Buy New or Reknot a Vintage Brush?

[Sharp's]

Currently I am using AoS Fine badger that works well with shave cream but sometimes irritates my face when face lathering. I think it is time to step up to something better.

I am considering my next brush and I am wondering how well reknotting a vintage brush would work vs getting a new Simpson Super of other quality brush? How well do of some of these aftermarket knots perform and hold up? I was thinking of putting a Silvertip Grade A or Silvertip Premium knot on an old Ever Ready..

Opinions greatly appreciated. Thanks, Fudd

 

[ironfist]

Well if you put the knot in yourself it will be cheaper, but alot of people swear by the legendary simpsons brushes.

If you do knot one, and it doesn't work out you can always sell it on and then buy a simpsons

 

[Icebear]

I smell a noob brush nerd .

Just buying a new brush is something a few B&B members might have done before ....
Restoring an old brush that would otherwise be either ending up in the trash or not be used at all is a whole other game. A lot of different knots in very good quality are available. My personal experience in only with TGN and their finest 2 band is almost as good a e.g. Semogue SOC 2-band. You have a little variation but this also happens with almost every brand name brush. Usually you will get much better value in a restoration project. On top of that the DIY aspect which should make you proud once you have finished you project. Don't forget the "before picture" before it's too late !

And of course welcome to B&B Fudd !

 

[Sharp's]

Thanks Iceberg,
So how do these reknots perform? If assembled properly will I get a high end performance or will it be lame and fall appart after a few months?

 

[celestino]

If you want to start economically, you can start with a TGN Finest 2-band knot and keep the loft at 46-48mm for good backbone. If done properly, they should last quite some time, easily. The knots are quite nice for the price.
If you want something a bit more luxurious, you can get one of the brush-makers to make you a handle with a Shavemac knot or another more expensive knot of your choice.
Simpsons brushes are very good quality and you can always pick one up on the BST or order one from any of the reputable vendors. There are so many wonderful brushes and options to go about this. It really isn't that difficult to set your own knot in a handle if you want to experiment.
Good luck.

 

[SliceOfLife]

Reknotting a vintage used to be a no-brainer unless you wanted something custom because of price... but now places like whipped dog sell handles for <$10, so honestly, I'd say it's a 3 step process.

1. Decide if you want a custom, if so, buy one.
2. If not, try to find a vintage you really like to reknot.
3. If you can't, either go back to 1 and reconsider it, or pick up one of the cheap handles.


Buying stuff like EverReady C40's and VDH boars to reknot because it's cheaper than a handle doesn't really make sense any more. Back when handles started in the 20's for even basic turned stuff, yeah it made sense. Now, the convenience and cost are both on the side of buying new, so restoring is really only something to do if the handle appeals to you.

As for whether you want to buy a Simpson or reknot/make a brush? Do you want two band or a very large brush? If so, you'll save a lot by reknotting or making a brush. If you want a smaller (Say <24mm) three band, then the prices get a lot closer (Special, Commodore, etc), but still tend to favor making the brush.

Which is better? There's no easy answer. Most people try several brushes and decide which they prefer themselves.