I'm hoping this helps at least a few people figure out how to properly shop for a handle & knot separately!
The most common issue I see is people coming to me with a custom handle that has an opening of exactly 26mm. While many think a 26mm knot is the logical choice, more often than not I'll recommend a 24mm knot for that size handle. Even though a 26mm knot is technically 25.5mm at the bottom of the glue base most times so that it can fit in a 26mm opening, often time you'll want a bit of buffer room so you can set the knot deeper in the handle easier. With the density knots are packed with nowadays, the chance of small glue bumps, it really makes the most sense to leave a bit of buffer room (1mm on each side can be nice, especially if you're setting knots 12mm+ deep).
Setting a 26mm knot in a 26mm handle opening usually limits you to only setting the glue base, at 10mm deep. From my experience, unless you're looking for a very easy splaying brush, this probably isn't an ideal setting height for most people. You'll notice a majority of european makers will set things around 52-54mm (or even less sometimes!).
For custom handles - it might make the most sense to send the knot to your artisan before hand if they'll allow it! That way they can ensure perfect fit.
For non-custom handles - always get your handle opening specs! then reach out to someone like me if you'd like help fitting, or simply give yourself a buffer of 1.5mm - 3.5mm for a safe fit.
tl;dr leave a bit of buffer room for deeper knot setting when buying a handle & knot separately!
The most common issue I see is people coming to me with a custom handle that has an opening of exactly 26mm. While many think a 26mm knot is the logical choice, more often than not I'll recommend a 24mm knot for that size handle. Even though a 26mm knot is technically 25.5mm at the bottom of the glue base most times so that it can fit in a 26mm opening, often time you'll want a bit of buffer room so you can set the knot deeper in the handle easier. With the density knots are packed with nowadays, the chance of small glue bumps, it really makes the most sense to leave a bit of buffer room (1mm on each side can be nice, especially if you're setting knots 12mm+ deep).
Setting a 26mm knot in a 26mm handle opening usually limits you to only setting the glue base, at 10mm deep. From my experience, unless you're looking for a very easy splaying brush, this probably isn't an ideal setting height for most people. You'll notice a majority of european makers will set things around 52-54mm (or even less sometimes!).
For custom handles - it might make the most sense to send the knot to your artisan before hand if they'll allow it! That way they can ensure perfect fit.
For non-custom handles - always get your handle opening specs! then reach out to someone like me if you'd like help fitting, or simply give yourself a buffer of 1.5mm - 3.5mm for a safe fit.
tl;dr leave a bit of buffer room for deeper knot setting when buying a handle & knot separately!
