My new brush

[mainaman]

HI all,
I am 2 months into straight razor shaving, and finally decided to move from my mediocre Tweezerman to something more exiting.
I did not feel like spending too much on a shaving brush, especially when it will not be the first and last one I am going to get, so I decided to get me a custom handle and a knot.
I am a member of the Knife Forums, and since there are people that deal with rehandling knives, I asked around to see if I can find someone to make a handle for me. I must tell you I got lucky, I talked to Carbonsteel928(on this forum), about the possibility of a handle and he gladly accepted the challenge. We talked for about 2 days about what am I looking for, type of wood, shape size etc. and came up with this handle:





The material is cocobolo, I installed a finest badger 24mm/65mm knot from the Golden Nib.
When I started wet shaving, I found out that the Tweezerman had handle too short and badly designed for my taste. The short handle I found too uncomfortable for making good lather, it gave me feeling as if I had a carpal tunnel. I wanted my handle to be with long handle to be able to reach in deep bowls for easier lathering, and that's what I got. Miguel was very open to suggestions, and we went through several stages of remodeling to get the final version.
I find the finish to be exceptional, and now I am looking to get handles for a Silvertip, Best Badger brushes.
Highly recommend Miguel's work for those that are interested in something different but of highest quality.

[dannywonderful]

Fantastic finish on that. I too have ordered a handle from Miguel and I'm eagerly awaiting it's arrival on these shores.

[Carbonsteel928]

Danny, it should only be 8 more business days max. I hope you enjoy it, the cocobolo in yours is a bit lighter and more figures but no less warm or lustrous.

As stated in my earlier post, some time next week, I'll start offering complete brushes. Thank you guys for your help and support.

[ReardenSteel]

This is the handle Carbonsteel928 turned for me. Just got it in the mail today and will be adding the knot very soon! It is IMO amazing! It measures a hair or two above 5 inches tall! Thanks again!

[dannywonderful]

That looks incredible, ReardenSteel! I look forward to seeing it with the knot epoxied in.

[mosley59]

mainaman, that is a GORGEOUS handle. A little large for my sensibilities, but definitely nice. I'm currently having a custom handle turned by T-Ram for me - he just sent me photos of what he's turned for me out of a nice piece of maple, pre-finish, and I'm hoping that it turns out as nicely after the finish (Danish oil under vacuum, multiple coats) as your new brush has. How far into the handle is the knot set? I'm wanting to get that same big bushy effect with mine, so would like some pointers as to hole depth.
Cheers,
Tom

[Carbonsteel928]

The handle is in 12mm deep. If you go too deep, you'll end up with bristles that draw water into the wood and will cause cracking and other issues.

[mainaman]

mainaman, that is a GORGEOUS handle. A little large for my sensibilities, but definitely nice. I'm currently having a custom handle turned by T-Ram for me - he just sent me photos of what he's turned for me out of a nice piece of maple, pre-finish, and I'm hoping that it turns out as nicely after the finish (Danish oil under vacuum, multiple coats) as your new brush has. How far into the handle is the knot set? I'm wanting to get that same big bushy effect with mine, so would like some pointers as to hole depth.
Cheers,
Tom

the knot set ~ 10mm into the handle. The handle had 12mm hole for the knot, and it is not floppy, so it looks like we guestimated all dimensions right. As far as size, I intentionally wanted the handle that big. Next ones will be similar size, different woods.

[shorynot]

Hah, this is funny. I currently have a post on the front page (with a similar title), about how i have moved from the tweezerman to a shavemac. The tweezerman treated me well though, for 15 bucks it was well worth it.

Very nice handle though, i like it alot. The long handles have always interested me....but any decent name sells them for a whole bunch.