The Dream Brush

[ruebis]

So. After using and collecting a ridiculous yet lovely set of 14 brushes, I have decided that my next brush will be a custom. I'd like to pick out a knot and a handle material and have the master Vey have at it.

So my question to you B&B - If you were going to commission a custom brush, what would you have made? Knot? Hair? Handle material? Handle shape?

Give me some ideas. I know you will.

[DanOK]

Funny you should ask as I did this very thing last year. I cannot think of a better master craftsman than Rudy Vey for your project. He was informative and patience with all my questions.

I enjoy both creams and soaps but I primarily face lather with soaps. My preferred size of brush is 22mm to 24mm and I am committed to a silvertip grade of hair. As a believer in tradition and classical forms the only materiel I was interested in was Ivory. I also believe that hair density must be balanced again tip softness, firmness (backbone), and flow, or the brushes ability to release lather. After much discussion with Rudy I settled on the Persian Jar shape to best display the beauty of Ivory, meet my goal for a classic shape, and one that is a good fit for my hand. The brush was turned for TGN silvertip knot in 22mm. A size that I enjoy for face lathering.

The results were beyond my expectations. The heft and feel of the brush cannot be compared to any other brush I own, not my Rooney's, or Simpson's, or Savile Row's, or any of them. The quality of the TGN knot is outstanding and meets all my requirements noted above. It has become my favorite brush.

My best suggestion when considering a custom brush is get what you enjoy. Stay with the size of brush and grade of hair you like best. The joy of a custom brush is that it is a "one of brush" and the one is "you" so get what you want. I have attached a pic of my pride and joy.

Have Fun with your project, Dan

[German]

Boxelderburl handle, shavemac silvertip knot, 24mm/50mm, perfect face lathering brush...

[njpaddy]

As I kept buying brushes that were smaller and stiffer, I had Rudy make my ultimate in July, a 16mm Finest knot set at a 40 loft with a handle about the size of a Simpson Berkeley. The brush is all backbone and no bloom for those days I want to go to the extreme. Since I live close to Rudy, the best part was being invited over to pick out the material and watch while he made it. Best advice is to have a good idea on the knot, loft and handle beforehand as you will get what you ask for.

[sicknote]

http://up.picr.de/8528661bkk.jpg

cocobolo handle
m&f blonde badger 32mm

[DanOK]

What stunting brushes. I have a duck call made from cocobolo but it is not anywhere as beautiful as that brush. I have never heard of boxelderburl but shame on me it is gorgeous. Hope we get more pic's. I am sure there is a large contingency of folks who have custom brushes.

[TBoner]

Mine is being made right now and will be here by midweek next week. Pics to follow then.

[badgerRN]

I would love to have one made of Ivory, just prohibitively expensive for a student.

Did have Rudy make me one out of silvertip and Thuya burl that will keep me happy for a while.

[buddydog]

I have three RV ivory's.I use the one in the middle 99% of the time.
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh450/andycat60/0747fbb3.jpg

[ruebis]

My god. What gorgeous brushes!! I have only settled on the knot thus far. A giant 30mm silver tip from the golden nib. Handle material I am still up in the air about, but I love the octagonal handles a la Thater.

Thanks for the brush porn guys.

[ruebis]

So can anyone speak to knots? I am set on size, I prefer larger to smaller. I'm looking at golden nib knots (which I have never seen in person nor used) as well as shavemac knots. I do have a shavemac brush and I quite like it.

Anyone with a Golden Nib knot care to share their experience?

[deruitem]

Goldennib knots are great but a dream knot would still be a shavemac. I have a GN grade a silvertip I like a lot