Culmak brush re-knotting

[rmac]

Hi guys. A few months back I purchased a wade shaving mug with the culmak soap and brush (old style-black ring on base and fairly small). Long story short, I did this for nostalgic reasons as this is what my grandfather used (and still uses) for years. I like the brush, but it has been shedding a lot of hairs lately and I feel that the bristles are just slightly too scratchy for daily use. I have noticed that the golden nib.com has badger hair knots and that a few members here seem to have had success with replacing the knot. So with this in mind, can I ask the following questions:

1. How easy would it be for me to replace the knot myself, considering I have access to all the tools and machinery through my work?
2. Is there anyone on this site that would do it for me (I don't mind paying extra) if it is at all difficult?
3. What kind of grade of hair should I go for if I want both a daily shaver and just slightly less scratchy than what they are at the moment - I was thinking the best?
4. Has anyone re-knotted a culmak yet, I mean is it worth doing, or am I just wasting my time?

I am asking this as I just really love everything about this little brush, and I always remember my grandfather using his when I was a child, and I would like my children and grandchildren someday to hopefully remember the same thing!

Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[Wingnut]

You have many options open to you. If you want to try doing a rehair yourself, there are threads here describing it (although I wouldn't try it the first time with a brush with any sentimental value).

If you want to have someone do the rehair for you, I can heartily recommend a B&B member/vendor named Rudy Vey. He re-knotted a 30 year old Kent for me about a month ago (if you'd like to see his work on it, I believe it's posted under "Re-knotting a vintage Kent brush"). Rudy did absolutely fantastic work, was very helpful and communicative, his prices are very reasonable, and when he sent me back my brush (in less than 2 weeks time) he even sent along a free tube of ARKO cream for me to try.

If you decide to have someone do the work for you, I can't imagine anyone would be able to do a better job than Rudy. When I saw my "new" Kent/Vey, it almost brought tears to my eyes - it was THAT beautiful!

 

[mdunn]

lax1mxr does some great work, too.

 

[Schwert]

I think it would not be too hard to do yourself...but every single restore I have seen Rudy do has been an eyepopper.