I am sorry that I do not have all the usual step by step photos. These are all from after I have done the final shaping. This handle is made from two pieces of bird's eye maple glued together. I cut it into a hexagonal shape and then using my Dremel I got it down to this shape. Finally, I put a knot hole in it to support a 24 mm knot. I have a 24 mm silver tip knot coming from Whipped Dog. I will wait on deciding what finish to use until I see the new knot. I will post progress from here out. I now have eleven Jayaruh handles waiting for knots. Here are some pictures of the brushes in waiting. You will notice that the second one in the first picture photobombed the second picture.
Great idea, Jim. Hope others take you up on some unique hand carved brushes. #14 is a center of focus in my shave Den (which is the guest bathroom.) Many favorable comments, even from the ladies. AND it's probably my best lathering brush.
Yesterday, I received my knot in the mail from Whipped Dog. It is a 24 mm silver tip. I made measurements on the knot and determined that I needed to make the hole .62 inch deep. After tweaking the hole, I decided on staining the handle with dark walnut. I coated the handle with two coats of lacquer. Today, I set the knot with silicone. For a 24 mm knot, I use a quarter for a guide. I made the hole big enough for a quarter to fit. The quarter is a tad bigger than the knot plug. I put a bead of silicone around the bottom edge and a dab in the middle. I put the knot in the hole and moved it back and forth to see if there was enough. I decided that it was enough, so I put the knot back in, gave it a twist and set it aside to cure. I will let it sit for 24 hours and then do a test lather. So, check back tomorrow about this time to see the results.
Another beautiful batch of brush handles! Amazing work! Thanks for the information on sizing the hole for the knot and setting the knot!
After setting the knot with silicone. Today, I lathered the brush for the first time today with Proraso. I will let it dry out and use it for the first shave on my birthday, Wednesday. Correction: That should be Thursday not Wednesday. Thanks Dzia Dzia. Towel dried and ready for the bloom.
It is the 15th. I guess that is Thursday this year. I was born on a Wednesday though. Just a senior moment.