Are there drawbacks to nylon bristle spears?

[Pattus Magnus]

I saw a post on the Iron Mitten blog about using nylon brush bristles to make spears and swords. It looked promising and I have a lot of 15mm figures that will need replacement spears/ pikes. I’ve used brass rod for making spears and they look good, but nylon seems easier to work with and less likely to come loose than brass.

BUT, before I dive in headfirst, I thought it would be wise to consult the LAF community to ask:

A) if you have used nylon bristles, what were your experiences?

And, B) are there significant drawbacks, such as paint refusing to stick, or the bristles splitting, or whatever?

Any insights would be appreciated!

[snitcythedog]

Drawbacks are paint sticking and if they are over flexed they will either stay bent or crease at hard angles.  I use them as antenna on 15mm vehicles.  If they bend too much on a tank they can be easily cut off, drilled out and replaced.  If it is in someones hands notsomuch.  On the plus side they are cheap as chips.  My best suggestion would be to do a test figure.  If it works for you then Hey ho.  If not then it is only one model to strip. 

[carlos marighela]

Wot he said. I also use them for antennae. When they don't flex, they kink and yes they do have issues with paint adhering.

Better off with brass wire IMO.

[jon_1066]

I use the bristles from a wire brush.  They’re steel so flex and dont bend easily.  They also aren’t sharp so no danger of stabbing yourself.

[fred]

I cut a lot of bristles from a brown brush with the intention to use them for spears. But they are still in the stash, unused.

Bit the hope was as they are brown to start with they wouldn’t need painting

[Grimmnar]

Pattus,

Here is the vid I have saved on the topic when i discovered this process. I keep it bookmarked for a future failed attempt. LOL

Grimm

https://youtu.be/KWYAGyj01vE?si=DNpm8IT2nkSBobmh

[Pattus Magnus]

Thanks for all the insights everyone. I appreciate the range of perspectives!

Grimmnar’s video convinced me to give it a spin, he’s getting excellent results and the flexibility of the bristle spears does seem to help with durability. I don’t think I’m likely to bend spears enough to give them permanent kinks, which is my biggest worry. I’ll take Snitchy’s advice and try a few test figures to start with, then see where it leads me!

[6mmfan]

I use them for 6mm scale and its a great replacement for the standards on Baccus figures. The slight flex is perfect to avoid disasters.

https://6mmwargaming.home.blog/2024/07/20/banners-for-the-boys/

[Pattus Magnus]

Thanks for the link 6mmfan. Those tiny banners turned out great! The slight flex with bristle spears is exactly what I am hoping for, I have a mass of 15mm spearmen that have very bent lead/pewter weapons that I want to replace. Drilling out hands will be painful (possibly literally!) but I think it will be worth it in the long run. Turning a few of the spears into banners may be in order, too, now that I have seen how well that works!

[Grimmnar]

Thanks for all the insights everyone. I appreciate the range of perspectives!

Grimmnar’s video

Full disclosure, that is not my vid. Just a vid I have saved for future fun.

Grimm

I just reread it and modified to show it ain't mine.