I decided these brushes would look good with black knots so I ordered three 20 mm black badgers from Ace Shavings eBay store.They arrived in less than two weeks and seem to be very well constructed, and the price was definitely right. All three knots for $14.99 plus $4.99 shipping, and I had a $5 off eBay coupon so that dropped the price to $5 each. The first one is a Rubberset that was in great shape, other than the knot was pretty well used up and it had a lot of dried lather on it. A good cleaning and little polishing, plus filling in the lettering was all it took. This one cost me $1 at a flea market. Before: What was left of the knot came right out with one quick tug with a pair of pliers. After: The Erskine was in really good shape, but the original knot was very soft and floppy. You'll notice that the word "STERILIZED" is missing from the finished brush. I tried to touch up the lettering and found that it had a large scratch across it that filled with paint and looked terrible, so using a dowel rod and some sandpaper I sanded off the word. The groove that was left behind actually looks like it was put here when the handle was made, most people wouldn't know any different. Before: After: And last, but not least, is a Stag B752. Really didn't have to do much to this one except replace the knot, and polish it a little. Before: After: Here's a shot of all three after two uses each. I really like the black badger knots, they're much softer than I was expecting but seem to have plenty of backbone for bowl lathering. Enjoy!
WOW well worth the effort Tom they all look great, No2 is pick of the bunch for me I just love that shape handle.
They look great. I know you said that they were softer than you expected, but how much scritch do you get? I had a simpson pure and it was pure torture to me as it was scratchy for face lathering.
I love that shape as well. The Rubberset is also very comfortable to use, it's the first one with that design that I've owned but will definitely be on the lookout for more. I strictly bowl lather and paint it on so scritch in a brush is pretty much a non issue for me. The black badgers really seem to pick up the soap because I've had an abundance of lather each time I've used them.
Hi Tom I have 2 of the Aluminium Rubberset's Im sure you would like them. very easy to restore and never much damage on them due to being made of aluminium. But they do take a big knot 27mm ish be warned, the prices of them does vary. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/brush-restoration.27211/#post-470939 There is mine, (works out cheap if you stick TGN large boar knot into it.) Assuming you like a large knot.
I like the aluminum Rubbersets a lot, would love to run across one of them in the wild sometime, I won't pay what they go for on eBay. Both of yours look fantastic. I'm finishing up on a Dubl Duck that I'll be posting some pictures of soon that has the barbershop style handle.
Great reknot and restore on those brushes Tom! Between you and Gary your making me lust for more vintage brush handles....I can feel the AD covering me like a blanket, taking control, my will to resist disapearing.... Can't wait to see your next brush.... My vote on this bunch goes to the Stag B752......
Great work as usual Tom!! I have a few of those black rubbersets and always wondered what they'd look like with a nice Badger knot it them. Now I know!! Thanks!
You do a excellent job on all your re-knots and these are several more examples. Great job! I need to send you mine.
Those are really sweet looking Tom. I have walked by a million of those black handled Rubbersets never finding them appealing at all, but that one you made is really nice. Reeeally nice.
Thanks fellers! The little Rubberset is kind of simple looking, but it's really ergonomic, a very natural shape to it that fits my hand perfectly.
