Shaving brushes

[vferdman]

I have created three new brushes for my Etsy store. One with synthetic knot and two with two band finest knots.

Synthetic in blue and gold resin. This came out really nice. I have started using dished out bottom instead of recessed. I like it a lot better and the feel of it is very nice to the touch. This resin is very interesting. It goes from deep blue to almost butterscotch/gold with lots of swirls in between making some areas slightly greenish.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):


Total height: 98m
Handle height: 46mm
Loft height: 51mm
Knot: 26mm

Two band finest in Black and Gold resin handle. This is also a very interesting resin. Very nice swirling and chatoyance is amazing. For the butterscotch pearl lovers.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):

Total height: 94mm
Handle height: 47mm
Loft height: 47mm
Knot: 23mm Bulb shape

Two band finest in Timberland Dymondwood. This pattern of Dymondwood is very contrasty and colorful. I chose not to apply CA finish to this one, but wet sanded it to 1500 grit and polished with plastic polish. This material is very resin-like and is completely water-proof. The finish without CA is a little more flat and lacks the glass-like shine. I like it this way.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):

Total height: 101mm
Handle: 55mm
Loft: 46mm
Knot: 23mm bulb shape

 

[vferdman]

I have created two custom brushes. One is in Butterscotch Pearl resin and the other is in Black Pearl resin. Both with TGN two band finest badger.

Here is the Butterscotch one.

Approximate dimensions.

Total height: 110mm
Handle height: 63mm
Loft height: 47mm
Knot: 25mm (plus)

Now the Black Pearl.

Approximate dimensions:

Total height: 113mm
Handle height: 64mm
Loft height: 49mm
Knot: 26mm

 

[vferdman]

I have created a brush with a handle made of Ironwood and a two band finest TGN knot. The handle is a classic style and the finish is Cyanoacrylate (CA, crazy glue) wet sanded and polished to glass-like shine. this brush came out really well. I love this wood. The grain is gorgeous and has a lot of depth through the CA finish. The color is golden honey.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):

Total height: 90mm
Handle: 45mm
Loft: 45mm
Knot: 24mm bulb shape

 

[vferdman]

I have created three brushes in resin handles for my Etsy store. I hope you like them. These resins are new to me and I think they are pretty amazing looking.

First, Copper Pearl. This one is a fan shaped knot with a handle inspired by SOC (one of my favorite ergonomic designs).

Brush Dimensions (approximate):

Total height: 100mm
Handle: 53mm
Loft: 47mm
Knot: 24mm fan shape

Next, Antique Gold. I really love it. It is understated and just gorgeous.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):

Total height: 103mm
Handle: 53mm
Loft: 50mm
Knot: 25mm Bulb shape

And now one in Black Olive. This one is amazingly beautiful for those who like black handles. Wow! I am not even sure what the other color is in there, but it sure looks like black olive. Pattern is gorgeous too. This is TGN's three band finest grade. It is somewhat like Simpson's best, but a bit sturdier and finer tips. Very soft tipped.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):

Total height: 101mm
Handle: 52mm
Loft: 49mm
Knot: 27mm Bulb shape

 

[vferdman]

I have created a synthetic brush for my Etsy Store. This one is in "Gold Coast" resin. I used this resin before and called it "Burnt Butterscotch". This one has a bit more red in it, so I hesitate to call it that, but boy, is it gorgeous! See for yourselves.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):

Total height: 110mm
Handle height: 60mm
Loft height: 50mm
Knot: 27mm

 

[vferdman]

I have created a new brush in "Antique Gold" resin. This one was inspired by a German made Barbershop brush that I have and plan to restore. the last picture is of the Barbershop brush next to the unfinished brush in resin. I really like the long handle on this barber's brush. It sits very well in hand and has good balance.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):

Total height: 128mm
Handle: 80mm
Loft: 48mm
Knot: 26mm Bulb shape

 

[vferdman]

I have created a large brush in Zebra pattern resin. This is a monster of a brush. around 32mm TGN finest knot.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):


Total height: 114mm
Handle height: 63mm
Loft height: 51mm
Knot: 31mm Bulb shape

 

[vferdman]

I have created a new brush for my Etsy store. This one is a tribute to Ever-Ready hour glass brushes like 300PBT. I really like the red and black combination. My rendition is of slightly different colors than the original, but then again, it's a tribute, not a clone. I really like it.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):

Total height: 106mm
Handle: 58mm
Loft: 48mm
Knot: 27mm Bulb shape

Hope you like it!

 

[vferdman]

I have built a brush by custom order. It is made of "Black Olive" resin and has a TGN two and finest knot. This resin is gorgeous and understated.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):


Total height: 100mm
Handle: 51mm
Loft: 49mm
Knot: 27mm Bulb shape

 

[vferdman]

I have restored a few Ever-Ready hour glass brushes for one of or members. All have 24mm TGN three band synthetic knots

Here they are:

And now one "Before" picture of the red and black one:

 

[mmayo]

Keep them coming. Each one is more interesting than the last.

 

[vferdman]

I have created two new brushes for my Etsy store. These two are in exotic wood.

First is one in African Rosewood. This wood is amazing. It looks almost black in the pictures, but it really is a dark reddish-brown. Very hard and dense wood, so the brush has a good heft to it.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):

Total height: 98mm
Handle: 52mm
Loft: 46mm
Knot: 26mm bulb shape

 

[vferdman]

Second brush I made is in Mopani wood. This wood has very clear and beautiful grain and the color of it is absolutely lovely in dark golden honey tones. the depth of grain really pops under the CA finish.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):

Total height: 96mm
Handle: 53mm
Loft: 43mm
Knot: 25mm fan shape

 

[vferdman]

I also produced a boar brush for a custom order set into South African Ebony. The knot is TGN boar knot which is not explicitly Omega and lacks the Omega plastic ring, but it has the same look and feel as the Omega blond boar knot. Test lathering provided very positive results. I think this knot is very much on par with Omega blond boar. It is very well made and has responded very well to my initial break in with a dry towel. Many tips are beginning to split now just after one lather and towel cycle.

 

[Dan Masshardt]

Question: if you could only use one knot, which one would you choose?

 

[TellicoTurning]

Vlad,
I read through your thread... some great looking brushes. I have a brush, stand and razor kit from PSI to try one of these days... I've had the kit for well over a year and it's just hanging on the wall in the shop gathering dust...I haven't found what I want to make it from.

I may have missed it, but did you say how you finish the wood handles... I know the plastics only need a good polishing, but concerned about the water and the woods...

I've pretty much given up on pens, key rings and the smaller turnings... I do mostly bowls, pepper mills, and wood stemmed wine glasses now.

 

[vferdman]

Question: if you could only use one knot, which one would you choose?

If I only had one knot I would choose Semogue mixed hair knot (50% two band badger - 50% boar), but those are not sold as knots and even as complete brushes they are rare and not a normal production item. Other than that for myself I would go with a 24mm TGN two band finest, which is exactly what I have made for myself. But tastes are different and what works for me may not work for you.

 

[vferdman]

Vlad,
I read through your thread... some great looking brushes. I have a brush, stand and razor kit from PSI to try one of these days... I've had the kit for well over a year and it's just hanging on the wall in the shop gathering dust...I haven't found what I want to make it from.

I may have missed it, but did you say how you finish the wood handles... I know the plastics only need a good polishing, but concerned about the water and the woods...

I've pretty much given up on pens, key rings and the smaller turnings... I do mostly bowls, pepper mills, and wood stemmed wine glasses now.

I finish wooden brush handles in CA and polish to high gloss. Like pens. CA coat is extremely durable and waterproof. I also coat the inside of the knot opening with CA, but don't bother polishing it, of course. Just to seal it from moisture.

 

[vferdman]

I have created a large brush in faux ivory resin and TGN two band finest knot. The faux Ivory resin in this brush is very beautiful and really looks a lot more like actual bone than the usual white resin. It has patterns that real ivory has. Photos do not convey this as well as I would have liked, but the material is really beautiful. This a very large brush at 32mm knot/52mm loft.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):

Total height: 115mm
Handle height: 63mm
Loft height: 52mm
Knot: 32mm Bulb shape

 

[vferdman]

I have created another large brush. This time in faux horn resin. I am really liking these resin blanks. They are good quality and good size for a large brush.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):

Total height: 115mm
Handle height: 63mm
Loft height: 52mm
Knot: 32mm Bulb shape

 

[oneleggimp]

Beautiful. I also love Bethlehem Olive Wood.

 

[vferdman]

I have created another large brush with a very interesting resin. I call it Tigris Sparkle. The knot on this one is slightly smaller than on the Ivory and Horn, but is still a large brush.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):

Total height: 116mm
Handle height: 64mm
Loft height: 52mm
Knot: 29mm Bulb shape

 

[vferdman]

I have created two new brushes using exotic woods sealed with CA (super glue) inside and out. Both brushes are very similar, use the same TGN finest knot, but set ever so slightly differently in terms of knot/loft dimensions. Both knots exhibit all the signs of gel tips, but it's hard to tell without using them. Test lathers with Stirling soap felt extremely soft to my hand.

The first one is inspired by M7 shape and is turned out of African Blackwood. This wood is amazingly beautiful and dark. Pictures do not show the grain very well, but it is there and shows up under direct light. Grain is very tight, almost resin-like.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):

Total height: 105mm
Handle: 56mm
Loft: 49mm
Knot: 25mm bulb shape

The second brush is inspired by the SOC Two Band that I like so much. This one has a reminiscent shape, though I try hard to not make exact copies of my favorite brush handles. The knot is set at a slightly higher 50mm and tighter opening of 24mm than the previous brush. This is not exactly the dimensions of the SOC two band, but I felt it was close and in the same spirit of a longer, more pliable feel to the brush like the SOC. Katalox wood in this brush is reddish and shows lots more grain than the blackwood. It is very beautiful and dense, providing good heft to the handle.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):

Total height: 106mm
Handle: 56mm
Loft: 50mm
Knot: 24mm bulb shape

 

[darrin1200]

Vladimir, I think you shaving brushes are outstanding.

I would like to add some brushes to my repitoir, but I have a couple of questions about the shape. Mainly with regards to hanging stands, and if there is a standard handle dimension toallow the brush to hang.

I have seen stands where the the end of the handle rests on the stands support. This would mean that the knot would have to be smaller than the hanger support. However, I noticed with your brushes, that there is a wide range in knot sizes.

Since many people already have stands, is it better to turn one notch or grooved area of the handle to a set size? If so, what would be a good width, and how far should this "groove" be from the tip of the knot.

I have two stands here, but they are not quality brush stands and they both vary in measurements. I've tried researching, but get somewhat confusing results.

Yor custom brushes are some of the best I have seen, and I would appreciate any advice you could pass on to me.

Thanks

 

[vferdman]

Vladimir, I think you shaving brushes are outstanding.

I would like to add some brushes to my repitoir, but I have a couple of questions about the shape. Mainly with regards to hanging stands, and if there is a standard handle dimension toallow the brush to hang.

I have seen stands where the the end of the handle rests on the stands support. This would mean that the knot would have to be smaller than the hanger support. However, I noticed with your brushes, that there is a wide range in knot sizes.

Since many people already have stands, is it better to turn one notch or grooved area of the handle to a set size? If so, what would be a good width, and how far should this "groove" be from the tip of the knot.

I have two stands here, but they are not quality brush stands and they both vary in measurements. I've tried researching, but get somewhat confusing results.

Yor custom brushes are some of the best I have seen, and I would appreciate any advice you could pass on to me.

Thanks

Darrin, thanks for your kind words. I never think about brush stands when making brushes. I think brush stands are unnecessary and if one is desired, then it should be made to the brush, not the other way around. However, if you have a stand you really love and want a brush for it, then it is definitely possible to create a groove or cove in the handle for it. Just measure the stand and let me know what the dimension is. I can create a handle with a cove to accommodate the stand.

I personally do not use a brush stand and I have close to a dozen brushes in my personal rotation. I just built a small shelf for them and they are very well displayed there. I also like to dry them with hair facing up. To me it's a better way as the wicking action helps them dry. Water evaporates up and I think if the brush is hanging upside down it only takes longer to dry. In any case, I am not aware of any standard for shaving brush stands and certainly there is a large variety of knot size preferences to have such a standard, so I say pick a brush you like according to what you like in a brush (some people like large brushes, some like small and everything in between) and then just make a stand for it or a wall bracket or just a small shelf. Heck, we are all woodworkers here, right? Easy to do.

Best regards,

--
Vladimir

 

[darrin1200]

Thanks Vladimir

I guess I need to pay a little more attention I just looked at your brushes again and realized that they all have a flat end. Now I know why and it makes perfect sense.

I actually think they look better with a flat on the end of the handle anyway.

Once again, your work is amazing.

 

[vferdman]

I have made a new brush by custom order. this one is from Dymondwood in "Tortoise" pattern. Finish is multiple coats of CA polished to a glass-like shine.

Dimensions:

Total height: 113mm
Handle height: 62mm
Loft height: 51mm
Knot: 28mm

Pre-bloom pictures:

Post-bloom pictures:

 

[vferdman]

I got another custom order for a "Chubby 1+" with TGN two band finest. This one is more in the Chubby 2 dimensions. I used Dymondwood in French Green and a top coat of CA (multiple coats actually) polished to high gloss.

Approximate dimensions:

Total height: 97mm
Handle Height: 47mm
Loft height: 50mm
Knot: 28mm

 

[Rchan63]

Hi vferdmam

Those are very nice shaving brushes.
Where abouts are you in Western MA?
Are you a Mad Max fan?

Richard

 

[vferdman]

Hi vferdmam

Those are very nice shaving brushes.
Where abouts are you in Western MA?
Are you a Mad Max fan?

Richard

Richard, I am near Amherst. I am not a particular fan of Mad Max, but I did enjoy the original movie with Mel Gibson. I was very young when I saw it on big screen in the 80s.

 

[Rchan63]

The reason I ask was "Wherever you go - there you are." is from the movie Mad Max Beyond Thunder Dome.

 

[vferdman]

The reason I ask was "Wherever you go - there you are." is from the movie Mad Max Beyond Thunder Dome.

I got that quote from "Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension". I have not seen the Thunder Dome. I am a big fan of Buckaroo Banzai movie!

 

[vferdman]

I have created a large boar brush by custom order. This one takes its knot from the Omega 48 Pro. The handle is made of "Black Olive" resin and is really gorgeous. I set the loft at around 60mm and knot at just a little more than 28mm. I find this lets these amazing knots really shine.

Here are the dimensions:

Total height: 130mm
Handle height: 70mm
Loft height: 60mm
Knot: 28+mm

 

[Waggoner]

Brushes look great as always. If you don't mind me asking where did you get the Black Olive blank? That blank is gorgeous.

 

[vferdman]

The blank came from Woodturningz.com. they have a nice selection of resins and wood.

 

[oneleggimp]

Butterscotch color is just great. Nice job. I'd shave with it (if I shaved )

 

[vferdman]

I have created another large brush. This one has a 30mm knot and a very substantial handle.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):


Total height: 113mm
Handle height: 62mm
Loft height: 51mm
Knot: 30mm Bulb shape

Pre-bloom

Post-bloom

 

[Mike Powell]

I like the double sided safety razors from CSUSA. its the one I use everyday. Like Dan brushes are on my short list also. I have three weeks off from school, but a list of orders waiting for my attention already. We will see if I can make it to the new stuff...

 

[Waggoner]

Very nice. I really like the big brushes. Again the blank is amazing.

 

[vferdman]

I have created another brush with Omega 48 Pro knot. This one is in spalted Southern Red Oak. This wood has so many features! Insect trails, spalting, figuring. Just amazingly beautiful naturally adorned material. I finished it with CA and high gloss polish. I love the way it came out.

Brush Dimensions (approximate):


Total height: 137mm
Handle: 74mm
Loft: 63mm
Knot: 28mm