Around the end of 2019 (isn’t that a fond memory) I was very happy to see on one of my releases that none other than Max Sprecher had purchased a brush. I had known about his work since about 2010, when I first started getting interested in traditional shaving. I used to long for a restored Wade and Butcher with the type of faux tortoise scales that he used to feature, with a nice amber color and dark brown chatoyance. At the time, I wouldn’t even dream of owning a custom straight razor being a newbie, and soon thereafter got a hold of a DE and so unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you view it) shaving with DE’s kept my acquisition fever at bay for straight razors. However, evident for me all the way back in 2010 was his uncompromising commitment to details and a unique style that was destined to have not only a great following but be insanely influential. Since 2010, I kept an eye on what Max was doing from time to time and in the back of my mind I said I would try to work on my stropping skills again one day.
As 2019 was winding down, another very good patron of mine who is also a fan of Max’s razors let me know that Max really admired my work. Needless to say I was incredibly honored and when he mentioned the possibility of a collaboration, I of course told him to let Max know I would be all in.
The collab started out pretty low key. Max had some thoughts about perhaps something in Carbon and in return he would craft me one of his razors. I knew that I wanted something with a Spanish Point, and in 7/8, but I told him I would give him free reign as far as what design he wanted to give it. As we got to emailing back and forth, I found that we had a lot of the same views when it came to craftsmanship.
Early on I quickly realized that I was going to have to challenge myself a bit to make this brush. Also, Max was very open to the idea of making a new design after we got to talking. He told me which of my brush designs he liked most and gave me some guidance as far as colors, but I was really impressed when he told me that he trusted me as an artist, and left the creative process to me. It’s one of the highlights of my journey as a craftsman for someone with his talent and dedication to consider my work as an artform.
Max has been incredibly patient with my notoriously lengthy process. There was also a little pandemic and some riots peppered in throughout the year. It’s a bit poetic that on the fifth anniversary of the launch of The Varlet that I am sitting here on the Fourth of July at 1:56AM working long hours to fulfill commitments. In the past few months I have felt like I did in late 2014 and early 2015, scrambling to solve challenges, losing a lot of sleep, and working like a dog to get brushes done. Now that we are deep into this pandemic I’m also spending an enormous amount of time and energy trying to secure supplies necessary for continuous production. Like most I have been humbled by the changes that we are facing right now.
With that said, I’ve received nothing but support and encouragement from Max throughout this entire time. I can’t begin to express my gratitude to him and I look forward to thinking of him as a mentor as he has already done so much and continues to amaze with his craftsmanship. I really hope that he enjoys this brush and it has been exhilarating to design, craft, and now to present it to him and to everyone. Thanks, Max, for your confidence, understanding, and trust.
Only Piece
The brush that I crafted is, aside from The Varlet’s moniker on the reverse side, simply engraved: Max S., Only Piece. As such, it is the only brush I will make in this design with this color combination. The top portion is Blue531™, which is a dark blue with a little Cement™ mixed in, and this color will be a regular color option in the future, however. It is done in high polish, with a silver enameled engraving. The bottom is in Alpine White Alumilite with a mineral mix that I created. This will most likely not be offered regularly, as it is extremely tough on my tools because some of the minerals included in the mix are harder than high speed steel, which wood-turning tools are made of.
The shape is inspired by the Ranger and the Gaslamp, and as with the Cauldron, I looked to modern pottery designs to finish the very top. I think it bridges the gap between traditional brush designs and perhaps where designs could be headed in the future. It does have The Varlet’s DNA and for it to also look like it belongs in my brush family is a great feeling for me.
Unfortunately, I will not be offering this handle design regularly. Despite that fact, I think it’s worth it to showcase and I do have other designs in mind for the future that push the boundaries further, should I be so fortunate.
The knot is a 29mm XD, and I was aiming for a certain shape that was not quite a hybrid but not as flat as some of the knots that I have set in the Rangers. Max let me know that he prefers his 29mm XD Ranger’s knot so I wanted to have something perform similarly, but also thought that giving it a little bit of a canopy would match the design of the handle better than a straight fan shape.
Additional Pieces
Other brushes have been shipping as well. Some highlights are below, including a very nice Carbon Beehive, a 32mm monster Mega, and a Gaslamp that I made for a dear patron to match his scuttle.
I will have some more featured at the soonest chance, and will look to update the Gallery as well.
Thanks to everyone for reading and Happy Fourth of July. Make it a great one and a safe one!
-Aldo
