better than O-Rings for de-floppy-izing brushes!

[bythbook]

a couple of days ago I started a thread about using O-Rings to cure the floppiness of the 2006 B&B LE. This thread sprang from earlier threads about using O-Rings to tighten up badger knots.

A couple of members wondered about the O-rings' straining & stressing the knots; there were concerns about whether the knots would adequately dry with O-rings in place. After using one of my brushes and leaving it to dry with the O-ring in place, I removed the ring one day later - and the knot was still wet. The wet/dry line was visible. And, honestly, stretching & fighting with the O-Ring to get it in place was a PITA.

Well - here's a better way: a velcro wrap. (This gets weirder and weirder, doesn't it?) Marketed under the name Velcro One-Wrap these little velcro strips are used to gather & control cables & wires (like colorful little twist-ties).

Trimmed appropriately, they will dress up and control your unsightly brush floppiness! [One caution - the colors will run, so unless you're looking for a day-glo badger knot, I'd suggest washing & rinsing the strips before use.]

BEFORE:
http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr274/bythbook/floppybrushes1.jpg?t=1267987790

AFTER:
http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr274/bythbook/floppynomore1.jpg?t=1267987864

Goofy looking things, aren't they?

hahahaahha... and they work!!!!!

One can control the stiffness, flop, etc of the knot by using strips of varying widths... and did I mention they come in a variety of attactive colors?

The adjustable shaving brush [B]is here.

[Dr Jekyll]

This is a good idea. It really does change the performance of higher lofted brushes.

[Fozz7769]

I have "borrowed" my daughter hair ties in the past. Same result.

[doleeo]

The adjustable shaving brush is here.

While your idea is very creative, (I wish I would have done this to my SMF III), check out the Shavemac "Moss" Variable loft brush. It's pretty cool, and works very well.

[kingfisher]

Why not just get a brush with a loft you like? :confused1

[82R100]

Very available (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102879) too, apparently.

Re: "Why not get the loft you want?"-- For those of us on a budget this is a good way to experiment, to find out what loft works best. With time and experience I've found my preferences tend towards very scrubby.

- Chris

[bythbook]

While your idea is very creative, (I wish I would have done this to my SMF III), check out the Shavemac "Moss" Variable loft brush. It's pretty cool, and works very well.

I will check that out!

my problem is how to tame the floppies already in stock - an SMF III among 'em! (What a great(er) brush that is with a little more backbone!)

[andrew98]

It's like a turtleneck dickey for your shaving brush.

-Andy

[82R100]

Stopped by my local Radio Shack (on my walk) and they were out. I did see where they'd be hanging if they were in stock though. :smile:

[bythbook]

Stopped by my local Radio Shack (on my walk) and they were out. I did see where they'd be hanging if they were in stock though. :smile:

I got mine at Home Depot - saw them at Wal-Mart as well.

[dpmtherrien]

Just wondering, wouldn't a plain old rubber band do the same thing? :001_rolle

[col conk]

Just wondering, wouldn't a plain old rubber band do the same thing? :001_rolle

Ahh but then there would be no ORAD.

O-Ring Acquisition Disorder
or VWAD .:laugh:

[82R100]

Just wondering, wouldn't a plain old rubber band do the same thing? :001_rolle

It's not adjustable, other than by the number of wraps. You also run the risk of damaging the bristles while putting it on and pulling it off.

[col conk]

It's not adjustable, other than by the number of wraps. You also run the risk of damaging the bristles while putting it on and pulling it off.

Good point , I never thought of that.

I have floppy old pure badger , maybe i'll try this.

[Walter Sobchak]

Jon, are you aiming to be the Dr. Frankenstein of shaving in your retirement?

"Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world...of floppy brushes"

Seriously, though, I love it! I used one of these yesterday on my big floppy badger...the thing's normally a mop. It took about 3/8" loft away, and, for the first time, I was able to use my very supple, luxurious silvertip in a bowl of hard soap. The results were fantastic.

Thanks for the tip!

[bythbook]

Jon, are you aiming to be the Dr. Frankenstein of shaving in your retirement?

"Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world...of floppy brushes"

Seriously, though, I love it! I used one of these yesterday on my big floppy badger...the thing's normally a mop. It took about 3/8" loft away, and, for the first time, I was able to use my very supple, luxurious silvertip in a bowl of hard soap. The results were fantastic.

Thanks for the tip!

Journal of Dr. Viktor Bythbook - Monday March 8, 2010 -


"...Alone in my labor-a-tor-y, working the dim glow of LED, I have succeeded in the most incredible endeavor of human history - using only those tools granted by god and crafted by human ingenuity... I have... grafted the head of a Merkur slant double edge razor onto the tail of a living badger... I have created SHAVING LIFE.... My subject awakens as I write... I must attend to him; he likely will be slightly confused and perhaps ang... [journal entry ends here]."

[Walter Sobchak]

Journal of Dr. Viktor Bythbook - Monday March 8, 2010 -


"...Alone in my labor-a-tor-y, working the dim glow of LED, I have succeeded in the most incredible endeavor of human history - using only those tools granted by god and crafted by human ingenuity... I have... grafted the head of a Merkur slant double edge razor onto the tail of a living badger... I have created SHAVING LIFE.... My subject awakens as I write... I must attend to him; he likely will be slightly confused and perhaps ang... [journal entry ends here]."

Good Times :lol::lol::lol:

[Darjeeling Express]

Journal of Dr. Viktor Bythbook - Monday March 8, 2010 -


"...Alone in my labor-a-tor-y, working the dim glow of LED, I have succeeded in the most incredible endeavor of human history - using only those tools granted by god and crafted by human ingenuity... I have... grafted the head of a Merkur slant double edge razor onto the tail of a living badger... I have created SHAVING LIFE.... My subject awakens as I write... I must attend to him; he likely will be slightly confused and perhaps ang... [journal entry ends here]."

Most excellent.

[82R100]

I found some Stanley brand straps at my local hardware. They're in more subdued colors for people who would prefer that:

http://www.thencc.com/Stanley/LS/ORIGINAL/Style23585.jpg

- Chris

[bythbook]

I found some Stanley brand straps at my local hardware. They're in more subdued colors for people who would prefer that:

http://www.thencc.com/Stanley/LS/ORIGINAL/Style23585.jpg

- Chris

very nice! STRAP ON!

[TxPhoto09]

The OP was about the small Velcro strips that have the hooks all along one side and the loops all along the other side, I believe. Those can not only be trimmed for width, but trimmed for length if you wish and they work just as well.

There are also Velcro strips that have the hooks only for about an inch on one side. Those would be more difficult to adjust for length and width, seems to me.

You might want to make sure which kind you're buying. OTOH, they're certainly not very expensive and a mistake isn't permanent or fatal.

Phil

[jwhiskercut]

http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr274/bythbook/floppynomore1.jpg?t=1267987864




For some reason this picture reminded of Olivia Newton John's video 'Let's Get Physical'. I'm thinking it reminds of the sweat bands and knee high socks trend of the 80's. :lol:

Good idea though! I have a local electronics store that sells cable management like this. I may have to swing by tommorow and try it out.

[grump]

Journal of Dr. Viktor Bythbook - Monday March 8, 2010 -


"...Alone in my labor-a-tor-y, working the dim glow of LED, I have succeeded in the most incredible endeavor of human history - using only those tools granted by god and crafted by human ingenuity... I have... grafted the head of a Merkur slant double edge razor onto the tail of a living badger... I have created SHAVING LIFE.... My subject awakens as I write... I must attend to him; he likely will be slightly confused and perhaps ang... [journal entry ends here]."
:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

very nice! STRAP ON!

:ohmy: :ohmy: :ohmy:...:huh: :huh: :huh:...:biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1:

[blood_type_O]

Should I remove the strap after use to let the brush dry or will the brush dry ok with the strap left on?

[xjrob85]

I might have to give this a try. My Edwin Jagger brush is just a bit too floppy for my taste.

[bythbook]

Should I remove the strap after use to let the brush dry or will the brush dry ok with the strap left on?

I don't know that it matters, really, but I remove the strap to let it dry. I left a strap on one time & the base of the knot (that had been covered by a strap) was still wet a day later.

You can put the strap on when the hair is wet, too - might make it easier to get the thing as tight as you want it. Of course, that means getting your hands wet....

[Seraphim]

As one of the originators of the o-ring style bristle enhancement containment modulator design (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=46845&highlight=seraphim) I have had my attorneys review your innovation for possible patent infringements. They informed me that we would have been able to sue for triple damages, but the use of Olivia Newton John colors are not covered in the prior art, and thus represent a loophole...



Nicely done!:thumbup:

:lol:

[bythbook]

As one of the originators of the o-ring style bristle enhancement containment modulator design (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=46845&highlight=seraphim) I have had my attorneys review your innovation for possible patent infringements. They informed me that we would have been able to sue for triple damages, but the use of Olivia Newton John colors are not covered in the prior art, and thus represent a loophole...



Nicely done!:thumbup:

:lol:

well... thanks!

However, my legal team assures me that the Olivia Newton John Style Floppy Knot Tamer (TM) in no way infringes or resembles the potentially dangerous (though remarkably effective) o-ring style bristle enhancement containment modulator.

...and it is obvious that the ONJSFKT (TM) colors do not worm through a mere legal loophole but instead proudly exploit a Red Spot of Jupitor-sized blindspot!

When you stop by your local retailer for your very own ONJSFKT (TM), you might want to let 'em know that you were there at the beginning.

[jwhiskercut]

well... thanks!

However, my legal team assures me that the Olivia Newton John Style Floppy Knot Tamer (TM) in no way infringes or resembles the potentially dangerous (though remarkably effective) o-ring style bristle enhancement containment modulator.

...and it is obvious that the ONJSFKT (TM) colors do not worm through a mere legal loophole but instead proudly exploit a Red Spot of Jupitor-sized blindspot!

When you stop by your local retailer for your very own ONJSFKT (TM), you might want to let 'em know that you were there at the beginning.



Being that my brain was the first to make the connection between ONJ and the FKT, I believe I will be entitled to a mechanical royalty fee on each useage of this term and subsequent product licensing. I do not in any way want to inhibit the release of this product, so I'm sure we can come to a expedient and reasonable agreement.

I'm in similar negotiations for the term Proraso Bomb®. I believe I will be able to offer unlimited usage of this term to Contributors and Vendors of B&B and a per usage rates for standard users.

.... it must be close to lunchtime. I'm punchy and silly.....

ala americal idol®..... Whiskercut Out......:lol:

[Seraphim]

well... thanks!

However, my legal team assures me that the Olivia Newton John Style Floppy Knot Tamer (TM) in no way infringes or resembles the potentially dangerous (though remarkably effective) o-ring style bristle enhancement containment modulator.

...and it is obvious that the ONJSFKT (TM) colors do not worm through a mere legal loophole but instead proudly exploit a Red Spot of Jupitor-sized blindspot!

When you stop by your local retailer for your very own ONJSFKT (TM), you might want to let 'em know that you were there at the beginning.


AHA!

So you do admit exploitation!:w00t:

My people will be contacting your people to see if the case will be tried before Judge Wapner, or Judge Judy.

See you in court, Sonny!

[bythbook]

AHA!

So you do admit exploitation!:w00t:

...


'tis The American Way (TM).


see you in court.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hIcKkKID8k