Ebonite is a hard, vulcanized rubber that traces its roots back to Charles Goodyear in the mid-19th century. Ebonite is a natural material that combines sulfur and linseed oil with natural rubber. The manufacturer very correctly observes that Ebonite possesses "a noble, woody appearance, a beautiful look, and an incomparably warm feel." Moreover, Ebonite is food-graded by the German Fresenius Institut.
We are told that Ebonite was conceived as a substitute for Gabon ebony, an exotic tropical hardwood from which Ebonite derives its name, in the manufacture of clarinets, oboes, bassoons, and other musical instruments. Ebonite manufacture has evolved to include multiple colors often mixed into intricate patterns reminiscent of precious burl woods, Grecian vases and Oriental pottery to name but a few. Some Ebonite patterns--much like burl woods--exhibit colors in unique combinations, which add to the uniqueness of your hand-crafted BSSW or Morris & Forndran Ebonite shaving brush.
Ebonite Turning Characteristics Like all shaving brushes we create, our Ebonite brush handles are hand-crafted by master turner Brad Sears on a manually-controlled wood lathe using techniques refined over many years' experience. And, as with different wood species that occasionally call for varying turning (or machining) techniques which must be honored if one is to obtain the most favorable result, turning Ebonite on a wood lathe challenges the practitioner to employ techniques slightly different from those used to turn the cast polyesters and acrylics most often found in contemporary shaving brush handles. Discovering these techniques can prove fascinating even for the the advanced practitioner; but once understood, Ebonite turning proves to be an extremely enjoyable experience. In short: the result rewards diligence.
Care for Ebonite Brush handles Like many natural products, Ebonite is somewhat subject to oxidation. (We've seen this particularly in pipe stems and woodwind mouthpieces.) Although there is no substitute for proper care (thoroughly rinsing the entire brush--especially the knot--and gently drying your brush handle with a soft towel after each use), we treat each Ebonite brush handle with an advanced silicon sealant to serve as an oxygen barrier which also further enhances the already brilliant sheen that characterizes our Ebonite shaving brushes. (See this page for further Brush Care discussion.)
