Thread: Big difference between 22mm, 23mm and 24mm Brush Knot?

Hi guys,

I wanted to ask you whether there is a big difference between 1mm brush knot.

I have a 22mm badger brush and I'm thinking about buying a bigger one. So my question is, is there a bigger difference between a 22mm and 23mm or is the difference minor? Would you recommend buying a 24mm knot instead of a 23mm because there is a more noticeable difference?

Just so you know I'm considering either getting a Thater 23mm or a 24mm Simpsons Tulip T3.

Thanks!

I think at that point they are very close. The loft and density will dictate how the brush performs as well. I happen to prefer a 23mm to say a 26 or something like that. Density of bristle is fine but sometimes it seems to lock the lather in making it difficult to release. Density isn't determined by the diameter of the knot BTW, I only bring it up because to me it makes a difference. Squeezing the bristle between thumb and forefinger solves it but I prefer a brush that easily releases the lather. A 50 to 52mm loft x a 23mm knot seems to agree with me more than anything else but I do enjoy larger and smaller brushes. YMMV.

Comparing different brands, or even different models within one brand, based solely on size is close to impossible, IMO. There are too many other variables such as how densely the knot is packed, the length of the bristles, quality of the hair, etc.

Ideally, selecting a brush is a "hands on" activity. Failing that, a good retailer should be able to make a recommendation based on your criteria.

Yes that's true the density can have a huge difference. For instance Plisson makes a size 12 and a size 14 and the length of the hair is the same but the size 14 has a denser fill.

The length of loft & shape of knot & as well as the afore mentioned density will all have an affect on how much the brush splays. Hair type will also have an affect also.

So, yes, there could be quite a bit of difference from 22-24mm.

From experience i can say that the difference between a Duke 2 & 3 is just the 2mm from 21 to 23mm. But it is a very noticeable difference given the density of the Duke range.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Yes that's true the density can have a huge difference. For instance Plisson makes a size 12 and a size 14 and the length of the hair is the same but the size 14 has a denser fill.

That is interesting to me because the size chart they have on the Atkinsons website has the size 12 and 14 diameters at 22mm, but the length of the 12 at 56mm and the 14 at 59mm.

If I am reading your post right, the 14 should be a stiffer brush than the 12 because of the denser fill. I would have thought the 12 would be stiffer than the 14 from just reading the chart. It just goes to show that you really need to talk to someone who has used the product you are interested in.

How does the Plisson size 16 at diameter 24mm and 62mm behave compared to the 12 and 14?

Originally Posted by ganboyi

Hi guys,

I wanted to ask you whether there is a big difference between 1mm brush knot.

I have a 22mm badger brush and I'm thinking about buying a bigger one. So my question is, is there a bigger difference between a 22mm and 23mm or is the difference minor? Would you recommend buying a 24mm knot instead of a 23mm because there is a more noticeable difference?

Just so you know I'm considering either getting a Thater 23mm or a 24mm Simpsons Tulip T3.

Thanks!

As long as your brush does not outgrow your lathering mug you
are OK. I recently invested in a monster Thater and now I need
a bigger lathering bowl.

More important may be the shape of the brush and yes density of the
brush. Also the soap or cream you are lathering can be important.

If you have to ask a 22mm knot is a big knot.

Something like the Thater 28mm knot is HUGH.

Originally Posted by Noswad

How does the Plisson size 16 at diameter 24mm and 62mm behave compared to the 12 and 14?

IME with four HMWs the two banded were stiff and scritchy, three of them, and the three banded is soft and 'luxurious'. The two banded were older stock and preferable for me but someone else might prefer the softer feel of the 3 band. IME Plisson is not consistent in the type of bristle that you find in an HMW. Rooney finests and the old Simpson Supers from the Somerset years are consistent in bristle in the half dozen of each I've gotten.

A size 16 Plisson is a huge brush. I had an 18 and sold it to a collector in Europe. It was a gorgeous brush but impractical for me. I would think a 16 would be pushing the limit. A 14 is great and a 12 is fine to my tastes but YMMV.