Favorite material and shape for a brush handle?

[dszpiro]

Understandably, most of the discussion in this forum is focused on the characteristics of end of brushes that are applied to one's face. I thought I would pose a couple of questions about the other end of the brush.

So, here are the questions:

1. What is your favorite material/appearance for a brush handle? For example: faux ivory, faux tortoiseshell, wood, marble, metal, etc...

2. What is your favorite shape for a brush handle? For example: Persian jar, hourglass, round, octagonal, long, short, etc...

Given the rampant SBAD exhibited by so many contributors to B&B threads, I expect that many of us will end-up claiming that we like a variety of shapes and materials in our brush collections.

Cheers,

 

[slcsteve]

PJ in real ivory.

 

[dszpiro]

I can't imagine that any brush manufacturer still uses real ivory. Where would you find a real ivory handled brush these days: eBay or an antique store?

Cheers,

 

[Austin]

Ebony and tortoiseshell for me.

 

[slcsteve]

I can't imagine that any brush manufacturer still uses real ivory. Where would you find a real ivory handled brush these days: eBay or an antique store?

Cheers,

Danny.....You pretty much answered your own question. There are a few custom brush makers that will make brushes using ivory, providing they have some ivory in their stock inventory. Here's one that's made some ivory brushes for a few forum members:http://tinyurl.com/n9qpk

 

[Stauff]

PJ-type in faux ivory
bulb-style bristle

 

[Jonnybc]

I would love to own an ivory handled brush. On that basis I like the look of the faux ivory brushes, partuculatly the Kent BK style handle.

 

[GeeQue]

1. Any material handle except wood. The finish on my wood handle brush started peeling off (I guess from the moisture) after a couple of weeks use. After spending $125.00 on it, the store would not warrantee it at all. I ended up stripping off all of the finish. Afterwards, I primed it, dipped it in black lacquer and after drying, dipped it in marine varnish. Still looks great after one year though.

2. Persian Jar

 

[Scotto]

I've got a thing for ebony handles (actually faux ebony since the real thing isn't used much), but they do show soap scum, etc. more easily than the faux ivory. I like tortoise shell a lot also.

As for handle style, there are too many good ones to choose from. Just don't make it too small to be uncomfortable.