Tutorial; How to remove a knot by steaming it

[jmudrick]

Steamed my Omega 48 for about 12 minutes, having wrapped the bristles in foil. Done. Very civilized approach. Handle and bristles doing fine.

 

[Stonec0ld]

Gonna give this a go with my Alpha Titanium handle brush. Not a fan of the fan knot and no-one wanted to buy it when I listed on BST so worth giving it a go.

 

[FSword]

Let us know how it goes!

 

[Bauhaus]

I'm planning to remove the knot from Vulfix 404 in this way and I want to replace it with a badger knot. Could you recommend the knot diameter which I should buy instead? Thanks!

 

[R181]

I'm planning to remove the knot from Vulfix 404 in this way and I want to replace it with a badger knot. Could you recommend the knot diameter which I should buy instead? Thanks!

IIRC, the size of a knot is the diameter of the glue plug. It is recommended that the replacement knot size be about 1mm to 1.5mm smaller than the diameter of the hole in the handle. Knots bulge out after the glue plug and this avoids a too tight a fit of the knot in the handle. A too tight a knot fit could affect knot performance and/or over time as the knot might swell causing the handle to crack.

This is what Maggards have to say about their replacement knot sizing.

Maggard Razors 24mm SHD (Super High Density) 2-Band Badger, Bulb Knot

Our SHD Badger Bulb knots are packed with 30%+ more hair than our normal brushes, and the tips are even softer. Our manufacturer claims these are "Manchurian", but, of course, most of the terminology around badger hair types are mostly just flashy marketing terms. Point is, this is a killer knot...

maggardrazors.com

Bob

 

[Bauhaus]

IIRC, the size of a knot is the diameter of the glue plug. It is recommended that the replacement knot size be about 1mm to 1.5mm smaller than the diameter of the hole in the handle. Knots bulge out after the glue plug and this avoids a too tight a fit of the knot in the handle. A too tight a knot fit could affect knot performance and/or over time as the knot might swell causing the handle to crack.

Bob

Thank you, Bob!

I hope I won't break the handle and everything will be fine.

 

[Bauhaus]

So, yesterday I removed the knot. After 1 hour of steaming, the knot was finally out (not as smooth as I expected but anyway).

 

[Bauhaus]

And here's the new brush: a 20mm badger knot in a comfortable handle. Yesterday was my first shave with it, and I'm happy with the result.

 

[Cheesepiece]

And here's the new brush: a 20mm badger knot in a comfortable handle. Yesterday was my first shave with it, and I'm happy with the result.

View attachment 152542

Congratulations on the result. Looks just like a Vulfix 404B

 

[Bauhaus]

Congratulations on the result. Looks just like a Vulfix 404B

Thanks!

 

[highbeard]

Very informative, thank you