Options and ordering info - Custom Brushes
DEPOSITS
For custom pieces, I will be taking a $300 deposit to begin work on a brush, regardless of size and options. The remaining balance will be due upon completion and before shipment. I’ll detail the ordering guidelines below.
AVAILABILITY AND (NO) WAIT-LIST
Availability will be directly on the website as a Custom Brush Deposit listing. If you are interested in a custom brush, just place the order on The Varlet’s website and process your payment for the $300 deposit. Once the deposit is placed, I will contact you via email and provide a consultation to go over all details of your custom brush. At that time, based on your choices, I will give you an estimate time frame and a total price for the brush. Construction will then begin on your brush, starting with the casting of the material.
I will only make available slots for custom orders as my workload allows. If the Custom Brush Deposit listing indicates “SOLD OUT”, that means I don’t have any availability for custom orders at that time. There will be no wait-list.
CUSTOM ORDERING GUIDELINES
Custom orders are limited to The Varlet brushes only. Megalith brushes will not be available for custom work.
Every custom order includes an initial consultation. At that time, we can discuss color options and knot options. I will let you know what is and what isn’t possible based on availability of materials and provide you with a time frame.
Deposits are non-refundable once you agree to the time-frame given at the consultation. If the brush is not ready by the quoted time-frame, you have the option at that time to a refund of your deposit or the option to be quoted a new time frame for completion based on the status of the brush. If you choose to be refunded, brushes may be completed after you are given a refund of your deposit and may be offered for sale to someone else.
Any options, colorways, or any creative details resulting from your consultation are the sole intellectual property of The Varlet, and may not be reproduced without consent. The Varlet reserves the right to offer pieces for sale that are identical or similar to your custom creation in the future.
Once the brush is completed, the remaining balance will be due before shipping.
CUSTOM PRICING
I will be making a few changes to custom brush pricing based on the time cost of production for certain options as well as to streamline the ordering process. Pricing will be:
XD knots: There will be no extra charge for XD knots over HD-T knots (previously $10 extra)
Base pricing is as follows (same as before):
Mega: 29mm - $485
Beehive, Cambria: 25.4mm - $450, 27mm - $480, 29mm - $515
Orion, Ranger, Cauldron: 25.4mm - $425, 27mm - $455, 29mm - $485
Gaslamp, Cannon: 27mm - $455, 29mm - $485
32mm Knots will be on a case by case basis for availability and will start at $515
OPTIONS PRICING
Handle Colors: No extra charge for flat and pearl colors
Handle Finish: No extra charge for High-polish or Low-Light (matte finish)
Hash: +$35
BLK / WHT Marble (+$25)
BLK / WHT Beveled (+$45)
Terrazo: +$45
Multi-piece handle: two-piece $50, three-piece (ring) $85
Add Copper Center +$25
Engraving options: Gloss Black TimeMark™ Engraving, Pearl White TimeMark™ Engraving, Gold TimeMark™ Engraving, Silver TimeMark™ Engraving
Custom Engraving (+$50)
Knot Density
High Density - Traditional
The Varlet’s traditional density knots feature high density and classically spec’d lofts. Aiming for a balance of firmness, plushness, and lather release, The Varlet’s classic knots have been revered by seasoned brush enthusiasts since their inception in 2015. Knot density is measured at the bottom of the knot, and does not describe the knot’s density at the tips. Comparatively high-lofted knots for our day and age, those seeking the most robust knot should seek the XD™ option. For those looking for an extremely luxurious but classic experience, this is your knot.
XD™
Extra dense and lower lofts. The Varlet’s XD knots have gained praise as of late from those with contemporary tastes in brush density and firmness. Geared towards seasoned shavers with experience using ultra-dense knots, the XD is lathered with best results using various techniques. Despite their extremely high density and lower loft, XD knots still retain The Varlet’s balance when releasing lather, though more shaving product might be needed during use. The Varlet recommends lathering with low pressure, splaying only the top third of the knot when lathering. Proper pre-shave soaking in very warm water is also recommended and ample time to dry with several days between uses being optimal for long-term care.
Handle Colors
This is a short selection of what is available. For more options, I invite you to take a look at the blog, which features lots of photos. I’ll be happy to assist with colorway selection at your initial consultation after you place your deposit. *Due to varying computer, tablet, and smartphone screens, and varying lighting conditions, colors are not Guaranteed.
Somerset Ivory
A bright faux ivory material with a slight rosy hue. The most classic material for a shaving brush and looks great polished or with a matte finish.
Carbon™
The Varlet’s Carbon color ranges from black to an extremely dark gray with a slight sheen, depending on lighting. Reminiscent of carbon fiber.
Cement™
A flat, medium gray. A mix of black and white.
Radiogram™
A deep dark orange, with brown undertones. Taking cue from vintage Bakelite radios, which show their age through their dark patina, and vintage shaving brushes made from similar materials during the last century.
BLK / WHT Marble
A marbling of white and black Alumilite, done by hand. (Pattern will vary.)
Terrazzo
Alumilite resin embedded with contrasting fragments. Inspired by the centuries-old decorative technique developed by artisans of cement masonry. (Terrazzo portion pictured with Alpine White top portion.)
Royal Blue Hash
Royal Blue with hashed white Alumilite, with a crisp textured grain.
BLK / WHT Beveled
Black and White Alumilite, joined with a beveled geometric profile, fortified with an internal threaded rod for a strong, secure two-piece option handle.
Royal Blue
A deep solid blue with a rich color. Unmistakable in its hue, with a beautiful brightness.
Blue531™
A mix of blue with a touch of Cement™ gray.
Alpine White
Pure white. (Pictured with Carbon bottom.)
Handle Finishes
High Polish
After careful sanding and buffing, The Varlet’s high polish finish results in a liquid smooth surface.
Low-light
A clay-like surface finish done entirely by hand, with a matte light reflectivity and excellent grip.
Two-Piece Handles
Measuring Twice
The Varlet’s two-piece handle option combines two different handle colors, carefully joined featuring a technique developed in-house, with the top piece threaded into the bottom piece and fortified with epoxy adhesive. The result is a joint that is overly strong, perfectly true and square, with no visible sign of machining or glue, and a fit and finish that is incredibly precise.
Copper Center™
Second only to lead in heft, C110 copper rod is cut to specification and installed in the center of Alumilite handles, then sealed with resin. The Copper Center is an option for those wanting the weight of metal with the brightness and warmth of a colorful resin handle.
With a carefully chosen rod diameter to ensure the added heft is just right, Copper Center™ handles allow man-made resins to achieve what historically only natural handle materials could.
