Thread: First knot install

Previously, I had a run of bad luck with two replacement VP Leon Hardy 30mm brushes. Ultimately I had to contact the manufacturer for a third replacement. They made good and it is a fine working brush. You’ll see the good replacement (black label) and the previous defect (gold label).



But what to do with the defect? I didn’t want to just throw away a good handle. I’ve never replaced a knot before, so I thought I’d give it a go. What did I have to lose? After reading and watching a few videos, I began. I didn’t learn about steaming the brush until after I had cut the bristles. Oh well. I borrowed a Dremel from a friend and started grinding.



Turned out pretty good except I chipped the top lip of the handle. I bought some 600 grit wet / dry sandpaper and smoothed it out.



In my reading I learned about The Golden Nib as a place to buy knots. I bought a 30mm Premium Silvertip badger. When it came in I discovered the knot would not fit into the hole. Back to the Dremel. I carefully rounded out and widened the hole.



Along with the knot, I ordered TGNs recommended epoxy. Good news is I didn’t make a mess of things, but I probably did use a bit more than I should have. The results, however, look pretty good.



I’ve used the brush now twice with most gratifying results. Ha, imagine me buying another $200 silvertip brush... knot, oops, I mean... not!

Seen in action below. (Look at the beautiful Bengall. But that’s another story).

Looks good. Now you know its not that dificult to reknot a handle. Ive done a few. One thing ive learned is to not glue it at first, but to use it a couple times unglued at different lofts and that can be done by dropping a penney one three underneather the knot. This way you can find out what is best for you. If you sink it too deep then it wont splay very well. To shallow and you got a floppy.

I have done quite a few. The knot should be 1 or 2 mm smaller than hole. I remove the old knot the same e as you did until I remove all old adhesive. Buy my knots from Golden Nib also. I cut a hole in corner of bag knot comes in. Push the base thru hole until I reach hair. Tape tightly around bag so it condenses hair and will not slip. Insert knot in handle to check seating and adjust clear bag as necessary. I put a film of vasaline around top of handle. Mix Marine epoxy and spread in hole. Push knot into hole carefully removing excess epoxy with paper towel. Keep pushing until knot is set all the way and remove any excess epoxy. Let brush stand and cure 24 hours. Remove bag and any excess epoxy with exacto knofe and polish top of handle.

Looks good.!
Done a few myself, but found it even more rewarding after restoring the whole brush.





I like to protect everything, when epoxying the knot in.

Great work there both of you!
I once made the mistake of putting too much epoxy inside.
So it pushed up and a little was showing where the fur contacts ..
It was just a tiny bit showing yet annoying none the less.
Easy on the epoxy as just a little holds very tight.

Brushes are fun! Now you need to get another old handle and try a different style knot, cuz u done real good on the first!

Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY

Brushes are fun! Now you need to get another old handle and try a different style knot, cuz u done real good on the first!

Funny you should mention. Ordered and received a 26mm Manchurian white bulb knot from Eliterazor.com. Waiting for me at home for my return tomorrow. I may be contacting you by Christmas. My plan right now is to piece together two more brushes; the Manchurian and a High Mountain white 26mm. So I'm going to need two handles. Not much impressed with most I've seen on the internet, so I will likely be contacting you to discuss something special.

BTW, I've used my repaired brush everyday for two weeks now. Just fine. Soft bristles, good backbone. Only four lost hairs by my count.

Nice work! I also like your signature line