Thread: Knot Replacement

Can anyone point me in the right direction to find detailed instruction on how to replace a brush knot? I've searched through the forums and only came accross bits and pieces of conversations. Maybe I just haven't found the right thread. My first brush was a Simpson Special. When I started traveling, I would place it in a travel tube. From my experience, I would not recommend doing this. It ruined the brush to the point that it sheds on 10-15 hairs per shave. If you travel, I'd recomend drying it completely before confining it in anything. I only travel with inexpensive brushes now and I use a hair dryer on them before packing them away. Anyway, I would like to replace the knot on this brush. I'm uncertain of how to remove the old knot. Also, I've read that a marine grade epoxy should be used. Any suggestions of brand? Appreciate any help that you can give. Thanks.

The do s and don't s when replacing knots: Do knot...

I guess it can be hard to get the old one out, I would go for the Dremel and preferably put some thin tubing around the old knot and down the handle to protect the mouth of the handle.

Two ways to pop the old knot

1. Snug the knot in a vise right at the edge of the handle, Crush, loosen turn 90° Crush repeat... Yank hard on the handle, If you are really lucky the knot will stay in the vise in one piece NEATLY... You will be holding a Handle that needs minor cleaning, to be ready for the new knot

2. Using a Utility Knife cut the bristles down to as close to the handle as possible making a complete mess of the shop and have bristles everywhere but in the trash can use a drill press and drill out the old knot...

Obviously try #1 first, only resort to #2 if you must, because it stinks and is messy (Pun intended)


TGN = Fountain Pen parts - NIBS, - Wholesale Fountain Pen Ink - Golden Nib AZ they have the best selection of Knots to chose from that I have found to date


Hope that helps

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Two ways to pop the old knot

1. Snug the knot in a vise right at the edge of the handle, Crush, loosen turn 90° Crush repeat... Yank hard on the handle, If you are really lucky the knot will stay in the vise in one piece NEATLY... You will be holding a Handle that needs minor cleaning, to be ready for the new knot


2. Using a Utility Knife cut the bristles down to as close to the handle as possible making a complete mess of the shop and have bristles everywhere but in the trash can use a drill press and drill out the old knot...



Obviously try #1 first, only resort to #2 if you must, because it stinks and is messy (Pun intended)


TGN = Fountain Pen parts - NIBS, - Wholesale Fountain Pen Ink - Golden Nib AZ they have the best selection of Knots to chose from that I have found to date


Hope that helps

That link is great, thank you very much for posting.

If u Google vintage brush restore non steam method another forum has a detailed idea with pics on how to do it ..

Vice grips,pull the suckers out.Most of the old knots were set with hide glues,if your lucky the entire knot will come out.

Originally Posted by Brettnj

That link is great, thank you very much for posting.

I have knots from all the categories of the TGN
They are in the "soft" direction even the Pure Badgers
Don't soak them too much,that will make the bristles very easy to bent.
I was very disappointed from their Boars
The store has excellent customer care attitude.