Build a Brush

[Doc Dan]

Have any of you taken advantage of Maggard's Build a Brush? I did. I think it turned out pretty good.

I wanted to try my hand at it before launching out into something more expensive. It was very inexpensive, too. It was less than $20. They sent the handle and knot, both of my choosing, along with the silicone. I think some instructions were supposed to come along with them but they didn't make it into the box. It didn't matter. I put some of the silicone in the bottom of the hole and shoved the knot in all the way, hard, to make sure it seated. I twisted it a bit to get the glue even. That was it. Oh, and I tied the hair up with a rubber band to keep it out of the way.

I got a good looking handle and a 26mm Tuxedo knot, along with a packet of silicone adhesive, in the box.

I have another one coming from AP Shave. Fun stuff!

 

[JohnN]

It gives you a good feeling knowing you can set your own knots, not dependent on others.

 

[Mr00classic]

Never done the build a brush but have purchased many knots from Maggard's. Have always been pleased.

Great looking brush also.

 

[Ravenonrock]

Nice looking brush, well done!

 

[Doc Dan]

This was the test, for me, to see how hard it would be to build my own brush. Now I have more confidence. I will order a handle from some place and then order a very good knot from elsewhere.

 

[ajkel64]

Well done, that is a very nice looking brush. I like it a lot.

 

[Doc Dan]

So, the new brush does not have much backbone. I think it is simply a black and white knot like Maggard says and not a Tuxedo knot. It does make a lot of lather, though, and it is very soft. This is after the first face lather.

AP Shave has a similar program. I found it better to shop the scratch and dent sale for a handle and then get a better knot for around the same money.

 

[Rudy Vey]

View attachment 1503056

So, the new brush does not have much backbone. I think it is simply a black and white knot like Maggard says and not a Tuxedo knot. It does make a lot of lather, though, and it is very soft. This is after the first face lather.

AP Shave has a similar program. I found it better to shop the scratch and dent sale for a handle and then get a better knot for around the same money.

You should not expect too much backbone, the loft in the initial picture is pretty high, so a higher loft gives less back bone. If you set it in silicone, you may want to set the knot a few millimeter deeper.

 

[Doc Dan]

You should not expect too much backbone, the loft in the initial picture is pretty high, so a higher loft gives less back bone. If you set it in silicone, you may want to set the knot a few millimeter deeper.

Thanks! Actually, the knot is all the way to the bottom of the hole in the handle. I can't set it any deeper. It didn't cost much, anyway. I'll remember your suggestion for the next one, though.

 

[Rudy Vey]

Thanks! Actually, the knot is all the way to the bottom of the hole in the handle. I can't set it any deeper. It didn't cost much, anyway. I'll remember your suggestion for the next one, though.

I wish they would make the holes deeper, you can shim the knot if needed with a slice of cork or some pieces of wood (so use coins, but I always advise not to do so - problems can occur when someone has to drill the glue plug out - guess how I know....). For your picture, the loft looks something like 60 mm or so, would be probably better (= more backbone) at 52-55 mm.

 

[Doc Dan]

I wish they would make the holes deeper, you can shim the knot if needed with a slice of cork or some pieces of wood (so use coins, but I always advise not to do so - problems can occur when someone has to drill the glue plug out - guess how I know....). For your picture, the loft looks something like 60 mm or so, would be probably better (= more backbone) at 52-55 mm.

Hahaha! Very good eye! I measured it and it is exactly 60mm! I guess I would have to grind out the hole deeper. I'll know the next time. I'll also know to look for hole depth, too.