#1

Member
Las Vegas, NV, USA
Our own Hobbyist recently made me a wonderful handle out of white ash. I already had a knot waiting for it, a synthetic 26 mm MAC Metalworks Black Knot, of which knot type I had no previous experience.

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Little to moderate backbone is my preference, and I like to be able to splay (but not smash) a brush somewhat, so I adjusted the loft with a nylon washer. Since I had no experience of the MAC Metalworks knot, I mainly went by feel, and by comparing to what I knew to be the optimal loft of some other brushes.

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I’ve found that regular epoxy works just fine — no need for marine grade.

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The loft ended up being about 60 mm. That’s 2–3 mm less than the similarly sized Stirling Soap Company “Kong” brush, which is a great brush, but can be just slightly floppy at times.

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After just a couple of shaves, I can say that the handle is simply marvelous. The rather wide diameter doesn’t feel clumsy in the slightest, because the brush is relatively light in weight. The handle may in fact be the most ergonomic that I have. The material feels great to the touch, and the shape makes holding the handle completely effortless.

The MAC black knot has been a bit of a surprise. This is the first time I’ve felt some actual “scritch” from a synthetic brush, although my Mühle Silvertip Fibre does come quite close to that sensation. Backbone is decent, the knot doesn’t quite splay effortlessly, but on the other hand, it is easy to load and creates great lather. At the moment, I wouldn’t recommend this knot as an everyday knot for someone with sensitive skin. However, it’s a great knot if you have two or more days of stubble to hydrate before a shave.

All in all, a wonderful addition to my small horde of brushes. Thanks again, Hobbyist, for the great work on the handle!

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Hobbyist, Bouki, HoosierShave and 6 others like this post
Whenever I go to shave, I assume there’s someone else on the planet shaving, so I say “I’m gonna go shave, too.”
– Mitch Hedberg
#2

Member
Detroit
Fantastic looking brush Matthew and great job on the handle Hobbyist! Those black synthetic knots are one of my favorites (assuming they are the same as Maggard black, BOSS, Game Changer, etc.).

Hobbyist, Michael P and Matsilainen like this post
- Jeff
#3

Member
Las Vegas, NV, USA
Thanks, wyze0ne Jeff! Having tried this knot, I’m now curious about how a BOSS knot would compare, or if it’s even the same knot.

Michael P and wyze0ne like this post
Whenever I go to shave, I assume there’s someone else on the planet shaving, so I say “I’m gonna go shave, too.”
– Mitch Hedberg
#4

Administrator
Philadelphia, PA
so THAT'S where that Hobbyist guy has been. Tongue

nice looking brush, Matthew.

Michael P and Matsilainen like this post
Tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito.
#5

Member
Woodstock, VT
Nice! Looks wonderfully ergonomic and smooth color. Happy2

Matsilainen likes this post
#6
(10-19-2017, 12:46 PM)wyze0ne Wrote: Fantastic looking brush Matthew and great job on the handle Hobbyist! Those black synthetic knots are one of my favorites (assuming they are the same as Maggard black, BOSS, Game Changer, etc.).

(10-20-2017, 08:48 AM)andrewjs18 Wrote: so THAT'S where that Hobbyist guy has been.  Tongue

nice looking brush, Matthew.


Sorry I haven't been as active on here lately. I've been spending a lot of time in my wood shop (garage) working on various projects. I don't use my lathe as much as I'd like, and admittedly I messed up the design for Matthew and made him that brush instead. I felt it was very comfortable and would make a nice brush, but I wish I had been able to pull off what he asked for originally.

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#7

Posting Freak
Do you know how Hobbyist got those black rings in there? The colour I mean - is it stain, paint or burned in? It looks really nice in any case
#8
(10-20-2017, 09:02 PM)Marko Wrote: Do you know how Hobbyist got those black rings in there?  The colour I mean - is it stain, paint or burned in?  It looks really nice in any case

Burned in with safety wire or similar type wire.

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#9

Posting Freak
Canada
That is a lovely-looking brush. Smile

Matsilainen likes this post
Celestino
Love, Laughter & Shaving  Heart
#10

Posting Freak
(10-21-2017, 02:15 AM)Hobbyist Wrote:
(10-20-2017, 09:02 PM)Marko Wrote: Do you know how Hobbyist got those black rings in there?  The colour I mean - is it stain, paint or burned in?  It looks really nice in any case

Burned in with safety wire or similar type wire.

Thanks - it looked burned but I was wondering how you did it without burning outside the lines - wire, brilliant.

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