Brush handle preference....?

I am looking to do a few brush handles in a few other materials than that currently or at least purchase turn stock to have on hand at a moments notice.  That said, what do you guys like most in the material(s) used to build a custom brush handle.  Remember, this is material of handles only and not the actual knot.

Feedback welcomed but a poll is easily completed here as well.

Is Acrylic the same thing as Resin?  The poll choices oinclude Wood/Resin (hybrid ) or Acrylic.

I always thought a inlaid or nailed and epoxied medallion with engraved initials in german nickel, sterling or brass would be  the penultimate affectation.

(07-13-2016, 11:19 AM)TheLegalRazor Wrote: Is Acrylic the same thing as Resin?  The poll choice include Wood/Resin (hybrid ) or Acrylic.

Acrylic alone or the wood and resin mixture.  Resin being any thing mixed with wood to have that combination effect whether acrylic; alumilite; or polyester resin.

(07-13-2016, 11:31 AM)kav Wrote: I always thought a inlaid or nailed and epoxied medallion with engraved initials in german nickel, sterling or brass would be  the penultimate affectation.

I have seen these on the brush handle bottoms.  Whether it is a sports team medallion or engraved initials.  Would be a great little setup for sure to have and offer.  Thanks for sharing.

(07-13-2016, 11:35 AM)Str8shaver Wrote:

(07-13-2016, 11:19 AM)TheLegalRazor Wrote: Is Acrylic the same thing as Resin?  The poll choice include Wood/Resin (hybrid ) or Acrylic.

Acrylic alone or the wood and resin mixture.  Resin being any thing mixed with wood to have that combination effect whether acrylic; alumilite; or polyester resin.

The handles made by Simpson or Shavemac are acrylic or polyester resin?

(07-13-2016, 11:40 AM)TheLegalRazor Wrote:

(07-13-2016, 11:35 AM)Str8shaver Wrote:

(07-13-2016, 11:19 AM)TheLegalRazor Wrote: Is Acrylic the same thing as Resin?  The poll choice include Wood/Resin (hybrid ) or Acrylic.

Acrylic alone or the wood and resin mixture.  Resin being any thing mixed with wood to have that combination effect whether acrylic; alumilite; or polyester resin.

The handles made by Simpson or Shavemac are acrylic or polyester resin?

I would guess more than likely acrylic.  I think the polyester resin may not be as wide spread in use yet.

I voted acrylic.  Wood brushes are beautiful and I've tried them.  It just seems to me that regardless of how well the wood is finished or sealed, it's no longer an optimal material for a brush which gets very wet every time it's used.

What about stone? such as Malachite or Azurite. Such beautiful natural colors and grain. Here is a little ditty i had done in malachite and the weight and ergonomics is just right. 

I don't like wood handles particularly although I own two wood handled brushes.  There is such a choice of very attractive acrylics that appeal to me more than any wood handles I've seen.

(07-14-2016, 09:09 PM)gregkw1 Wrote: Nobody's mentioned metal. I like the rubberset 400 shape. It comes in aluminum  (original) or stainless steel or crown kings chrome finish. The crown kings going to be my next brush with a whipped dog 30mm silvertip.

That would fall under other.  I have seen very fine pieces that are milled and sold for brush handles and they are a fine choice for those who prefer that medium.

(07-13-2016, 07:05 PM)cdude62 Wrote: What about stone? such as Malachite or Azurite. Such beautiful natural colors and grain. Here is a little ditty i had done in malachite and the weight and ergonomics is just right. 



Let that fall under "Other" as well and yes you are right............while not used to the degree of other materials they are and do make beautiful handles.

Very interesting seeing the poll results so far.  I am surprised by the pick so far overall.  I was thinking of doing a few laminated pieces since they can be quite nice and appealing to the eyes.  So far a few votes on that but overwhelmingly acrylic!  I would have thought wood to be the top runner for sure.

(07-15-2016, 10:11 AM)OnaBlueCloud Wrote: I really like Alumilite resin due to the great durability.

You know I do too Jeremy.  I have alumilite and burl hybrid I keep on hand to make brushes with because I like it so much.  Fun to work with also.