New Brush - Curly30

[Gamma]

Please forgive the awful photo. I wanted to shoot this outside today, but I forgot...

TGN 30mm Silvertip - 54 mm loft
Curly Rock Maple handle

 

[beginish]

That knot looks like pure luxury, and the handle screams one of a kind. Beautiful work.

 

[Loric]

Nice brush! I like the unique handle. It is good to finally see some one else with one of these knots. I cant wait for a review. How do you like it set at 54mm? Its funny how much taller it looks than my 50mm loft.

 

[Gamma]

Hey thanks Loric -
I lost my mind trying to decide on the loft - Originally I was going to set it at 50mm, but I just did a 26mm knot at that height and I decided to go longer.
Decisions decisions...
Right after I took that photo I took it for a spin... Its a lot different than my other brushes.. so I was kinda feeling it out.. seeing how much product/water I would need to get where I want to be.
The trial went exceptionally well. I'll need to use more product than usual and I probably won't use but 1/10th of the lather it makes.. lol... it's nuts. Really nuts - I had a snow storm going on in the bowl....
Suprisingly - the knot seems to have a good bit of body to it... I was worried about it being 'floppy' - it's definitely not floppy at all.

I'll shave with it tomorrow. I can't wait to feel it on my face, the tips are sooo soft. In my hand it felt like a great big fluffy pillow.
Sounds dumb, I know. But that's what it felt like.. :0).

 

[Loric]

I had asked for 53mm, but at 50 the knot just fed my montra "it cant be too big, too dense, or too short". At 50 it is a bit of a lather hog though, but it is breaking in and slowly getting better. I am glad your is closer to my original request for comparison, thanks for the info.

Did you get the handle from TGN too?

 

[Gamma]

Did you get the handle from TGN too?

No the handle is not from TGN, it's one of my own creations. It's patterned after a vintage shaving brush handle.

 

[Loric]

No the handle is not from TGN, it's one of my own creations. It's patterned after a vintage shaving brush handle.

When you make something that nice, dont be so modest! Its the bigger accomplishment, great work on it.

 

[SliceOfLife]

Very nice handle for a very nice knot. Welcome to the wonderful world of oversized three band monsters. There is no going back. One of us... one of us... Gooble Gobble Gooble Gobble.

 

[Loric]

Very nice handle for a very nice knot. Welcome to the wonderful world of oversized three band monsters. There is no going back. One of us... one of us... Gooble Gobble Gooble Gobble.

Truth....

Even my 24mm brushes feel a little bit small these days. Hell my 22's feel like kids toys

 

[Gamma]

Well - given the cost of that knot, if I like this monster I'll have to strart raising badgers.....

Lets see what tomorrow brings...

BTW - that handle was only designed for a 24mm knot... I hogged it out for the 30mm... if I do decide to make another one - I'll have to re-design that handle , or come up with a brand new design.. hmm...

 

[filedog]

NICE work, love that wood!

 

[skipnord]

Hey, Batman - what are you using to finish your wood? What has your experience over time been with what you use? Love the wood and the form! You can hardly go wrong with figured maple.

 

[Gamma]

Hey, Batman - what are you using to finish your wood? What has your experience over time been with what you use? Love the wood and the form! You can hardly go wrong with figured maple.

Thanks for the compliments!
I've used a lot of finishes on woods over the years. Too many to list.
That maple handle has a simple clear enamel finish - probably about 20 light coats in all, maybe more. But - they get sanded down repeatedly along the way. Not sure how many layers remain after the sanding. I have a heavy touch so I would expect that I cut at least half of the coats off when sanding it to a smooth surface. .
I used to rebuild and refurbish guitars - so I've tried a lot of stuff on diffeent woods.. for guitars there is no substitute - nitro lacquer is the best. But - guitars don't get wet... or soapy..usually...
Polyshades - another Minwax product is very nice - and you can sponge it on and sand it down easily enough.
With these little handles I like to spray the finish, not rub it on. My hands are too big and I'm too clumsy to handle tedious rubbing like that.

 

[Gamma]

Lathering report -
This.... just..... it's.... well... uhm....it's addictive, that's one thing. I can see getting used to this. Lathering on my face it felt like warm silk.. no wait, what's softer than silk.. ahhh...darn... i have no adjective for this...
Wait - has anyone ever made true microfoam for a latte with a pro espresso machine? It's like that - but for your face.... yes, that's it. It was like taking a face-bath in microfoam... warm, thick, pillowy, luxurious...
The D.R. Harris Arlington puck loaded up well and after I hit the base of the knot with a load of hot water from the tap I had a lather canon in my hands.
I'll photograph the brush to show off the bloom tomorrow...I can't wait to see how it breaks in.... ..

 

[Gamma]

When you make something that nice, dont be so modest! Its the bigger accomplishment, great work on it.

Thanks so much - I appreciate the compliment. Actually - thank you to everyone who complimented me on this handle.
I'm very critical of what I make I guess.