I'm restoring an old brush, and need some advice on the knot to use. The handle is nothing special, but it means a lot to me as it was my grandfather's. I've gotten the old knot out and measured the hole at 22mm almost exactly. Now, I'd like the end result of this brush to be something special and even something I can one day pass to my son. As it stands, I'm torn between the XH Finest from TGN and the Silvertip from Whipped Dog. I'm a bowl latherer using creams. Which would you use based on the situation?
Knot advice
- Thread starter thedave87
- Start date
I found WD silvertip very soft, but not enough backbone for me. However, since you bowl lather creams, I am sure it would work well for you.
A picture of your grandfathers brush would be cool.
A picture of your grandfathers brush would be cool.
Either knot will suit your purpose, but your preference is what you need to address. The Whipped Dog silvertip will be a very soft knot and the TGN Finest will be a firm knot with tips not quite as soft. I use my Whipped Dog silvertip for bowl lathering soaps and creams, but it is more than capable of face lathering because it is set at a lower loft. I have a few TGN Finest knots in various restores and custom brushes and I really enjoy the scrubby feeling of the thicker hairs so use them mainly for face lathering. One more consideration for you is the aesthetics of the brush, some knots just seem to look better in certain handles and knot geometry (loft and shape) may play a role as well.
- Thread starter
- #4
I should also mention that this is the first of two that I'll be doing. This brush was his daily driver, and needed the most attention. I'm able to use his other brush as it is.
First up is the brush I'm working on, a Made Rite 303.
The second brush is a Made Rite 100.
I've since cleaned both up and have been occasionally using the 100. Thanks for the info so far, I'm looking forward to hearing more thoughts on the subject
First up is the brush I'm working on, a Made Rite 303.
The second brush is a Made Rite 100.
I've since cleaned both up and have been occasionally using the 100. Thanks for the info so far, I'm looking forward to hearing more thoughts on the subject
Last edited:
That 303 looks great and I think it's begging for a nice fan shaped knot.
I'm an unabashed fan of the TGN Finest Badger knots.
- Thread starter
- #8
Even though I'm not much one to face lather, I do enjoy a little bit of a scrubby feeling on my face as I lather up. So the added stiffness/firmness of the TGN might just be a plus for me. Plus, one day I might just try face lathering.
I hadnt even thought of the shape to use. Since you mentioned this, I found this thread from the vendor forum showing the differences in the knots when set at different lofts.
I think I'm pretty much sold on the TGN XH Finest Fan shape and will order it sometime tonight. I'll keep everyone posted on the progress of the restore.
XH Finest from TGN - good choice. You will be impressed with it.
+1. For the price it has yet to be beat in my den.
