Two Silvertip Badger Test Latherings

It was a little more than 24 hours after I set these knots with silicone that I did this test lathering. I decided not to defunk the knots because they have only a very slight scent to them now. So, I proceeded to their first lather with C.O. Bigelow Shave Cream. I used cold water and did a brief soak, then using about an almond size dollop, I began to make lather. I lathered the JR #11 first and set it aside for the lather to work on the knot. Then I did the same for the JR #30RS brush. I let them set for a time and then rinsed them and towel dried them. Now, they are air drying. I will post pictures of them after they dry and are fluffed.

A brief soak for the #11.

Making the lather.

Beautiful lather.

Making lather with the #30RS.

They both performed equally well.

I let them set a while for the lather to work on defunking the knots.

Here they are after a thorough rinse and a towel dry.
Now they will air dry, and tomorrow I will fluff them
and get pictures of their blooms.

Update: Next day

Post bloom.

Two Silvertips Received and Set

Finished produce: JR11 and JR30RS

Knots arrive from Virginia Sheng, China.

After the knots arrived I got to work and widened the holes to about 26mm and deepened the holes to about 14mm. The next four pictures are the JR11 and JR30RS after their dry fitting.

JR11 and JR30RS dry fit.

I used a clear silicone to set the knots. After setting the knots, they will cure for 24 hours before I perform their first test lather.

 

Knots set and curing.

These are the silicones that I have used for my knots. The one on the left is white and the right one is clear. I used the clear one on these knots .

Schick E-3 out of the Blue

I got an email from my old friend Larry, aka Mike the Biker. He said, "I have this relic that has set around for years and I want to send it to you."

It is a Schick E-3, manufactured between 1935-45. It has a Bakelite handle and a fixed spring with tabs on the side. This one has its own case and an empty injector blade dispenser.

Update: November 10

We corresponded more and it turns out that Larry is going to buy one of my brushes: Jayaruh #11. I will be getting a silvertip badger for it and finishing it up for him. 

The razor arrives.

Three Jayaruhs Waiting on Knots

I have completed three brush handles this month. They are all unique. From left to right are:

• Jayaruh #11 - This one is a simple design that is finished with just polyurethane.
• Jayaruh #12 - A gentleman on TSD inspired this design. It is squarish and has a great feel. It was finished with Golden Pecan stain and then polyurethane.
• Jayaruh #13 - I call this "The Chubby." It is stained with Golden Oak and finished off with polyurethane.

I have two black badger knots on the way. I ordered them when I only had two brush handles. Then, I made the #13. Now, I will have to decide which two will get the new knots. This is No Buy July, so it will be August before I get any more knots. I really like making these brushes and putting knots in them. Four of the brushes I made have new owners now. 

Jayaruh #11 Brush Handle

I started this handle on July 6. I did not take pictures of the progress though. I started with a square piece, took off the corners to make it eight sided, and then rounded it using an abrasive.

I decided to just do a few polyurethane coats. 

Here it is after the second coat.

It was suggested by fellow TSDers that I use a black badger knot for this handle. I like that idea. I will however wait until August to place the order because this is No Buy July. I can wait. I may begin #12 in the mean time.

UPDATE: July 8, 2015

I made a trade with a fellow TSDer and have two black pure badger knots on the way, so, this brush will be complete probably within the week. Here are pictures after the third coat of poly.

Jayaruh #10 * Jayaruh #12