Thread: Badger virgin seeks to get badgerized -- need advice on handles

Originally Posted by CaliforniaCajun

The Golden Nib knot is the option I have direct experience with and I have never been disappointed. If they have an affordable handle, there's your fastest answer. I use Devcon glue to attach my knots.

Larry at Whipped Dog is very reputable, but I prefer finest badger to silvertip. Last time I looked, he had silvertip and black badger, and I find black badger more scritchy than finest.

What I have done for my last few brush purchases is purchase an attractive old brush from ebay with the intention of drilling out the knot and replacing it with a Golden Nib knot. The economics depend on how cheap you can get the handle. Look closely at the ebay handle to make sure it is in pristine condition and not cracked or defaced. Another option is a Burma Shave brush which used to cost $5-$10. The knot I had shed hair but you can drill it out and get a good one.

Yeah, this is the approach which seems increasingly attractive and feasible. The wait from Chen is long, and his business practices get mixed reviews, and the price isn't so much less than TGN. Thisisclog reports TGN knots seem at least a bit superior. I'm also leaning a bit more toward backbone, for which the double band finest seems superior to the silvertips, from what I read. That was also the appeal of the manchurian.

I like the idea of a vintage handle, but also find myself increasingly motivated by my exchange with PixelFixed, and his exhortation to go do it myself. I'll put out the word and see if perhaps any neighbors or friends have lathes.

Escaping from price control was part of what started me down this road, and being able to do ever more myself is part of the appeal of SR shaving. Don't need cartridges anymore. Nor any disposable razor blades. I suspect within a year, I'll be honing my own. And, of course, honing others', and teaching them, just as I now teach others about wet-shaving, out of love. So why not make my own handles, and not have to buy those anymore, either? Cangooner's got that right, too.

Anyone have any recommendations on which of the knots on TGN's finest page to go with?

Thanks!