Thread: Picked up a couple of vintage brushes

I'm not much of a brush guy, but I saw these on the bay and thought they looked kinda cool. Turned out I was the only bidder and got all three for $10 shipped

The one in the best shape is completely unmarked, no idea what it is. The knot is about 23 mm at the base and feels like boar, though it could be horse? Definitely not badger. I'll probably soak this in a little oxyclean and give it a try.



The second is an Ever-Ready "badgerlon" badger and nylon blend. It looks like the badger is a ring around a pretty worn out core of nylon. The base of the knot is about 21mm and the handle is in pretty good shape. Looks like a new knot is in order for this one.



The last is a Made Rite "cased with pure badger" and has the number 36 stamped on the bottom of the handle. The knot on this one also measures about 21mm. The glue has however given up and the collar pulls off, the base of the knot also looks like some bugs had a little lunch. The transparent handle has a couple of chips and cracks, but feels solid. This one will also need some help to be useful.



I know little to nothing about brushes so any info on these would be appreciated. I've read through a couple of re-knot threads and it looks like it's within my skill set. I'm sure I'll have a couple of questions when I decide to make the attempt.

I have 2 of those red-bottomed brushes. One I re-knotted and the other still original. A nice Boar knot in my opinion. Give it a go. I enjoy mine. I bet its already broke-in. LOL.

1st one looks good

2nd I'd say it was left in a mug, and dried. Give it a good soak in hot water ( not boiling hot ) and a bit of hair conditioner, let it dry upside down, still wet and stuck together. Like #3. Once dry, fluff it up, and use it and repeat.

3rd. Glue the base back onto the cup with epoxy, clean the knot, and use it.

I've got a couple like #2, the more I've used them, the straighter the knot gets. Not that its mattered, it still builds a good lather, just a personal choice that it looks good.

Its hair.! Like ours can set from wearing a hat, it comes back to its shape with cleaning and brushing

@ gassman: That was my plan for #1. I was pretty sure it was boar and it's already pretty soft. I like boar brushes, should clean up pretty nice.

@ outback: thanks for the advice, I'll give the hot soak a try with #2/3. Was curious to try the "badgelon" as it was. Hope it comes around. For #3 should I refill the base of the knot? Its pretty eaten away. Maybe fill with Maggard's silicone adhesive...epoxy...shoe goo?

You can if u want, its just a air bubble from when it was glued originally. Probably why it let go, in the first place.
It wasn't properly glued, then dropped, and came apart.

They all look good to me. So many of the handles I see are past the end of their lifespan. A little work on some and they will be nice. Nice knots can be fairly inexpensive these days.

Originally Posted by RezDog

They all look good to me. So many of the handles I see are past the end of their lifespan. A little work on some and they will be nice. Nice knots can be fairly inexpensive these days.

Whats a good source for knots? I am ready to put a knot in my Rubberset but I dont know who I can depend on. I figured you guys might have experience with dependable vendors.

https://www.ebay.com/usr/classicshop...88.m1543.l2754
https://www.ebay.com/usr/virginiashe...88.m1543.l2754
https://www.ebay.com/usr/wetshavingt...88.m1543.l2754
I have bought from these three places. The inventory changes all the time. I typically go with a two band. It’s a good mix of softness and back bone. Frank shaving is another spot, but I have had some shedding issues a while back with one of many knots I bought there and they sent me a replacement knot. I probably have more VS two bands in brushed than any other. I also have a really great hand tied knot from Australia that is probably the nicest knot I have. They are no inexpensive knots though.

i have a knot from Maggards that i like. Seems to hold the bristles well. I would try a fan shaped knot if you haven't already. i think they are the best especially for face lathering.

Ive ordered a few times from V.S. (second link Rez posted). Low cost kots that seem just fine to me.
And i will second what tintin said about the fan shape. I bought one and love it. If you face lather the fan is the way to go.