Thread: Replacing a couple of knots

Originally Posted by Euclid440

I would first, glue the handle back together with CA glue, because the CA glue line is invisible. It does not need to be super strong, because once you glue the knot in the handle, it will be glued from inside.

If you try to remove the filler and glue from the broken pieces you risk damaging the edges and you will have gaps or a dirty seam.

Once dry, remove the interior with a large drill bit and drill press, clean up with a Dremel with a cutting bit and small sanding drum, they sand easily. Hold the handle with a wood clamp, wrap the handle with some craft foam or few wraps of duct tape when you drill. Aim for a tightish fit, not too loose, and not too tight. You only need to remove enough to fit the knot.

You do not need to fill the hollow handle, I have used coins, wood dowels, corks, and nothing, just gluing the knot in with clear E6000. I have re-knotted several vintage handles and to date, none have failed. E6000 is inexpensive, easy to apply and clean up. You do not need epoxy, it is messy.

Test fit your knot and wrap your brush, with masking tape just above the glue line to keep the brush and handle clean and easy to wipe off any squeeze out, but most of the glue will go into the handle, if you go slow and slightly twist the know as you insert in the handle.

Put an even coat on the handle sides with a wood coffee stir stick and a thin coat on the knot only about halfway on the epoxy on the knot.

Once the glue has dried, you can trim any squeeze out with a sharp Exacto knife.

I considered gluing it back together first, but it looked easier to work out the old knot with it open. I hadn't thought about making the seam dirty, though...good point.

Got some decisions to make I suppose...

The cleaner it goes back together the more invisible the repair for sure. I have used cold cure for filling handles. It seems very effective. I have been too apprehensive to glue it into a hollow handle. My logic keeps leading back to they did the first time the knot was set. Then I get all worked up in what could go wrong and then just fill it.

Got the knot glued in for the Made Rite and have a couple of shaves with it. I gotta say the SHD badger knot is pretty nice. Not floppy at all and it has a really nice face feel. Makes lather pretty easily as well. It's not going to replace my boar, but will be a nice change of pace. The extra weight I put in the handle gives it a nice feel when I'm making lather.

It looks good