Quote Originally Posted by thebigspendur View Post
If you go back a few years the only source I am aware of for the top of the line badger was either Rooney Finest and Simpson Super or Plisson HMW. The characteristic of this type brush was it had two bands with the top band a very white. The difference twix the Rooney Silvertip and the finest is remarkable. No floppyness at all and alot of backbone. Once you use one you never forget it it is very different than anything else.

Fast forward to today. These same outfits are having alot of trouble sourcing this same grade and what you are seeing is three band that they say is the same as the old two and alot of other outfits are suddenly sourcing this stuff as true two band or so they say. Is it all the same stuff? No I don't think so. The true two band comes from a very limited area of the animal and only during the cold season and with weather getting warmer the old two band hair is becoming even rarer and I believe is being replaced with a newer variety that is inferior to the old.

I used to deal with a custom brush maker up in Canada and just based on what he has said about the true two band and availability this is my guess as to what it recently been happening. The only way to know of course is use an older Rooney Finest and compare it to say Plisson three band HMW or one of the newer makers selling two band for $30.

You also have to remember alot of dying and trimming and other stuff goes on. There really are no industry standards. The ols two band is still considered to be a type of silvertip.

Clear as mud?
Interesting info...Now it is clear as mud!