Reknot questions

[Robust2]

Hi all,

Since I started wetshaving, I've been using my EJ small best badger brush. It lathers perfect in my opinion, but after seeing pictures of more high end brushes, I'ld like to try something new, especially the big, dense knots are very attractive.
Now, the EJ is not my only brush, I also own my dads old brush from the Belgian Army. The handle is still in superb condition and pretty nice looking, but that's the only positive thing about it, as it doesn't lather well at all. As I don't have a large budget for a new brush, I'ld like to reknot the brush with a knot from the golden nib.
But they seem to have quite a lot of choice of knots, so I'ld like some assistance here I use soaps to bowl lather 90% of the time, and I have the feelind that the EJ is actually a little bit to floppy for this. What knot would you guys suggest?

I have one other small question: I think the handle is made from wood (not 100% sure though), is this any problem? Will it take more/specific care compared to the EJ?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Schwert]

I don't think the wood will pose any problems...it may make the restore easier.

You need to determine the diameter of the hole in the handle and the depth....best to go ahead and pull out the old knot.

Once you have those measurements you can start looking at appropriate knots....

I like short lofts...say around 42-48mm for face lathering....you need to think about what you want. Then you need to see if the handle will set whatever knot you choose at that depth. If not you can drill the handle out some possibly...or shim the knot up if it is too deep.

The knots have some variance in sizes, but you will likely want to order something with about a 1-2mm lesser diameter if you decide to set it deep. A bit closer to the handle size may work if you set it shallow.

Let us know the measurements and we can discuss the various knots....

Tony can work with you a bit by email also to get the knot that will likely work perfectly. He is very fast to answer and helpful beyond belief.

 

[Robust2]

The brush had a metal ring around the base of the bristles, and the inner diameter of that ring is 19mm, outer diameter is about 21mm.
I'm not sure if I'll use the ring again, I like the look of it, but it limits the diameter quite a lot, and there aren't a lot of 18mm knots available at the golden nib. (a best badger, and a silvertip grade A?)

I'ld like something firmer and denser than the EJ, but just as soft (or softer) if possible. (firmer -> set it deeper, and thus less height?)

 

[Schwert]

I just got a 18mm Silvertip from GN. I am not quite sure what its actual diameter is but it feels like a very nice knot.

I also have two of the 20mm two-band finest fan shaped...these really look like they will make excellent brushes.

I would likely do the 18mm Silvertip if I were you and polish and keep the ring on the handle.

The 18mm silvertip I have is going in a turned Big Leaf Maple Burl....if I ever turn it that is...

The knots right to left...18mm Grade A silvertip, 18mm Best, and two- 20mm two-band Finest Fan

The silvertip has a great density and softness...

 

[Schwert]

Also please note....I face lather 99.9999% of the time...so my picks in knots and loft settings are for that.

I just reread..and you bowl lather...so...please consider that and probably wait for others to chime in before you order.

I intend on setting all these knots at 42-45mm....

 

[Schwert]

If you can post a picture of your handle that would also help a bit.

 

[fidjit]

Since you don't have a lot of options in the 18mm range you'll have to work out how deep the knot hole is.

Assuming it's at least 10mm

20mm x 64mm Silvertip Grade A knot - Loft will be: 54mm
18mm x 54mm Best badger hair knot - Loft will be: 44 mm

Of course now you have the soft Silvertip at higher loft, vs not so soft Best at lower loft......

If it's deeper ( my Kent was 19mm )
Then Silvertip 45mm Best Best= 35 mm

Is there any capability to drill the knot hole out further ???? If you can get it to 18mm depth then you can have a Silvertip 46mm or you might even consider going to a 20mm knot ( without the metal ring ) , but again depends on the depth of the hole .


See my post here re knot setting vs loft and density.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=116447

And as always YMMV . I like nothing bigger than a 20mm knot set at 46-48mm

Hope this helps.

 

[Robust2]

Here is an old (crappy) picture of the brush: http://i26.tinypic.com/35isriu.jpg I'll try to take a better one tonight.
As it's a wooden hole, I should be able to dril the hole out just as deep as I want?

 

[Schwert]

I assume it is the red/white one.

You could drill it out some it looks like if needed. I would not drill too close to the junction though.

I worked on my Everready handle last night and am going to set that 18mm Best at 42mm loft in it.

 

[Robust2]

I drilled out the bristles today, and took some better pictures:
http://nl.tinypic.com/r/260c10j/4
http://nl.tinypic.com/r/34s15yr/4
I drilled the hole to about 18mm deep, but I forgot about the ring... So I think it's about 20mm deep with the ring on top of it, which is a little bit too deep.
So I think I'll go for the 18mm Silvertip grade A, and try to set it at 45 or so.