First restore - nothing fancy

[gmgaj]

I completed my first restore this evening. It wasn't the best of handles to start with, but I think I'm going to be happy with the brush. I ordered a TGN finest 20 mm knot for the ever ready 300BN handle. So far, it looks pretty good. I can't wait to actually try it out.

It started out as a pretty nasty, ugly brush. Here's the before:


It still isn't the fanciest, but it is cleaned up and decent looking, and I think the knot is going to be nice. Thanks to everyone for recommending it.
I am happy with my first effort. I should also note that I have 4 more handles on the way. I don't plan on restoring them all, but will select the ones I like and do those and sell the others. Others pictures to follow, but I want to wait until tomorrow to do my first lather and start breaking it in. Here it is:

 

[Mike H]

Looks pretty fancy to me.

 

[redhead shaver]

Nice work.

 

[bastimret]

Nice! I have that same handle with a red upper that's waiting in the wings for a restore.

 

[DavidB]

Congratulations. That's a fine job! I hope it performs as nice as it looks.

Dave

 

[NexlevMM]

That cleaned up very very nicely!

 

[cessnabird]

You did a great job on this restore, it really cleaned up well.

 

[gmgaj]

Thanks for the kind words. I built a lather with it to start breaking it in and removing the funky smell. It lathers nicely, and I like having a bit longer handle to keep my fingers out of the soap when I bowl lather. I can't wait to get it broken in and ready to shave.


BTW, cessnabird, I'm curious about your screen name. I'm guessing you are a pilot? I work at Cessna, and it caught my eye.

 

[GDCarrington]

Good work!

 

[ERVARGASNY]

Looks perfect to me, Good Job

 

[shaverjoe]

Looks great!

 

[stevodevo]

nice work! i can feel the restoration itch hitting me too... there's several restorable handles at the antique mall near here... keep it up!

 

[gmgaj]

I ordered the knot for my second today. A barbershop style from strongset. I have the finish stripped off of the wood portion, and removed the knot. I still need to restain the wood, and put some polyurethane on it, then set the knot when it arrives. Pictures to follow. I have 2 that started off almost identical, so I will have a side by side before and after when I'm done.

 

[rebos]

Nice job.

 

[joshgambit]

Well done! I think it looks really great. What's the lettering on the side, I can't quite make it all out.

I've done a few restores now, and it is kind of a new love for me. I think of it sort of like fly-tying. I can just go nice and slow, and not worry about having to rush along. I can just do a little bit at a time, and just take my time and do a really great job. There's a little store in town that sells kitchy little stuff; I thought about restoring a bunch and selling (or trying to sell) some up there.

 

[gmgaj]

The text reads badgerlon by everready. I really like the brush so far. The handle and knot are both nice to use.

The good thing about the new one is that it is going to take the same size of knot as my first one, so I am putting a whipped dog 20mm silvertip in it so I will have a pretty decent comparison between the WD and the TGN finest.

My second handle is in work. I still need to complete removal of all of the finish on the wood, sand it out, apply stain and poly, then polish up the rubber. I think it is going to get a darker stain than it had before. Here it is currently with its "before" twin.

 

[gmgaj]

BTW, does anyone know of a decent way to repair the rubber on the top of these brushes? The one I'm working on is OK, but the other has a couple of fair sized cracks in it. However, the rubber has a metal insert in it, so I think it will still hold a knot OK if I can get a reasonably nice cosmetic repair for the upper.

I was considering one of the liquid leather/vinyl repair kits that you can buy for cars, but wasn't sure if it would work on a rubber brush.

 

[Mick]

Oh yea... Barber's handle brushes rock.....

I like the first one in your post. Very similar shape to a Simpsons Polo handle which I also like

Ya can tell I like BIG handed brushes

 

[gmgaj]

I'm in complete agreement with you on handle size. Do I see a "brotherhood of big bottom brushes" thread in the future?

 

[gmgaj]

Handle number 2 is officially dead. I used a dremel with a small sanding wheel to smooth the metal insert just a little bit, and ended up with lots of smoke and a melted rubber piece on the upper half.

Fortunately, I have 2 other handles that will work just fine. I bought the butterscotch thinking it was an ivory color due to a washed out photo, and have had the barbershop waiting for a knot and some stain. I haven't glued the knot in yet, but here is a picture of the 2 handles with the knot I'll be using.

I'd love to hear your preferences for either of these handles. I don't know if I'll build them both, or build one and sell one. Which should I stick this knot into?