hot glue to temporarily set the knot and use the brush a few times to make sure the loft is good. Once I am 100% positive I like the loft, the knot is then easily removed from the handle and I set it with epoxy. You can also use Silicone to temporarily set the knot.

-Laramie-