Thread: Making a custom brush, pics to follow, need advice

Hey guys,

After my apparently non stop talking about a good shave, my brother seems to be falling for it!

It will soon be his 30th birthday, and I want to give him something special, and I thought about restoring him a Straight and making him (and myself while we're at it) a custom brush. I figured, it's something money can't buy, and hopefuly he will appreciate it. He bought me my first straight and I was damn happy with it...

Anyhow, for the BRUSH, I will be using an aluminium handle, but I'm a little hesitating on which final shape I'll take.

First of all: Is aluminium any problem whatsoever to use as a handle? Will it do strange things when staying in contact with water & humidity?
Second: How big can the 'border' be without looking stupid on the top? WIth the border I mean that part where, if you would take the handle, set it on its butt, and look top down on it, the 'ring' around the hole where the knot would end up going.
Third: Does anyone have brushes that can't be put on their butt? Is it any problem? I'm hesitating, I like the look very much of the ones you can't set down on their behind, but... is it practical in any way?

Many thanks for your feedback!

By the way, if anyone has any suggestions for a good 30 YEAR present... they are very much welcome

Hello there,

I am not sure if this helps but I have an old barber's brush that is made from aluminum and it works just fine.


I have seen examples of custom brushes from aluminum and steel on this site, just run a search. There are plenty of interesting designs on display here that you can use for inspiration, too.

Bad quality picture it seems, but I'm very happy with the handle and can't wait for the knots to arrive!

The top, bulk of the handle, is aluminium coated with a layer to protect it from going freaky. The bottom, I was inspired by my one and only omega badger brush and the plastic seethrough on the bottom! :-)

Hope you like it!

Here, slightly better pic! Looking forward to your comments, good and bad

It's all about recycling the materials!

Man, I love that thing. Sell them en-mass. I will buy one. Or two. Or more.

Originally Posted by Jantjeuh

Third: Does anyone have brushes that can't be put on their butt? Is it any problem? I'm hesitating, I like the look very much of the ones you can't set down on their behind, but... is it practical in any way?

Well, I could put any of my brushes on my butt, truth is I'm generally reluctant to shave there anyway, unless it's going to be a really special day and I need to feel extra fresh.