Thread: turning my vdh into a silvertip

so maybe i'm just attracted to silly ideas.. but i was looking over at my vdh deluxe brush and thinking i should pull out the boar and set in a silvertip.. firstly... is it that stupid of an idea? and second.. what size knot do i buy?

I dont see any reason why you couldnt do this if you like the handle on the VDH.

You'll need to go to The Golden Nib, who sell badger hair knots.

In terms of the knot size, you'll need to measure the width of the hole where the knot is mounted on your brush. Speak to TGN about it, and get a knot that fits the space available. IIRC, they are all the same depth, but different diameters?

Then just pick the loft that you want as well, and epoxy the new knot into the VDH handle.

Good luck and keep us posted!

I measured the knot on my VDH last week and it's a 20mmx60mm if that helps any.

Originally Posted by vthomlinson

so maybe i'm just attracted to silly ideas.. but i was looking over at my vdh deluxe brush and thinking i should pull out the boar and set in a silvertip.. firstly... is it that stupid of an idea? and second.. what size knot do i buy?

That is the way to transform an unwanted brush into a prized possession. It's also one of the cheapest ways to get a good badger brush.

Cut the hair down in the old brush and then drill out the epoxy. This can be a little tricky. The easiest way for me is to use a spade bit in a drill press. After that you should have a handle that is just begging for a new knot.

The size can vary slightly based on your skill of drilling out the old nib. I would drill first then measure for your nib.

Unless it has some sentimental value I'm not sure I would spend the money on a new knot to put into a pretty basic handle. If it was a nice wood handle or turned plastic maybe. You can get a basic best badger or even a silvertip brush complete for not that much money.