Thread: Five Badgers for a dollar

Make that $100. Just finished a project that was quite satisfying. I refurbished 5 old or different handled brushes to a new career. I had bought three old boar brushes which were completely worn out and clipped and drilled the few remaining bristles with a drill press and forstner bits. The spalted maple brush is from a custom I had that I was dissatisfied with. The unique pineapple looking one is from a Tequila bottle cork that I had laying around. As you can see from the picture there are many things you can make a brush from without having to turn one on a lathe. The knots run from 20mm at $15 to the 28mm at $25 [20mm, 22mm, 24mm, 26mm, and 28mm] so the total for 5 new Badger Silvertips is right at $100. The second picture shows my new 7 day set ready to go. I have only used the huge 28mm so far and it is the ultimate in luxury with enough lather for a Viking [2 Vikings]. The only issue I have had so far is a few hairs shedding. Time will tell if this is going to be an on going problem. Now if I can keep myself from making more brushes out of other stuff [Craftsman stubby screwdriver handle].

bj

That is really cool. I dig the pineapple handle! Keep us posted for knot durability.

I LOVE that wall mounted display!!!!


Awesome!!!!

BJ, I'll give a dollar for the spalted maple one, that will pay ya back for the costs on the rest.
I love the Craftsman screwdriver idea!

Thanks guys. I should have explained further on the pineapple handle. It is really a facsimile of a blue agave plant which they make Tequila out of. Also I have only had shedding on one of the knots [26mm]. After doing this project I can see many more things that a handle can be made out of. There are many old brush handles in the Antique Shops out there that can be refurbished and brought back to life.

bj

2Sharp,

Where did you but your knots from, they look amazing.

And your brushes look amazing as well, very nice job. I am really interested in trying to restore one for me and my son.

I'd love to see some individual shots of the brushes.

Thanks

Looks great and +1 on the screwdriver handle. I'll wait for you to post one before I do mine.

Thanks. The knots are from golden nib. I checked my Craftsman stubby handle and I think it will only take an 18mm knot so I am looking for a little larger handle. The group picture is the ones that I done plus a SR 18mm for size comparison. First individual picture is the huge Spalted Maple 28mm. 2nd is antique handle with 26mm knot. Third is Burma Shave brush with 24mm which I think is going to be my favorite. Fourth is antique handle with 22mm knot. Fifth is the blue agave Tequila cork with 20mm knot. Last one is the SR 18mm for size comparison. I'm off to the Craftsman tool store to see if I can find any interesting handles. I can't believe I have SAD.

bj

Originally Posted by 2Sharp

Thanks. The knots are from golden nib. I checked my Craftsman stubby handle and I think it will only take an 18mm knot so I am looking for a little larger handle. The group picture is the ones that I done plus a SR 18mm for size comparison. First individual picture is the huge Spalted Maple 28mm. 2nd is antique handle with 26mm knot. Third is Burma Shave brush with 24mm which I think is going to be my favorite. Fourth is antique handle with 22mm knot. Fifth is the blue agave Tequila cork with 20mm knot. Last one is the SR 18mm for size comparison. I'm off to the Craftsman tool store to see if I can find any interesting handles. I can't believe I have SAD.

bj

Thanks for posting the great pictures and taking the time to elaborate on the sizes of the knots, the brushes are awesome!!! And have inspired me to do a couple of vintage restores for my son and I.