Doug Korn's Workshop - Brush Maker

Folks, I am a Brush Maker on this forum..... My name is Doug Korn. I have been an avid woodworker for most of my life. My workshop interests are reflective of that and feature quality woodturning offerings from my lathe. I specialize in custom, one-of-a-kind, wet shaving brushes and razor handles, turned one at a time. Please let me know if I can be of service.

You can see examples of my custom work here at my website: 
http://drkorn55.wix.com/dougkornsworkshop

and more here: http://shavenook.com/thread-doug-korn-s-...-portfolio
Please look through all the pages in the thread.

As for available blanks for handles see them here: http://shavenook.com/thread-doug-korn-s-...-costs-etc
If you don't see the color you want available here please PM, maybe I can make it or get it for you...

I stock TGN knots of; Premium Silver-tip Grade A Badger, Finest Badger as-well-as Omega Boar knots and Nathan Clark Envy White Badger and Ubersoft synthetic knots and Plisoft synthetic knots. 

Ordering info: When you place an order your blank(s) is reserved and you receive an order number. I make the handle and place the knot in it. I take a couple of photos and email or PM them to you. If you approve, payment is made through PayPal and I then glue in the knot and send it to you..... Orders for multiple brushes require a 50% deposit. Orders are taking about 10-12 weeks to complete.
Pick out a handle style, blank and knot and I'd be happy to give you an estimate of cost.  

Any questions? please PM...... Doug.

Good luck Doug in partaking in our obsessive quest for smoothness and comfort.

My question is this. I believe that brush handles, as eye-catching as they can be, are not the serious working parts of the brush. In my experience, I have purchased brushes from the off-branded brush-makers only to be greatly disappointed in the quality of badger knots they employ. Can you tell us something about the knots that you use for your brushes? Do you stand behind their quality?

Hi TB, I am the proud owner of two of Doug's creations which we collaborated on [one of which I had on my cell and posted].

The first was a synthetic that is one of my favorites; 26mm Pur-Tech knot set to effective 28mm. The posted is a 26mm TGN 2-band bulb knot with lovely hooked tips set at 28mm.

I know that he has also recently started spinning up brushes with Ubersoft and A4 knots as well but he can share more.

Overall, I couldn't be more pleased with his work and in fact intend on working with him on a third shortly.

Good luck Doug in partaking in our obsessive quest for smoothness and comfort.

My question is this.  I believe that brush handles, as eye-catching as they can be, are not the serious working parts of the brush.  In my experience, I have purchased brushes from the off-branded brush-makers only to be greatly disappointed in the quality of badger knots they employ.  Can you tell us something about the knots that you use for your brushes?  Do you stand behind their quality?

Hi..... first off, I am sorry you were disappointed in the past with your custom brush purchases. It can sometimes be hard to know what the customer will like in a knot. I would humbly suggest purchasing the knot/brush you like and then send it off to the handle maker of your choice, that way you get the knot you want put in your handle.

Ted the knot is the most important part of the brush and the handle should compliment it well so it can be the best performer possible in the hands of the person using it...

I believe that the brush handle can be as important as the knot in some cases. Yes, the knot does the work but the handle contributes to that work by being ergonomic and functional. For example, custom handles can provide a longer handle reach for bowl lathering or provide comfort for those with large or small hands. I have made several handles for people with grip and arthritis problems that needed specific size requirements. This allows for them to keep the knot they love and use a handle that fits their needs. I try and provide that custom handle for their favorite knot and now they have the best of both worlds. And yes, folks buy custom handled brushes for the pure beauty of them as well. Most of my sales are for clients that want a special piece, a perfect handle for a perfect knot. There are many great handle brush makers out there making wonderful works of art for us all to enjoy. On the other hand, there are some great knots out there in some very basic, ho-hum handles.... If all you want is function then your usually all set. A VW Bug will get you there, but hey I'd rather drive a Mustang!

As to Knots, everybody likes something different..... therefore..... I try and provide as good a recommendation as possible for the clients needs and budget.

I stock The Golden Nib Badger knots http://www.thegoldennib.com/wet-shaving/...knots.html
In my opinion $ for $ the best buy out there..... If people want higher end Badgers I can provide contact information for them and they can purchase the knot of their choice and have it sent to me for installation in their new custom handle. I also stock Omega boar knots as-well-as Ubersoft and A4 Synthetic knots as well..... These company's stand behind the quality of their knots and I stand behind the quality of my work.

My thanks for your welcome, Doug.

some recent custom brushes:

[Image: P1100937_zpsswsxvkaq.jpg]
for a Buffalo Bills fan...

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Beehive and TGN 2-band Finest

[Image: P1100889_zpsfrfwbnjh.jpg]
[Image: P1100866_zpsak5x6ajh.jpg]
D60 and TGN 2-band 28mm finest

[Image: P1100848_zps1zuy6ccl.jpg]
[Image: P1100849_zpszfleqfrg.jpg]
D13 with Ubersoft synthetic knot

[Image: P1100735_zpssfalxnbw.jpg]
D7 with hornet rings....

[Image: P1100568_zpsavzkqygx.jpg]
[Image: P1100566_zpszpknu1h4.jpg]
My barbershop brush.... with Omega Pro 49 boar knot....

[Image: P1100461_zpsvfwq3cpv.jpg]
Taca-2

[Image: P1100794_zpso7s4plcu.jpg]
Taca-3 (Taca means "Gobblet")

My thanks for checking them out, Dougie...

Doug, that is some gorgeous work!

Doug, that is some gorgeous work!

Completely agree- Doug is an artist and real pleasure to deal with as a craftsman. Here are my two to add to the mix.

very nice work, Doug.

Doug is donating one of his gorgeous brushes to the forum for the Movember event we're holding. I can't wait to get it and check it out!

very nice work, Doug.

Doug is donating one of his gorgeous brushes to the forum for the Movember event we're holding.  I can't wait to get it and check it out!

That will make a great addition to all the other fantastic products- great job coordinating Andrew!

very nice work, Doug.

Doug is donating one of his gorgeous brushes to the forum for the Movember event we're holding.  I can't wait to get it and check it out!

That will make a great addition to all the other fantastic products- great job coordinating Andrew!

I couldn't agree more.