So in all my free time the past few weeks, I've managed to do some restoration work on a number of straight razors, cabinets, razor storage, etc. One thing I haven't done in a good long time is a shaving brush restore. So I snagged this little 'gem'—and I use this term loosely as this Rubberset is in need of some serious TLC. I suppose I just love a GOOD challenge! I'm not sure of the diameter of the knot & won't be certain until I have the old brush in hand. TGN boar? TGN badger? Hmmmm. Any helpful tips about these long-handled beauties you more-experienced brush men can throw my way would be greatly appreciated on such topics as knot-removal, knot types, adhesives.... It should be fun.
Indeed a challenge..the poor thing looks like it's been worked over by the devil.. I'm sure though you'll do something nice with it..best of luck...
I thought I was seeing things... but that really is a screw... LOL. You really do like a challenge, Kevin! I would have passed this one by. Maybe I should reconsider the two old brushes (in similar condition) I saw at a downtown antique store if they're still there.
That brush has seen a lot of action. I'm sure you will give it new life again. Be sure to use a stainless phillips head screw when you restore it.
I suppose the screw was likely put there to keep the ferrule from spinning & the furniture tack above it was to keep the knot from falling out the top. Removal should be easy... back the screw out and twist. I'll be looking forward to the after picture on this one. I think a 'Good Luck!' is in order.
"Dr Dulcama" has done quite a few restores of these old wood handled professional style brushes on the other forums and often he documented the process quite thoroughly in both text & pictures. Those ferrules usually unscrew and there's often an inner ring as well, both which can be a little tricky navigating around your first time through, but his posts are excellent primers.. That said, I recently finished a couple of similar restos where the ferrules weren't threaded (Dubl Duck & C-MON aluminum handles and a small Strong Set wood handle with a hard rubber ferrule), so there's no "standard model" to work from.
Hey, no puttin' the bad mouth on that screw. The original owner paid extra for that! It was a safety item, standard on the hi-speed model brush.
Isn't that the truth? I know there are plenty of other less abused old brushes out there, but the overall sad quality of this brush (maybe it was the screw & carpet tack, or maybe I'm just a sucker for the marina blue/ivory cream color combo ) just compelled me to give it a go. Hey, if I can make THIS one look and behave like a usable brush, I'll feel as if I've really accomplished something....
Knot removal may simply need a Dremel with a simple drill bit for a pilot and a 115 bit to burr out the knot given that the ferrule is held in place with a screw. Worry about the wood first then turn your attention to the rubber with Lexol or a really good leather restorer. As to the knot, unbanded boar is better in my view on this one. Adhesive, I would try Tom's method of silicone adhesive until you find the sweet spot, then you can use clear epoxy. Enjoy!
I will be watching this one. Just getting into brush restores myself, but haven't considered one in this shape. Good luck.
