I've got a couple of Bill's (pixelfixed) brushes with golden nib knots (I think) and they are very nice, and I like them very much. Matter of fact I shaved with one of them today. I've got some Shavemac, Rooney Heritage, Semogue boar (3) and a few other odds and ends. On the high end side I've got a couple of the no longer available Rooney Finest, the Someset made Simpsons, a few Plisson HMW, and a few 2 band Thater.

So I've tried a more than enough to come to an 'educated' conclusion and ..... I was reluctant to try them but having gotten a couple of the current Vulfix made Simpson, I'm happy to report that they are as good as any of the Somerset made I've had. Speaking of the 'Super' and Manchurian knots. Also as good as the Rooney Finest and the Plisson HMW IMHO.

Are they "better" than a golden nib knot when both are made in China ? Well,whether it is wishful thinking, because I paid big $, or reality, I think there is a discernible difference in feel. I'm guessing, only a guess mind you, that just as Dunhill and Castello got better briar from suppliers, for their pipes, than smaller outfits, Simpson, Plisson and Rooney are given 'pick of the litter where it comes to badger.

Look at Kanayama strops. He makes the low end, the middle and the high end. A horse is a horse, but not all hides end up being equal. The old saying is 'you get what you pay for' and I think it may apply with the high end Simpson brushes ....... but I could be wrong, I was wrong once before.