Badger hair brushes, make your own [Archive]

Penworks

06-26-2008, 07:37 PM

Hello, I supply a high quality silvertip badger hair knots.
Available in BEST & Silvertip badger, in knot sizes of 20mm, 24mm, & 28mm.
All knots have extra stuffing and ussually longer hairs.
Please look at my site and give me a shout if you have any questions. There is also a tutorial of how to make your own brush handle and some sample handles

http://www.thegoldennib.com/
Brush link

puffmtd

06-26-2008, 07:41 PM

Hi Tony, Mike Christopher here. I just received one of your 24mm knots today to go along with the other 5 I have purchased off you. They look and work great and the shipping was really fast. I've been buying vintage boar brushes off ebay and replacing the boar knots with yours. So far it's worked great. Thanks.
Not affiliated in any way with Golden Nib just a satisfied customer.

Penworks

06-26-2008, 07:57 PM

Thank you for your business Mike. I would like to see your end product. send me a picture.

dingo

06-26-2008, 08:04 PM

How hard is to attach it to a base (do brushes have same hole dimensions) ?

Penworks

06-26-2008, 08:11 PM

The knots I sell are messured at the base of the plug in " MM "
This is an close approximate size. If your hole happens to be a little larger, you may get by setting the knot a little deeper. I use 30 minute 2 part epoxy to set the knot in the handle. This gives you a little working time and offers a very secure hold.

jss

06-26-2008, 10:30 PM

I may have to find a nice handle soon..

Penworks

11-11-2008, 08:23 AM

I have moved The Golden Nib to a new web site.
www.thegoldennib.com you will see the replacement knots there.
A new 22mm finest badger knot has been added along with a new 22mm silvertip. Thanks for looking. :smile:

The link in the original post (6/26/08) no longer works.

rodd

11-11-2008, 08:51 AM

Thanks Tony, what is the difference between the finest and silvertip? Is the finest as dense as your silvertip knots? Thank you!

Penworks

11-11-2008, 09:09 AM

Thanks Tony, what is the difference between the finest and silvertip? Is the finest as dense as your silvertip knots? Thank you!

The finest is not as dense as the silvertip knots, but still nicely packed. I would say the finest is almost as soft as the silvetip knots. Nice dark color stem leading to a nice cream top. Here is a side by side comparison of the knots. The finest badger is on the left.

Etoyoc_Rebmos

11-11-2008, 09:25 AM

I used one of your knots when I restored a brush a while back, definitely made a great brush. It is my daily, "go to" brush. It works great with soaps whether I use a shave mug or face lather. I don't do creams often, but it worked well with them as well.

Thread with the pictures (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=763078&postcount=42)

Thanks!

copperhead

11-11-2008, 09:45 AM

Hi Tony, can you post a link to your finished products, brush with wooden handle? Thanks.

The Zook

11-11-2008, 09:52 AM

After this morning I'm feeling the need to make a rubber handled brush!

Penworks

11-11-2008, 11:51 AM

Hi Tony, can you post a link to your finished products, brush with wooden handle? Thanks.

Foloow the link under my name, will take you right there. Thanks for looking.
www.penworks.us

bman40

11-11-2008, 11:51 AM

hey all -

I have made two brushes with the knots Tony is selling - one silvertip and and best badger..

both are great and have held up really well - the silvertip is my cream brush and the best badger (or is is super badger - I cant remeber what I actually bought!!) I use for soaps. The firmer bristle on the the second brush works great with soaps.

If can turn wood, or know someone who can, make your own handle - I makde one with cocobolo and the new brush has a handle made of black acrylic...

these are a great deal.

Barry

cooltide

11-11-2008, 12:37 PM

i recently bought a silver tip from tony a great brush, i'm really pleased with it, really fast service & delivery & a very competitive price ( not connected to any site ) sure i live in a phone box:w00t:

rmhuntley

11-15-2008, 12:15 PM

Tony,

Would a pen lathe work for turning brushes, or would you need something a little more robust for that job?

cooncatbob

11-15-2008, 12:34 PM

Tony,

Would a pen lathe work for turning brushes, or would you need something a little more robust for that job?

A pen lathe should work fine.
Just take it easy when you're turning the blank from square to round.
On big blanks 2 inches square I'll often turn it into a octagon on the table saw.
Don't try this with short blanks as a kick back can occur.

Confilo

11-15-2008, 02:04 PM

Tony,
I have the handle of my first brush; i suspect is bone or ivory. when i can take a picture,(not my forte) I'll post it. The point being I want to replace the knot into the same old.
handle. tell me how to proceed and if you offer this service
Ciao

Penworks

11-15-2008, 04:50 PM

Unfortunately I have no time do do any brush restorations. It is really not that hard. Here is a good link for the process.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=58175&highlight=restoration

Penworks

11-15-2008, 04:57 PM

Tony,

Would a pen lathe work for turning brushes, or would you need something a little more robust for that job?

As mentioned earlier, a pen lathe will work just fine. At the most you will be turning a 2x3 piece of wood. However if your looking for a reason to buy a bigger lathe, you may have just found one :biggrin: I currently own 5 lathes, so I am out of excuses right now. :smile:

Confilo

11-16-2008, 07:00 AM

Unfortunately I have no time do do any brush restorations. It is really not that hard. Here is a good link for the process.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=58175&highlight=restoration

Gracias, I think I'll give it a shot.

rmhuntley

11-16-2008, 09:52 AM

ok, I don't yet own a lathe, as I don't have the room for a full-sized one where I live, but a friend of mine has a pen lathe that he hasn't used in a few years and I think i've talked him out of it.

Spatterdash

11-17-2008, 06:39 AM

I am going another route.

I'll be sculpting handles out of Magic-sculp, which you can order from Sculpt.com.

It is an epoxy resin that cures rock hard, is lightweight, completely waterproof and allows for some very detailed modeling work if you wish. It's sort of like sculpting acrylic by hand. You can smooth it like glass with water while it's curing, and when fully cured it can be sanded and carved. What originally was intended to be a boat and marine epoxy has become one of the most popular modeling compounds on the market.

I mention it for those who'd like to make their own brushes but have no lathe or experience with turning wood or plastic.

northpaw

11-17-2008, 09:15 AM

...I'll be sculpting handles out of Magic-sculp, which you can order from Sculpt.com...

Thanks for pointing that one out! I'd been wondering what the alternatives might be to the wood lathe approach. It'd be awesome if you could post any pics/description of the process and result.

JGB

11-17-2008, 04:51 PM

I wonder if it's possible to get pen blank acrylic or bowling ball plastic(the kind sold for pen blanks) big enough to make brushes? Would give it a nice retro look.

Penworks

11-17-2008, 05:02 PM

I wonder if it's possible to get pen blank acrylic or bowling ball plastic(the kind sold for pen blanks) big enough to make brushes? Would give it a nice retro look.

There is a very limited supply of acrylics to buy large enough to turn handles. You can laminate pen blank material together to make a block large enough to turn. Or you can cast polyester resin in blocks to turn. I have cast a lot of polyester and makes for a real beautiful material but I think polyester is a little to brittle for the knocks a daily brush would take. JMO

SepticTank

11-22-2008, 02:16 PM

Got my order today - I was already ready with one of the restoration projects - so that knot is in and the epoxy is in it's setting cycle.

Just the job - dad's old Vulfix Bristle from the 1960s getting a rebirth with badger :smile:

Shaving Galoot

11-22-2008, 03:00 PM

I wonder if it's possible to get pen blank acrylic or bowling ball plastic(the kind sold for pen blanks) big enough to make brushes? Would give it a nice retro look.

That reminds me of a cool story. Scroll down just a bit to the "Black Is The New Black" entry:

http://homepage.mac.com/galoot_9/blog/galoots_progress_blog.html

~Jeff

sapito318

11-23-2008, 04:34 PM

Where can I get wood to make my own handle? Or where can I get a nice handle?

Penworks

11-23-2008, 04:54 PM

Where can I get wood to make my own handle? Or where can I get a nice handle?

Some of these stores might be in your area, Rockler, Woodcraft, Woodworkers Source. If not, Woodcraft has an on line store,Look for bottle stopper blanks. 1 1/2 x 2 or 3 inches

asurjc

11-24-2008, 06:52 AM

Does anyone know the size of the Edwin Jagger travel brush knot? I am looking to replace mine. I don't have a millimeter ruler handy. I was hoping the 22mm knot would work. Thanks. -RC

Penworks

12-30-2008, 09:39 PM

Just a note, a couple of new knots have been added to the site. A new 18mm silvertip, would make a nice small travel brush and a new 26mm silvertip, both have extra stuffing. The 26mm is really a sweet knot. :smile:

They can be viewed at www.thegoldennib.com

Siv

12-31-2008, 06:39 AM

Tony, any chance of offering a synthetic knot?

Penworks

12-31-2008, 08:17 AM

Tony, any chance of offering a synthetic knot?

Not at the present time, but I am always looking to add new items depending on the demand. Thanks

sol92258

12-31-2008, 08:43 AM

kenrup

12-31-2008, 06:50 PM

Tony, I'm sure you've been asked this, but what about boar bristle knots? Got any leads on getting those? I've had a few people ask me if I knew anywhere to get one...for me, for the price, there's no need to do anything but badger, but some folks like the boar.
any ideas?

I have often asked about boar knots too. I usually get a reply saying, "get a drugstore brush and junk the handle." I guess it would work. I would like a better quality knot than the cheap brushes tend to have.

Penworks

01-27-2009, 05:52 PM

Just a note for the do it your selfers :smile: Some new items....

Several have asked for the Mach3 heads to make your own handles, they are now in stock and will be up on www.thegoldennib.com by 1/28/09

By request, arriving in Mid to late Feb, boar knots, synthetic knots, 24mm finest badger and Super badger knots. :cool:

Sluggo

01-27-2009, 06:51 PM

Tony I ordered three knots from you this weekend for a brush restoration project I am working on, and my father-in-law called you to order some as well. He had nothing but nice things to say, and he will be trying to turn some wooden handles.

I am really excited to get those knots!!

Mr. RazorBurns

01-27-2009, 07:43 PM

ok, I don't yet own a lathe, as I don't have the room for a full-sized one where I live, but a friend of mine has a pen lathe that he hasn't used in a few years and I think i've talked him out of it.

Well, what kind of lathe are you talking about? Jet made a little pen lathe for a while but I don't think you can get a Collete or other holding devices. It had a weird Morse Taper (Maybe 0) and not much of a motor so you would be taking some very light cuts. Ask your friend what he has.

nrek619

01-28-2009, 11:32 AM

interesting topic here!! the Magic-sculp looks cool!! if anyone has any finished projects with this stuff, please post!!!!:biggrin:

Rooster#1

02-03-2009, 03:35 PM

Could you send to Uk ? if so, what would postage be please ?

Penworks

02-03-2009, 03:43 PM

Could you send to Uk ? if so, what would postage be please ?

I do ship internationally, PM has been sent, thanks

Mr. RazorBurns

02-04-2009, 12:05 PM

Here is my first attempt at making my own handle. It is hard maple dyed with yellow and blue dye. I haven't epoxied the brush in place because I'm not sure this is what I want. Brush is a 20mm Best Badger from Golden Nib. Very fast shipment on the order. Great service from Tony. Please feel free to critique.

Penworks

03-14-2009, 03:12 PM

Finally....some new knots have just arrived. :smile:
The Bristle hair and new synthetic nylon knots are in. Plus a new 24mm BEST badger and 24mm 2 band Finest. A slightly redesign faux ivory single stand, a littler taller and will hold a 24mm knot nicley. Thanks for taking the time to look. :wink:

Spatterdash

03-15-2009, 03:14 AM

Tony,
would you be so kind as to post your Shaving Brush turning tutorial at Penworks with all the old photos so we can locate it?

I found the old one at goldennib, but the pics were gone and I'd rather do business at your new site anyway.

Also, do you intend to have a page at the site featuring just the knots as stand alone items? That really helped me make my decision when I purchased a few knots from you last year, having those pics and descriptions on a page of their own.

Penworks

03-15-2009, 06:46 AM

Not sure why those pictures keep vanishing :mad: This is like the 3rd time they disappeared. I have ask the web master to put them back up, as I have not figured out that section yet. I must admit I am limited to what I can accomplish with the program.

All my knots are listed on one page at the Goldennib site, so not sure what you mean. I try and keep my wholesale and retail products seperate, so I will not have just the knots on the Penworks site.

Now let me go and figure out what happened to those damn pictures :biggrin:

Spatterdash

03-15-2009, 01:00 PM

Ah, I see.

I was under the impression you were looking to make penworks your site while fading out goldennib. Now that I know you wish to maintain both, I'll do my knot shopping at goldennib.

And your frustrations with the pics, I understand. I appreciate your efforts.

Penworks

03-16-2009, 08:47 AM

And your frustrations with the pics, I understand. I appreciate your efforts.

They are back ! :smile: (the web masters response,.....These things happen :mad: )

thenastynati

03-16-2009, 12:06 PM

Guys, I am trying to understand where the high price of badger hair brushes comes. If I compare this to some brushes that cost even up to the higher range of 200 dollars, am I paying for a really expensive handle and assembly? If this silvertip badger hair is the same as the others, why are they so expensive? Am I missing something?:confused:

cooncatbob

03-16-2009, 05:25 PM

Penworks

04-22-2009, 09:30 PM

I have just added a NEW 22mm x 70mm fan shape Super Badger hair knot. Super soft and a great looking fan shape. These handles are in the finishing stage, but I just set these knots in to give you a visual of the new fan shape knot.

Thanks for looking.

Psychdude

04-23-2009, 07:55 AM

So glad I found that little tutorial. Once I find a lathe to screw around on, I can start a new hobby!

Teiste

04-23-2009, 08:44 AM

Nice good looking shaving brushes.I like the short handle one.Are you planning on selling them?

Penworks

04-23-2009, 02:51 PM

So glad I found that little tutorial. Once I find a lathe to screw around on,

You turn on a lathe, you don't screw on it :biggrin:

Check Craig's list or Amazon for a Jet Mini, good lathe for starting out on and can be had reasonable used. I still have 2 of them around that still get used. One is for taking on demos and the other I converted to my buffer, 10 years and still going strong. :smile: If you have the choice, spend the extra dollars for the variable speed.

Penworks

04-23-2009, 02:54 PM

Nice good looking shaving brushes.I like the short handle one.Are you planning on selling them?

Thanks, those were for an order, I had them on my finishing rack and just put the knot in there for the picture.

Dustinl

04-23-2009, 02:56 PM

Penworks

05-23-2009, 02:43 PM

A couple more new knots now in stock, a UK-20mm bristle and a UK-20mm dark pure badger. Thanks for looking :smile:

http://www.thegoldennib.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5_9

Penworks

06-03-2009, 07:00 PM

Well I treated myself to a new brush today, thought I deserved it :smile: First time I actually can remember having a shave in the middle of the day :biggrin: I christened this with some Vulfix luxury English Rose shaving cream. This knot started out as a UK-23mm Super Badger. So here is the bloom after the first go around. Picture shows, the original knot, a virgin brush with the same knot and then my new brush bloomed.

lackluster dave

07-05-2009, 11:40 AM

There is a low end $70 mini lathe ($100 with shipping) that seems to be selling ok on ebay. The seller is getting food feednack on them, but the picture is fuzzy and i don't know enough about lathes to know if the specs are reasonable.

I have a good selection of power tools: low end (harbor freight), mid range & some top of the line. I've learned not to automatically buy the $500 Dewalt for every project I start.

I'd appreciate hearing from any member knowledgable on lathes that have any comments on this lathe - solely as an entry into handle making?

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-RAND-Mini-Wood-Turning-Lathe-4-Speed-21-x10-1-4_W0QQitemZ400059363973QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defau ltDomain_0?hash=item5d25657285&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C 293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Penworks

07-05-2009, 02:23 PM

I have not heard of any feed back on this lathe, but found this small thread at the Creek. http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?p=780092

lackluster dave

07-05-2009, 03:09 PM

I have not heard of any feed back on this lathe, but found this small thread at the Creek. http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?p=780092

Tony - thanks for that...I'll keep looking

Penworks

08-11-2009, 08:59 PM

Just a note, I added some new materials for turning stock, some alternative ivory and several Tru Stone blocks, along with some nicely figured Bocote & cocobolo. Plus I now stock a mandrel to hold your work. Thanks fof looking www.thegoldennib.com Brushes alternative ivory with bocote & cocobol, the last one is rosewood burl.

Penworks

08-22-2009, 10:53 AM

Just came in two new knots. An 18mm x 58 Silvertip-Grade A. This has nice creamy white & soft tips. Smaller size works good for some of the older brush handle retro fits. Also a new 20mm two band finest badger nicely packed.

Thanks for looking. :cool:

www.thegoldennib.com

Penworks

09-14-2009, 08:38 PM

Just arrived, two new Finest badger hair knots in FAN SHAPE. 20mm & 22mm both nicely packed. Thanks for looking. :smile:

http://www.thegoldennib.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=9_43

leighton

09-16-2009, 10:39 AM

Are you kidding me? The Golden Nib has been 30 miles away this whole time!???

Penworks

09-29-2009, 02:55 PM

A couple of new UK knots just arrived. May be good for that retro look on a refirb brush you are working on. A 20mm UK all cream bristle and a 20mm white nylon. This is a much stiffer nylon, feels more like a boar bristle than a soft nylon. Thanks for looking.
http://www.thegoldennib.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=9_45

fidjit

09-29-2009, 04:41 PM

Tony

Could you perhaps post a piccie of a bulb shaped next to a fan shaped in the same size knot on the same handle ???

qdaddy

09-30-2009, 03:21 PM

As a newbie I need guidance in where to go to find pricing info on the brush inserts. Any help is really welcomed.

Penworks

09-30-2009, 03:45 PM

As a newbie I need guidance in where to go to find pricing info on the brush inserts. Any help is really welcomed.

Go to www.thegoldennib.com look under shaving brush knots

Penworks

09-30-2009, 03:52 PM

Tony

Could you perhaps post a piccie of a bulb shaped next to a fan shaped in the same size knot on the same handle ???

Here is a 22mm finest extra hair from the left - fan - bulb

These handles were not made for these knots, but I forced them in for the picture so you could get an idea. from the left fan - bulb, hope this helps

fidjit

09-30-2009, 04:00 PM

Here is a 22mm finest extra hair from the left - fan - bulb

These handles were not made for these knots, but I forced them in for the picture so you could get an idea. from the left fan - bulb, hope this helps

Yeppers, thanks Tony :001_smile

Penworks

10-17-2009, 07:31 AM

Just arrived a few new knots. 22mm Black Badger, and two new Grade A silvertips in 20mm & 24mm. These have much whiter and softer tips than our regular silvertips. All are nicely packed. Thanks for looking :wink:
http://www.thegoldennib.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=9&zenid=5c46adbcd0b3ebb99fdc7b87de944daf

Penworks

11-24-2009, 08:53 PM

Just added a few more new knots for your selection, There is a new PURE badger hair knot in 20mm & 22mm size,with a little shorter loft. Also new BEST badger hair knots in 20mm & 22mm with shorter lofts. Pictured are the 22mm BEST then the 22mm PuRE, thanks for looking.

ambrose

11-24-2009, 11:24 PM

I love all the options Tony :thumbup1: I just picked up 2 of the fan finest in 20 last week thank you

Penworks

12-16-2009, 06:05 PM

Just in a selection of 8 different patterns of Dymondwood large dowels. They are 1 7/16 (36.6mm) x 6" in length, will make 2-3 brushes from 1 stick. 10% off the regular price now through 12/31/09, thanks for looking, :001_smile

http://www.thegoldennib.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=36_56

Dave Tomlinson

01-07-2010, 03:56 PM

Hi Tony.
If i want to restore an old brush with a new knot where do i measure to find out what size i will need?.

Penworks

01-07-2010, 05:03 PM

Hi Tony.
If i want to restore an old brush with a new knot where do i measure to find out what size i will need?.

If you have a caliper, measure the opening of the hole in mm, or use a ruler.

Penworks

01-15-2010, 09:06 PM

Had several requests for some smaller size knots for folks doing restorations on some small hole handles. So just in in limited quantities, a 16MM BEST & FINEST and an 18MM BEST, Thanks for looking.
http://www.thegoldennib.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=9

rosebarber

07-26-2010, 02:28 PM

When I set my new knot into my old bakelite handle should it fit snuggly or do I leave room for the base of the knot to expand inside the handle? The original knot already had a few short vertical cracks coming down from the open end, though they look stable now. Should I drill the hole a bit bigger or use extra epoxy? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance, Art.

Penworks

07-27-2010, 01:15 PM

When I set my new knot into my old bakelite handle should it fit snuggly or do I leave room for the base of the knot.

PM sent

wildbill51

08-18-2010, 03:05 PM

I am waiting for my gear to arrive and while researching this forum I came across this vendor.
I have an old brush losing hair and thought I might have a play and ordered a brush knot.
I am AMAZED at the level of contact and feedback I have received from this vendor for a $20 order delivered to Australia. :thumbup:

fidjit

08-18-2010, 04:06 PM

I am AMAZED at the level of contact and feedback I have received from this vendor for a $20 order delivered to Australia. :thumbup:

Yep, my 9 :scared: dealings with Tony have been fantastic.

Tony's answered even my stoopidest questions.

And that's to the Land Down Under the Land Down Under :lol:

wildbill51

08-18-2010, 07:47 PM

Never heard Tassie referred to like that before :thumbup1:

Blue58

08-20-2010, 08:36 PM

Hi Tony.
If i want to restore an old brush with a new knot where do i measure to find out what size i will need?.

I am currently making a handle using soapstone, I don't have a lathe so this is entirely handmade. in the first photo I will show the handle.

The second photo shows how to measure in "mm" for the knot. In this case it will be a 28mm knot from tony that I will be ordering soon. :w00t:

Carlo A

08-21-2010, 10:16 PM

the soapstone idea is great, but it must take a while to carve!

Blue58

08-21-2010, 10:39 PM

the soapstone idea is great, but it must take a while to carve!

Actually soapstone is fairly soft so it can be carved faster than wood and if you have a lathe you can turn out a handle in a day. soapstone also comes in a large assortment of colors.

Carlo A

08-22-2010, 09:12 AM

Actually soapstone is fairly soft so it can be carved faster than wood and if you have a lathe you can turn out a handle in a day. soapstone also comes in a large assortment of colors.

That's good to know, but It is hard to find some blocks here in Montreal. And if I find some, it will cost me as much as a ready made stone brush handle.:thumbdown

I hate the lack of accessibility!:sneaky2:

Wid

08-29-2010, 08:36 AM

Just put in an order for a 22mm Cream Swirl handle and a 22mm silver tip extra hair. Looking forward to the order. Now I need to go and get some epoxy.

LukeDuke

08-31-2010, 04:50 PM

Tony is an excellent vendor that provides outstanding customer service! :thumbup:

Carlo A

08-31-2010, 05:35 PM

Just put in an order for a 22mm Cream Swirl handle and a 22mm silver tip extra hair. Looking forward to the order. Now I need to go and get some epoxy.

Maybe hot glue will work! Maybe epoxy is overdoing it?

Just my opinion.

Harry47

12-30-2010, 12:07 PM

hi, does anyone know where to get badger knots in the UK, or how much it would cost to import one from the golden nib

Drummer2177

01-05-2011, 09:04 PM

Perhaps a "dumb" question, but how user friendly is the process of constructing a handle and bristle ordered from the site? Are instructions included?

I like some of the items there, but am hesitant to purchase them due my severe inability to craft.

Penworks

01-06-2011, 06:52 PM

There are no instructions on assembly of products. I have a tutorial on my site on how I make my brushes. Knots will come close to fitting in the handles. Some to no sanding of the handle opening may be required to get a perfect fit. If you want a shorter loft, then plan on drilling hole deeper. Use two part epoxy to set the knot in the handle. Not all that complicated.

blazingazn

12-09-2012, 12:47 AM

Apologies for bringing up an old thread.

Does Tony still post here?

How close should my handles match the knot? I have a few coming in that are 26-27mm. Does it have to match exactly? Can I just get a 26mm knot and epoxy it without issues?
-Will 1mm cause that many issues?