I thought this would be a good time to finally update the blog. With the last vestiges of the fall season upon us and the Thanksgiving holiday right at our door, I wanted to highlight some of the work that I didn’t get a chance to share and give some updates to keep the journal alive and fresh. I’ll give a shop update, then showcase a few select pieces from this year, and then give some news on a couple of new offerings. I hope everyone enjoys it.
Shop update
Although I really would love to update my lathe, I’m still happy with the handles that are being turned. The old lathe has some quirks, but I’m still able to get the precision that I want. If something nice comes along, then I’ll definitely snag it. Hopefully in the coming year I will update what should probably be the “centerpiece” of the shop. We’ll see.
I’ve updated some of the engraving equipment so that is running much much smoother, especially in the hotter months. Most everything else is working fine I’m glad to say for now.
Knot tying techniques have really been refined this year, mostly with regard to consistency and predictability. New ways of tying and setting string have allowed me to make the knot tying a bit more efficient than before.
On the handle side of things, this has been a good year for the Beehive. I’ve managed to get the details in the Beehives better by just a smidge. It really shows when holding them in hand. It has been maybe a 2-3% improvement nominally but the way they really hit different now was definitely worth the effort. This small improvement took revisiting the tool grind as well as upgrading the lathe’s lighting setup to allow me to make small details with more precision.
Some notable pieces
New Knot Shape - Classic II
I had considered this knot shape shortly after the introduction of the original four back in 2022. I always thought that there was a gap between the Classic shape and the Hybrid. With the Classic having a rise of 13.5mm and the Hybrid being 22mm in rise, there was definitely space in the knot shape lineup for something around 16-17mm in rise.
Today I’m introducing the Classic II. With the Classic catering mostly to “fans” of the fan shape that might want something a little less avant-garde, and something with a bit more contour, I do think the Classic II might embody the classic aesthetic and performance a little bit more than the original. At a 17mm rise, it is right in the middle, and gives a look that is more rounded, more cushion-like, and a really balanced performance. I really hope that this new knot shape can carve a space for itself in the lineup and be enjoyed by those who choose to try it for their custom builds.
The original four knot shapes, Bulb, Hybrid, Classic I, and Fan, will of course still be available.
Megalith Customs
There have been a few Megalith custom pieces that have shipped here and there, but it has never been official. Today it finally is. Megaliths will be available on a limited basis for custom orders. I will be making updates to the website shortly, but the details are as follows:
Deposit: $250
29mm XD or HD-T: $385
27mm XD or HD-T: $365
25.4mm XD or HDT: $345
All additional options (i.e. Two-piece, Terrazzo, etc.) are the same additional cost as The Varlet brushes.
Includes choice of flat or pearl handle color, engraving color, and knot shape. Handle shapes will be updated on the “Brush Models” page.
The Megalith custom listing will be available on the “Custom Order” page for a limited time. Here are just a few examples of what is possible:
in closing
Thanks to everyone for stopping by to take a look and read the latest from The Varlet’s shop. This has been another good year for custom pieces, and I’m really excited to get 2026 going. But, first we have to celebrate 2025, so I hope everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving holiday immensely. I will reach out to give updates for those who have custom orders in the pipeline already. As always, I’m available via email if anyone needs to touch base with me. Above all else, I wish everybody health and happiness this holiday season!
Thanks,
Aldo
