want to make my own kit

[tinker]

Hi all,
Im new here but have been looking in for a while now.
My hobbies are mainly wood related including turning. Shaving is very much an indulgence.
I'm just about to make a start on the Chrismas present list and among the gifts this year will be hand turned pens ornaments, bowls etc.
I'd also like to make a couple of shaving sets and would like to buy the parts her in UK to make the razors and brushes.
Im after the knots for the brushes and if possible a source for the safety razor hardware.
I know these are availble in US but I really would like to buy thesr in the UK.
Does anyone know of a supplier in the UK?
Hope someone can help.
Tinker

 

[rth97601]

Don't have an answer for you, but just wanted to say that's a really cool idea.

Good luck with it ...

Oh, and could you just cannibalize old bits? I'm sure that you could dig up a few older, perhaps beat-up, items with cracked or broken handles but good knots/heads, and then replace the old bits with your own ...

Keep us updated.

Ryan

 

[cooncatbob]

I just sent a guy in the UK some spindles from old cracked Gillette handles.
Golden Nip is the only source I know of that sells both brush knots and DE razor heads with bases and they're in the US.

 

[aquilla]

im also in the uk and have been trying my hand at some handles etc lately, today actually, but so far the only uk based source ive found is using premade razor parts and knots from brushes. should you find anything the be sure to post about it

 

[tinker]

Thanks for the replies gents. I searched everywhere I could think of and came up with nothing.
Leads me to beleive that all badger hair brushes are coming from China including the 'British made' ones that are referred to in some places.
Very surprising that I can't buy brush knots in this country
I found a couple of US sites but I suspect they'll be buying from China as well
I'll keep looking but it looks like I'll be buying abroad.
Tinker

 

[Hughies_online]

Welcome to B&B Tinker! Try the internet sources. The mainstream one's offer great service.

 

[henkverhaar]

About 99.9% of badger hair comes from China, and probably over 95% of the premade knots. Some high end companies knot some of their high end knots themselves. Vulfix is one of them, and I do know they sell knots (Anthony at Golden Nib sells both Chinese and Vulfix knots). Try contacting Vulfix and see what their minimum order for knots only is...

 

[moshulu]

I have ordered knots from Golden Nib, with shipping to France. The quality and service are excellent. I recommend them highly.

 

[wimbouman]

We just started such an undertaking, to have some fun and create our own shaving brushes.
You can find that the thread where we posted some pictures here.

We also ordered from the Golden Nib, and I would recommend them for their service and quality.

This is what we ordered:

You'll end up with something like this:

It sure is fun to think of and make your own brush designs.
And you will find B&B a great source of knowledge, help, tips and techniques!

.

 

[tinker]

Thank you everyone for the replies.
Ive dropped Vulfix a note to see if they'll supply and if not, I'll order from US.
Tinker

 

[kingfisher]

wimbouman, that wooden-handled brush you showed is amazingly beautiful!

 

[andrew98]

Thank you everyone for the replies.
Ive dropped Vulfix a note to see if they'll supply and if not, I'll order from US.
Tinker

I'd try to get a Simpsons (owned by Vulfix now) knot rather than a Vulfix knot. You could also try contacting Rooney, but I'm not sure how warm a reception you'll get. Edwin Jagger (the English Shaving Company) would be another, possibly better, option. A medium or large best badger knot from them would be great if they'll sell them to you. Good luck with the hobby, and welcome to B&B.

-Andy

 

[Greybeard]

You could also try Shavemac and Muhle in Germany. It's all the European Union.


- Peter