Beautiful work Tom! Are you familiar with an internet phenomena called "ReflectoPorn"? It's not as interesting as you might think. And everyone just scrolled up to look at those photos, again.
Too funny. I was thinking that my reflection might be there. I am using my phone, so I could not see it. I am showing my resting muscle, For all to see. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
With all those curves in the metal the reflection is confusing. You might have curves too. Don't we all? I sure do. <-- This image left thumbnail sized for reasons.
HAHAHAHA. Funny that is the same thing my wife does when she sees me Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
How does the Crown Shaving Switchback 400 compare to the Rubberset 400? I suppose if you have a Rubberset 400 then you wouldn't buy a copy, so perhaps no-one will know!
I haven't purchased a pair of strap wrenches to separate the components of my Rubberset 400. I get the impression they are hollow and thin walled at that. Are the Crown King or the Barcelona Shaving Brushes both a solid billet type? I've not seen anyone pop up with these reproductions so I'm guessing they aren't being manufactured at this time.
I have a Crown King Switchback 400. Form wise it's an exact replica of a Rubberset 400 except for the logo on the bottom. The difference is the material used. The switchback is made from chrome plated and die cast zinc alloy, not aluminum like the original. Given that it's plated is isn't likely to hold up as well. Only time will tell.
Another piece of info for comparison. The Crown King Switchback 400, a Zinc Alloy with Chrome Plating, has a handle weight of 72 grams excluding knot and ferrule.
The BSB brushes are solid billet type with a permanently attached ferrule in either aluminum or titanium. I haven't reached out to Juan in awhile but I get the feeling that he makes these in batches when he has enough orders. The strap wrenches do make short work of getting a stubborn 400 ferrule off. I have seen 2 ferrules broken when trying to remove. Thankfully, neither by me.
I've rubbed with a bit of sandpaper, but stalled in my restoration. The knot is just nasty and needs replacing. Fear of doing damage using any other method has kept me from attempting the removal of the ferrule.
Best wishes with the restoration. If you break the ferrule, we can make it into a hybrid with a wooden top.