Rubberset Restore

[rmalak]

I picked up this Rubberset brush today and managed to get the knot out with minimal issue to find out that the handle is hollow. I was a little surprised by this but no biggie. I am now at the point of figuring out what knot to put in it and what loft would be best for the hair type. The handle has a 28mm opening. So my questions are:

1. Should I fill the handle with something before putting a knot in?

2. What type of knot should I install?

3. Dependent on the type of knot what height should I install it at?

I am totally new to the brush restoring thing so ant help would be appreciated.

Of course, some pics:

Before


After the hair was removed


After it was drilled and cleaned


Thanks for any help.

 

[rmalak]

From research here it sounds like a TGN 28mm Finest would be a really good knot. Is that accurate?

 

[ras120]

All responses are my personal preferences and you should ultimately do what is best for you.

1. Should I fill the handle with something before putting a knot in?

I like some weight in my brush handles, and if it were me, I would fill the hollow with washers, BBs, or small nuts and epoxy.

2. What type of knot should I install?

This is the big question. Do you primarily lather on your face or in a bowl/scuttle? Do you like velvety softness or a little "scritch"? If you face lather, I would suggest the TGN Finest knot. It has nice softness with outstanding backbone. If you lather in a bowl/scuttle as I do, the TGN Silvertip Grade A is a dream. If you want some "scritch", look to the TGN Silvertip or Black Badger grades.

3. Dependent on the type of knot what height should I install it at?

TGN Finest has good backbone and a 50mm (approximately 2") loft works well for me. The Silvertip Grade A has less backbone and I find that a 45mm-48mm loft works best for that hair grade. I don't have any Black Badger brushes, so I can't elaborate on the best loft for that hair grade, but I would say that the Silvertip is also best at 45mm-48mm.

I think you're pretty safe at about 47mm-48mm with any TGN knots.

This is your brush and you should make it the best brush for you. Just remember to post the "after" pics for us.

 

[rmalak]

Thank you for your input. I think I will use a TGN Finest since I do more face lathering than bowl lathering. The site says it is 68mm. So if it is installed down to the where the black top meets the beige handle the loft will be about 48mm. So it should be perfect!! I will totally add pictures of the finished brush once it's done.

 

[rmalak]

After long last here is the finished brush. It's huge but I'm very much looking forward to using it tonight and for many years to come. Enjoy!

 

[theretroshave]

YOU Enjoy! That thing looks gorgeous! Nice work, and thanks for sharing.

 

[alpster]

Sweet looking brush. Be sure to let us know how the knot performs. We are always looking for a better knot. Thanks for sharing.

Ronnie

 

[getsome]

That turned out great! Good save.
~B

 

[GDCarrington]

Looking good!

 

[rmalak]

Thanks guys!! I really like this brush. It's so much bigger than all my others. The knot is an amazing choice! It has very nice backbone but still is quite soft. This is now my favorite brush.