Those very old handles did not have Epoxys,most were hide glues,easy to remove the knots by wrapping in tape and putting the knot in a vice.
I just finished reknotting 6 very old simpsons for a member,all were a PITA as Aliphetic glue was used (wood Glue) that required as above the cut and drill method as HW mentions.
Tho two part Epoxys are the adhiesive of choice for most brushmakers (qick, easy, almost failsafe)
Am going to look into using marine grade Aliphetics in the future,(the stuff hardens like iron and the remnants need to be removed with a dremal and carbide bits)
WHY,much to my Chagrin,a brush I sold to a member several mos back had an issue,The Knot fell out,have never heard of that happining before:)
