OK, before anyone asks why someone would spend any time on a lowly VDH brush let me explain. This was the very first brush I ever owned, it was given to me by my kids for Christmas in 2009. It was with the set from Walmart that a lot of guys start with, and it didn't take me long, even as a rookie, to realize it wasn't very good so I purchased an Omega boar brush that was much better. I put the VDH brush away and after getting hooked on restoring these things I decided it should get a bit of a facelift. I replaced the original knot with a TGN 24 mm boar knot to try to keep it as original as possible, which was a huge improvement, but I wanted to spruce up it's appearance so I sanded off the mold lines and polished it with Meguiars plastic polish. It now looks like it's been painted with a high gloss dark blue paint, and it just looks better without the mold lines. I have a couple Surrey brushes, the company that VDH replaced, with identical handles that I use regularly because I really like the feel of this style handle. I think I'm going to give them the same treatment. I've used it twice and the TGN boar is a pretty solid performer that will only get better as it's broken in. Here's a picture of it, sorry no before picture but I figured everyone knows what they look like. The Ever-Ready 300 is also a special brush because it's the first vintage brush I found in the wild. It was in a box of stuff I bought at a flea market about three years ago. I've been using it with the original boar knot ever since, and it's been a fantastic brush, but it's starting to lose a few hairs so I decided it needed a tune up. I replaced the knot with a TGN 20 mm synthetic, cleaned the old paint out of the lettering and repainted it with Testors. The bottom edge of 300 wasn't stamped which is kind of disappointing. I also polished the black collar. I have always loved the looks of this brush and it feels great in the hand, but The TGN synthetic has taken it to a whole new level. Before: After: And the two first timers together:
Yes, the VDH is a lowly handle price wise, however, it is an extremely solid and comfortable to hold. I have done a couple and the one I kept got a total sanding and polish to where it shines. The improved knot will do wonders for it. The Ever Ready looks like it was made in waiting for that knot. I know you will enjoy it. Excellent work on both!
Nicely done! As others have mentioned about the VDH handle, it is a comfortable little guy whose only drawback seems to be those cheapie knots. You've inspired me to try a refurbish on a couple of old EverReadys!
Very nice! I just bought one of those Ever Ready handles. It should be in at the end of the week, If you want me to send it to you to b e reknotted.
And we are missing an important part, you are breathing new life into a brush that holds some sentimental value to you. I would imagine that would add a bit to the "gratification factor" of fixing things up.
