Anything that can go wrong will happen while I'm shaving...

I've refrained as Paul gave good advice. I wouldn't worry about breaking thru. Many do that to weight the handle and set a bottom where they want. Not sure what they fill with but epoxy till you get a floor height you want would work.

Let me ask my friends here, who have much more experience than I...

As you may recall from the Decemboar thread, I tried the vintage ever-ready but didn't like it. Though many do, I am not a fan of short and scritchy brushes.

Last night, after thinking about it, I decided to pull the knot. This must have been set with some industrial adhesive, for it was a huge battle first tearing the bristles out then chiseling away at the glue. This was all done with a hammer, a screwdriver, a drill, and some sandpaper.

My question... How clean does it have to be? I'm thinking as long as it's down close enough, I should be able to set a new knot. The base is nowhere near even. However I can fix that with a bit of silicone. I figure it's better than accidentally breaking through the other side (as I know these old brushes are hollow below the socket).

Anyone have any advice for me? I'm ordering a Maggards 24 Boar for this guy. I think it'll work much better, judging from my break-in work with the fluffy hexagon.

Thanks DFS!

TobyC just posted some pic, remember, on another thread showing his restorations. Maybe PM him or jump in on that thread and ask him. Dave in KY helped me out, but my Stirling handle wasn't vintage. I thought about the drill bit, but I am woefully lacking in proper tools (no vice to hold the handle while I drilled, and I figured I should hold it in one hand and the drill in the other1)

Good luck, I bet you will get it sorted and have a great brush in the end!

That's a good idea Eric. When the knot arrives I may check with Toby to see what he thinks. That way I'll have the full picture.

On a completely different note, and a wonderful end to the year: the package I sent to Bryan back on December 6th just arrived. Lol. For those keeping track at home, that's 24 days for priority shipping. I just hope everything arrived safe and sound.

For those who don't know, I watched it diligently for close to 2 weeks. Then submitted an inquiry then followed up on the inquiry. Come last week, I submitted a lost package request. Finally, I spent the last 2 days trying to find the receipt so I could submit a claim for the insurance.

For those who have never used it, the USPS insurance claim is a joke. The postal service doesn't even try to hide the fact that they do not want you claiming your insurance. The form is absolutely abysmal! Luckily, I was saved that last nightmare.

Hoping you are well Old Sarge . Happy New Year, if we don't see you before then.

Do you own a “forstner” drill bit that fits in that knot socket?… this is what I use on my lathe and have also used numerous times on old handles to clear hard adhesive from the socket (can be chucked in a drill or drill press). This bit type will produce a nice, flush base. You can buy them on Amazon for under $10.

Let me ask you a quick question Paul... If I'm putting in a 24 mm knot, I'd want a 25mm bit? Then for a 26mm knot, get a 27mm forstner?

I'm not sure I'm going to need it for this project, but for that price it might be good to have in the garage nonetheless.

Thanks!

Do you own a “forstner” drill bit that fits in that knot socket?… this is what I use on my lathe and have also used numerous times on old handles to clear hard adhesive from the socket (can be chucked in a drill or drill press). This bit type will produce a nice, flush base. You can buy them on Amazon for under $10.

Let me ask you a quick question Paul... If I'm putting in a 24 mm knot, I'd want a 25mm bit? Then for a 26mm knot, get a 27mm forstner?

I'm not sure I'm going to need it for this project, but for that price it might be good to have in the garage nonetheless.

Thanks!

For my handles, I use a 28mm Forster bit for a 26mm knot.

I would use a 26mm bit for a 24mm knot.

+2mm works well.

Yep, 2mm over unless you're going to set the knot extremely shallow, which you shouldn't. You should get the knot in hand before going any further IMO, then figure the depth you want to set it before filling anything in or making the hole bigger. Dremel tools are fantastic for working on brushes.

Yep, 2mm over unless you're going to set the knot extremely shallow, which you shouldn't. You should get the knot in hand before going any further IMO, then figure the depth you want to set it before filling anything in or making the hole bigger. Dremel tools are fantastic for working on brushes.

2mm? I may have that already. I'll know for sure when the knot arrives.

Thanks Toby!

Yep, 2mm over unless you're going to set the knot extremely shallow, which you shouldn't. You should get the knot in hand before going any further IMO, then figure the depth you want to set it before filling anything in or making the hole bigger. Dremel tools are fantastic for working on brushes.

Good information. I am beginning to think about finding a vintage brush to put a new knot in! Better stay away before I get in another rabbit hole!

Jump right in, there's a lot of pitiful looking old brushes that need a new home! Which I find amazing for a product that was meant to be disposable like a toothbrush.

Jump right in, there's a lot of pitiful looking old brushes that need a new home! Which I find amazing for a product that was meant to be disposable like a toothbrush.

Despite their original throw away intent, I am happy to see the work done on these historic beauties.

There's something nice about having a piece of history in your den... Just like vintage razors.

Sorry Eric, I know I'm not helping. Lol.

Jump right in, there's a lot of pitiful looking old brushes that need a new home! Which I find amazing for a product that was meant to be disposable like a toothbrush.

Despite their original throw away intent, I am happy to see the work done on these historic beauties.

There's something nice about having a piece of history in your den... Just like vintage razors.

Sorry Eric, I know I'm not helping. Lol.

I am going to seriously consider it, but for now will put it off until at least February, if not later. I don't have the needed stuff to do a restoration job like Toby showed us recently, but a Rubber Set handle may be more doable. Right now, I am looking to learn to shave myself with a straight. (Gulp. I like my ears and lips where they are!)