
Opus Brushworks was established in 2019 by Craig Budgeon, whose passion for woodworking sparked at a tender age, coupled with a creative eye and a distinctive perspective on projects.
His journey into wet shaving began at 15 when the cost of a quality electric razor was prohibitive. For years, he relied on disposable razors until he acquired his first double-edged razor, followed by a shavette and eventually a straight razor. His father crafted his first brush, which initially, he did not know how to use effectively. However, as he delved deeper and gained knowledge, he was inspired to craft his own.
With a blend of creativity and a modest array of tools, Craig's initial brushes were fashioned from antique pool balls. He then progressed to using hand-poured resins and rare materials such as bone, horn, ebonite, and fordite. Employing a lathe, Craig skillfully transforms various materials including wood, metal, and synthetics into distinctive, artistic forms. Each brush is unique, and his greatest satisfaction comes from inventing new designs that push the boundaries of his skills and equipment. The constraints of the lathe sparked an interest in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, which allowed for intricate detailing on either raw materials or finished products. The fusion of CNC precision with lathe craftsmanship yields unparalleled, exquisite creations.