Thread: Just a quick question, I OK on a lathe, but how do get the old knot out safely?

I have a Simpsons Colonel that has started to grace me with 2 or 3 loose hair each and every time I shave. Today that was 7 hairs.

I'm thinking that maybe it's time to prepare for a replacement. I have no issues with these Chinese knots providers as long as I find a knot for me.

My only headscratching moment is how to remove the old knot so I don't damage the handle?


Any ideas?

Regards

Christian

I did my first reknot a couple months ago to a Vander Hagen brush handle.
I simply cut the old knot as close to the handle as possible, using my scroll saw, then used my drill press and 3/16 drill bit and drilled a series of holes in the old knot, then broke it out with a small screw driver.
Then I chucked up a drum sander from a dremmel kit , into the drill press to clean up the hole for the new knot. Cleaned the hole with denatured alcohol, mixed up some two part epoxy, put some in the hole and bottom of knot.
Be carfull not to over fill.
Used the alchohol on a rag for cleaning excess epoxy .

Give it a day to dry... And enjoy.

Hope this helped.
Mike
AKAutback

Cool whip..!!

Thanks Mike.

That was kind of what I was thinking. Well.... except for the drill press bit, I was going to try a forstner bit in the lathe, but it seemed a bit risky. Your way seems a lot safer.

I asked a similar question a while back. I was wanting to save the knot, but you could still do the same, provided you have a solid plastic handle
http://straightrazorpalace.com/brush...ible-task.html

Here's another option.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXZ5tm4HEQg

Thanks for the link to the other thread and for the steaming suggestion.

I'll give that a whirl once I get a knot in house.... unless it starts to shed even worse, in which case I'll have to use one of my other brushes.

I'm pretty sure the Simpson handles can take the heat, I'm not worried about saving the knot and it'll give me something to do. :-)

Thanks guys,

Christian

Just a quick addition,

I've ordered myself a new knot via Ebay from China, I chose an extra density 22mm knot of Finest Badger from Frank Shaving. It's not top of the line, but Colonels are normally Best Badger, and so I hope the quality is near the same. 22mm knots are not as easy to find and I could not find any fan shaped knots which are my preference. I contemplated just ordering a new brush from Simpsons as they are only around $75 - $80 in Canadian Funny Money, but I wanted the challange of doing it and seeing if there really is much difference between names.

Once I have knot in hand, I shall steam it out and plonk in the new knot.

Wow, fast shipping... already have the tracking number, a tip of the hat is in order to this gent.


REgards

Christian

If the knot you ordered is anything like the two Finest badger knots I got from TGN you should be happy with it. If the bore hole in your brush is 22mm you may have to open it up a mm or two to get an easy fit that is not too tight.

Bob

Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY

Here's another option.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXZ5tm4HEQg

Definitely the way to go.
Did this one this morning, in about 15 minutes.
After bench vise , I used a 3/4" bore bit in the drill press , to clean and level the knot hole.
Mixed up the epoxy, cleaned the handle out with denatured alcohol, coated the base of the knot hole and brush, a push n twist.
"VOILA"

Well, that looks darn quick and easy.... Not to mention, no chance of melting the handle... on the other hand I suppose there is the chance of breaking the lip around the base of the bristles, if it's fragile. It's very much a "you don't know until you try" kind of thing.

I'll think about this until the knot shows and and then go with my gut instinct. I can always turn a new handle if it comes to that. I've been trying to duplicate the 'tulip' style handle from Simpson, but I just can't seem to get it quite right....

Regards

Christian