I just wanted to take a little time to show off my new custom made brush. I saw a similar handle design somewhere online and figured I'd like it. I poked around and somehow got in touch with Brad Sears of Brad Sears Shave works. After a call and a few emails he worked up this beauty made from cocobolo wood and topped off with a 24mm finest badger hair knot. Brad warned me that this design might not be the best for a brush handle due to the large, bulbous shape but man, let me tell you, this thing, while bigger than any other brush handles I've seen, fits in my hand perfectly and is a complete joy to use. I wanted to show it off as well as give a good word about Brad who was very easy to work with and I'd highly recommend him to anyone looking for some custom woodwork for a brush.
Nice brush indeed. Is it completely bulbous on the bottom or does it have a flat spot so that it can stand up?
Very nice, I have a couple that are what I call top heavy and enjoy them immensely. Fine in mugs and face lathering, for bowl I just tilt bowl on side of sink basin so it doesn't dip into the lather. Tgn knot?
It has a flat bottom and stands when needed. Indeed, a doorknob is a good comparison. I feel the teardrop shape fits in my hand better and more comfortably than "standard" shaped brush handles. I own only one other brush but have handled a few others that are typically shaped and the bulbous shape of this one just fits perfectly allowing my fingers to wrap around its shape comfortably and relaxed. Brad used a coating used for marine environments as I let him know I specifically shave in the shower and this this is going to get wet. He also explained that the Cocobolo wood will lighten in time as it's exposed to light and it will take on a more redish tint.
Knot (pun) sure where Brad got the knot from. Never having used badger before (only DE shaving for about a month or so) and my experience thus far has only been with a boar, all I can say is wow. I never disliked the boar but it was the one thing I purchased that I didn't really research so using a badger after using boar for a month... just wow. I soaked the brush in hot water for a while and shampooed twice (letting it dry between shampooing) before using for the first time. I didn't really notice much of a critter odor and only really smelled varnish when I took my initial sniffs. After the cleaning and using it three times so far I have only seen one hair come off of it.
I really like the bulbous shape of it, I imagine it would fit nicley in a curved palm to offer great feel and control.
