Thread: Purple/White-Brown Mallee Hybrid handle.

Looks very nice. If it was mine, id want more shine. Of course i wouldnt have a clue how to make it happen on something like that.
Still very cool.

Originally Posted by Gasman

Looks very nice. If it was mine, id want more shine. Of course i wouldnt have a clue how to make it happen on something like that.
Still very cool.

Thanks for the input. Ya, so once I have the 3 coats of Linseed oil on, I can buff it and it will finish with a pretty high shine. It's funny, most people prefer a higher gloss finish. Lately, I've been into the softer feeling look like it is now. But hey, it's not mine so I'm looking forward to the owner giving his input.

I am not sure how durable the linseed finish is. If it is good to go then I would tend to be happier with the satin look, because in my mind glossy means slippery. I already drop enough stuff. It looks good now. There is a lot of depth to the colour and grain, which is the only reason I go gloss is for the depth of finish.

The finish looks great as is, IMO Andrew. Terrific shape as well.

Presuming it was a stabilized blank before being added to the alumilite it's got a great grain and sheen.
Looks like they used the alumilite white as the base in that blank and added the colour to it.
Very cool effect.
From my own limited experiments I have learned the different alumilite compounds have different duro and final finish potentials.
I see the alumilite-res products being good for scales and wedges, but personally will only really use the water clear alumilite formula for turnings in my own shop. Harder duro, better response to the lathe tools and slower cure all work better for handles I find.

Originally Posted by RezDog

I am not sure how durable the linseed finish is. If it is good to go then I would tend to be happier with the satin look, because in my mind glossy means slippery. I already drop enough stuff. It looks good now. There is a lot of depth to the colour and grain, which is the only reason I go gloss is for the depth of finish.

Shaun, I think the Linseed oil will hold up as well as anything. I mean, it was used over the last century for gun stocks and tool handles. It's the amount of coats that counts. Even Casey Tru oils base is linseed oil. I agree tho, I really like the way it looks now.

Mike, I'm not sure if the wood would have been stabilized first or not. It's brown mallee, so I would imagine it does have some natural oils that will help against decay. Even if not, I can see white and purple all through the pours of the wood which is a good thing.

The hole alumilite thing I'm not sure I want to start into. Seems like it could be an investment that might get expensive. Especially for someone like me who wont want to do the same colors more than 2 or 3 times. On the other hand, making my own custom blanks sure would be cool!! I'll wait until you have it down to muscle memory and then maybe I might come look over your shoulder.

As usual, another fine looking handle there Andrew

You sure have some talent and I also like it the way it is now. But as you said, it's up to the owner.
And seriously the color and wood look great together. It's kind of like a BORG brush handle


But to me, the finish where it is now is about perfect to my taste

Another terrific looking handle, Andrew. It's always a treat to see your production from start to finish. Great job.

Lovely work once again Andrew and great shape!

Well my wife will be the proud owner of this beauty. I already own one of Andrews brushes and it is by far my favorite out of all my brushes. I have twins like this one but they are wood and blue acrylic. My wife is also a wet shaver, however she uses my stuff. So this along with a mint condition lady starburst Gillette will be under the tree this year. Win win. She gets an awesome set and my harrywally doesn’t have to pull double duty lol. All this being said, I like the satin finish it has but knowing my wife’s love for shiny stuff I think it needs to be glossy. Overall Andrew this is a home run with a nice badger knot. Great Work man. Appreciate it very much. You are a true craftsman.