Noticed another fellow just assembled one of these, so I figured I would join in and show mine as well. I love wood handles and these Olivewood handles are pretty nice and inexpensive too. I installed a TGN 26mm Silvertip in mine, but did not need to cut down or widen the hole. The hole is quite deep, however, so I JB Welded several washers together for some weight and epoxied it all inside and ended up with a knot at 26mm x 58mm. I did have to refinish the wood a bit because I felt their finish was a bit rough. I sanded off their finish and smoothed it all out and then applied 5-6 thin layers of polyurethane and sanded it down so now I have a nice smooth satin finish that is pretty waterproof.
I am generally a bowl latherer, but I have found this brush shape and density is very hard to bowl lather because the lather seems to get inside the brush and won't lather up... perhaps I need a wider bowl... it face lathers like a hot damn though, and these hairs feel REALLY great on the face. I am really happy with this brush and it is a nice change from the other brushes I have. I have 4 handles/brushes on the way now, mostly older ones, so that I can install new knots in them.. this brush assembly stuff is fun! Two pics.. one is right after install and one is after the first use in full bloom.
I am generally a bowl latherer, but I have found this brush shape and density is very hard to bowl lather because the lather seems to get inside the brush and won't lather up... perhaps I need a wider bowl... it face lathers like a hot damn though, and these hairs feel REALLY great on the face. I am really happy with this brush and it is a nice change from the other brushes I have. I have 4 handles/brushes on the way now, mostly older ones, so that I can install new knots in them.. this brush assembly stuff is fun! Two pics.. one is right after install and one is after the first use in full bloom.
