I tried one of those knots that look like what they call "mixed badger". Almost as scritchy as a black badger and that was cool with me for the price except, it took a month and a half for the stink to come off it. I don't know what it was mixed with but I would know it if I smelled it coming.
Unless somebody opened a badger farm somewhere I thought all the knots come from China these days. I also believe there is more than 1 manufacture as I have talked with 2 in China.
And to add a rumor/humor to this chat I will say I get a chuckle when I ask about ,mountain badger. No one in China has ever seen one. Not even 1 lady who grew up in that area. Maybe that's why they are so expensive. Very rare :<0)
P.S. for a 100 bucks , I would get a custom made. Nothing elaborate just a great brush.