Thread: TGN vs Name brand

I didn't contact the vendor because I don't think their product is at fault.
Since the brush has a good reputation, and I've had 2 problems with brushes that appear to be well made - I assume it's something I'm doing wrong, or that this is normal for all brushes in this price range.

Ie: Maybe, 12-24 months is a normal lifespan for a $75 silvertip used daily on soap, and for face lathering. Maybe silvertip is not a good idea for soap or for face lathering. Maybe I'm pushing too hard when loading the brush. Etc. Since I've never owned a $200 brush, I'm looking for advice about the durability differences between brands of knots, and between price ranges.

I clean the brush after each shave by swishing it in a hot water filled sink while running my fingers through the bristles for 10 seconds, putting it under running hot water while swishing my fingers through the bristles until it doesn't feel slimy (15 seconds), and then running water into the center from the top and squeezing the sides of the bristles together to pump the water out the top about 4-6 times.

If the TGN knots are as good as name brand ones in a similar price range (ie manufacturing and shipping from Europe must add 20-35% to the cost - correct ?) then I'll probably try to replace the knot myself. If not, then I may order a similar Thater or Simpson. If the problem is price range, then I'll evaluate the cost difference vs replacing the knot every couple of years.

I have a Hoffritz For Cutlery that I paid $80 for in 1973 and used daily for 35 or so years. I've gotten a few brands, including one custom GN since '06 and other than the aforementioned in that other post no problems. I can tell you that the high end Thater is comparable to any brush I've ever used.