Thread: Don't like my knot

Hi Guys,

I bought a shaving soap a while ago and I love it to bits.

Blackbeard - Bringing you back to the Golden Age of Piracy and the Pirate's code Blackbeard epitomized. Now, while we certainly don't condone piracy, smelling like a pirate has never smelled this good! To create Blackbeard, we started with tobacco, then added some cherry, vanilla, patchouli, cloves, and other spices. (Pasted from WSP Site).

In keeping with the pirate theme, I bought a new brush.

The brush was advertised as 100% badger but I have to say that it doesn't feel like any of my other badgers. It's not soft is all backbone and to me feeels like the really cheap synthetic brush I got from the body shop and never use.

Is it possible that badger can feel this bad?

How would I go about removing the knot and replacing it?

I really like the handle

I was thinking boar because I like it but would actually like to try a horse hair knot too.

How does horse compare to boar?

I have a feeling that knot based come in diferent diameters, is it as simple as measuring across the top of the hole when I get the old knot out with a ruler?

Looks synthetic to me

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

Looks synthetic to me

I'm glad you think that, I thought maybe I was wrong about it.

It is Chinese, I only bought it because I thought it was piratey and would look good with the soap but it is really hard to use. It keeps the shape as I use it and won't splay when I'm lathering unless I press so hard that I can't lather much anyway.

With a different knot I would be a happy chappie I'm sure.

There are some good how too's about removing a knot but basically if you don't want to save the knot it's as easy as cutting it off at the base and then drilling/pulling the rest out and then removing any excess glue. As for size, measure the diameter of the hole and then order a size smaller as a knot swells a little after you get past the base.

Originally Posted by tintin

There are some good how too's about removing a knot but basically if you don't want to save the knot it's as easy as cutting it off at the base and then drilling/pulling the rest out and then removing any excess glue. As for size, measure the diameter of the hole and then order a size smaller as a knot swells a little after you get past the base.

Does it matter how deep or shallow the knot goes if I don't want badger?
What glue do you use?

Originally Posted by STF

Does it matter how deep or shallow the knot goes if I don't want badger?
What glue do you use?

The depth will make a difference as far as backbone so it might be something you will want to adjust. If the knot you get fits tight enough you can try it without gluing it. Other wise a bit of hot glue just to hold it in temporarily will work (i've been told). If it's too deep it can be filled with coins, or cork to raise it up. A Forstner bit work well for making it deeper.
I like Goop glue or 5 minute epoxy for gluing it in.

If that handle is ceramic, it may not drill deeper with a forstner. If it is resin it will drill quite nicely. Other than that TinTin has said all I can say.

Yep! That about covers it. Now buy a knot.

Also, if you want to satisfy your curiosity, pull one of the hairs and burn it. Should be easy to tell if it's natural or synthetic then. If it is synthetic but was sold as "100% badger", then that seller owes you some $$ IMHO.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Also, if you want to satisfy your curiosity, pull one of the hairs and burn it. Should be easy to tell if it's natural or synthetic then. If it is synthetic but was sold as "100% badger", then that seller owes you some $$ IMHO.

Agreed but if it's from a Chinese seller I wouldn't hold my breath.