My first Re-knot. Steamed the crappy boar knot out. You can see from the handle discoloration that was a bad idea. But since this was meant to be a test brush anyway, and I like the handle shape, I went ahead and set a 22mm Maggard Synth. Filled the hollow handle with about 30 cents worth of pennies and nickels. First test run tomorrow.
Garrett, it looks great for a first; don't sweat the learning process. I've destroy one and had catastrophic failure on a couple that had to get some serious modifications. Some Turtle Wax rubbing compound does wonders; seriously takes trash to treasure with a little work. I use a drill and a Dremel to remove knots. As for weight I use BB's mixed with epoxy. One thing I really had to learn was "don't be afraid to take out epoxy when it's too much. It's a lot of fun, keep going.
I think it looks great! I did a similar refurb on an ancient William's boar brush that had been badly mistreated. It's just a cheap plastic handle, made for the meagre boar bristle knot it came with. I was able to chisel the old knot out (never thought of steaming), and used epoxy to glue in the new Maggard 22mm synthetic knot.
Similar handle on my re-knot, also originally a boar, just a dark brown base on mine. I opened up the diameter some to use a Frank Shaving 24mm synthetic knot, on the right side of pic.
Garrett, Will that haze polish out ? I will be doing a vintage surrey restore: I'll sand out the seams and polish the entire handle to a glass sheen. Then I'm thinking gold pinstripes in the grooves, fitted with a 24mm TGN 3 band synthetic.
Had the same thing happen to me when I steamed an Ever-Ready. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/finally-jumpin-in.34103/ I'll never steam again.
I have that same (or very similar) Maggard knot in a plastic Czech handle, glued in with auto/marine sealant. Haven't used it in a good while 'cuz I prefer the boar bristles of my Strong Set.
