05-19-2012, 05:19 PM
Help! I have a broken bone!
I have an unused M&F 3 band super from Lee with bone handle. It's a beautiful brush. It's small (by my standards), but the bone provides a lovely weight to it.
But...
[attachment=2273]
It's split all of it's own accord. It wasn't dropped. I believe that due to our hot summers, expansion and contraction are responsible for the cracking.
The knot is still firm in place and the handle is not worsening and it's not really weakened in anyway.
I have a matching one in black horn that I love.
What's your suggestion to do with it?
I have an unused M&F 3 band super from Lee with bone handle. It's a beautiful brush. It's small (by my standards), but the bone provides a lovely weight to it.
But...
[attachment=2273]
It's split all of it's own accord. It wasn't dropped. I believe that due to our hot summers, expansion and contraction are responsible for the cracking.
The knot is still firm in place and the handle is not worsening and it's not really weakened in anyway.
I have a matching one in black horn that I love.
What's your suggestion to do with it?
05-19-2012, 05:28 PM
What a shame Ben. I am only guessing but I don't think the handle is repairable. This company in Vietnam has a good reputation for making horn handles. This is their website.
http://www.handicraft-vn.com/shop/
http://www.handicraft-vn.com/shop/
05-19-2012, 05:40 PM
(05-19-2012, 05:32 PM)SharpSpine Wrote: My first thought would be epoxy as I've read of many people sealing a crack. However, none were as completely cracked as yours. My condolences & I hope a revival is in the future for that beauty.
I think the epoxy will work, There is no "play" in the crack, so apart from cosmetically I don't think the brush will be compromised in any way.
05-19-2012, 05:59 PM
(05-19-2012, 05:28 PM)slantman Wrote: What a shame Ben. I am only guessing but I don't think the handle is repairable. This company in Vietnam has a good reputation for making horn handles. This is their website.
http://www.handicraft-vn.com/shop/
Damn Jerry, he's got some nice grips there.
Thanks
05-19-2012, 09:27 PM
(05-19-2012, 09:20 PM)Johnny Wrote: If it's cracked, it has to have some give to it. How about a small bead of clear epoxy worked down in to the crack, then put two or three hose clamps on it to try and squeeze together. Wrapping it before you put the hose clamps on to protect it.
Thanks for the advice Johnny.
I've squeezed with all my might with little or no effect on the gap formed by the crack. I'm surprised how sold it still feels, apart from the obvious penetrability of water now, the integrity of the brush seems to have remained intact!
05-19-2012, 09:31 PM
(05-19-2012, 09:27 PM)ben74 Wrote:(05-19-2012, 09:20 PM)Johnny Wrote: If it's cracked, it has to have some give to it. How about a small bead of clear epoxy worked down in to the crack, then put two or three hose clamps on it to try and squeeze together. Wrapping it before you put the hose clamps on to protect it.
Thanks for the advice Johnny.
I've squeezed with all my might with little or no effect on the gap formed by the crack. I'm surprised how sold it still feels, apart from the obvious penetrability of water now, the integrity of the brush seems to have remained intact!
Well, I don't know if it's good advise, but it sounds logical to me. If it were mine that is what I would try. But who knows, squeezing with hose clamps could further fracture the bone. Take it to a bone surgon.

05-21-2012, 01:37 PM
I have a question - great discussion on how to fix it. For future bone handled brush owners out there - is there anything preventative that can be done to minimize the risk of this happening?
I've heard that natural horn handled brushes should be treated with mineral oil from time to time. Would this also apply to bone?
I've heard that natural horn handled brushes should be treated with mineral oil from time to time. Would this also apply to bone?
05-21-2012, 03:05 PM
(05-21-2012, 01:37 PM)Brent Wrote: I have a question - great discussion on how to fix it. For future bone handled brush owners out there - is there anything preventative that can be done to minimize the risk of this happening?
I've heard that natural horn handled brushes should be treated with mineral oil from time to time. Would this also apply to bone?
Neatsfoot oil is recommended for conditioning horn. I'm sure it would work for bone too.
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