Thread: TGN vs Name brand

I have two 24mm silvertip brushes made by SRD. Great handles, with knots that started out great, but had durability issues. I suspect they use TGN overstuffed knots, and would like to know if the Thater or Simpson knots in the $75-100 price range are any better.

My 1st knot lost about 3-6 hairs per shave for the first 4-5 months of daily shaves, until it wasn't quite dense enough for soaps. My second knot only lost hairs for the first few weeks, but after 9-12 months, the hairs in the center of the knot were 1/2" shorter than the surrounding hairs so that lathering had to be done with the edges. For both knots, I soaked the brushes in hot tap water that was not too hot for me to leave my hand in for about 2-3 minutes prior to loading the brush.

Questions:
1. Did I cause these problems by not putting hot water on top of the soap for 5 minutes to soften it before loading the brush ? I used SRD, MWF, and VDH deluxe soaps. The MWF I almost always softened, but the other two I did not.

2. Do the knots in name brand brushes hold up any better than the knots from TGN ?

3. Is the silver tip from TGN any better lathering than the Thater "finest badger" or the Simpson "best badger" ?

Thanks.

Cannot answere most of your Questions but it would be nice to know if the knots in question are indeed TGNs.

The brushes are made by Stephens Woodworking. Small business, nice guy, great handles, believes he buys the knots. Is there anyplace else to buy knots except TGN ?

If you have durability questions you should have contacted your vendor about it.

My only question is how do you care for your brushes?

I've had a Rooney Heritage, a Plisson HMW, and a Simpson Super that I returned to vendors for replacement because of these kinds of issues. About 6 or 7 years ago there was a run of Somerset Simpsons that had issues because of one lady working at their bench who wasn't 'up to snuff.' They replaced some brushes and maybe the lady. One way or the other it cleared up. If this is an isolated experience with these two brushes it could be something like that, or it could be the way the end user is lathering that is damaging the bristle. Just sayin'.

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.

I've got brushes ranging from $3 horse hair up to $150 custom silvertip (knot is from TGN on the high end one). All of which "shed" slightly but never to the point they became unusable. I've used them on all the same soaps you mentioned. I face lather 100% of the time if that matters.

If you're losing the center or its becoming shorter, you may be pressing a bit hard during the loading or lathering process.

Give it a try only using the tips during the loading and lathering, feels like you're not getting any on there but trust me you will.

I've been practically using one brush only for the last 5 years - rooney finest and it still looks and works like it did on day one. I use soap and face lather. I start by running the brush under the hot tap water and after a minute or so it's good to load with soap which I do not soak, just swirl the brush over it. At the end I rinse the brush under the faucet (again hot tap water, but it's not scalding hot), shake it gently then leave it on the windowsill where it dries up.
So, I don't do anything special or treat the brush as anything particularly delicate and I haven't had any issues for 5 years, I'd expect it to last another 50 if I'm still around. Just giving you a datapoint on what I think normal brush behavior should be like.

I have a Old Spice brush that I replaced the old Boar knot with a 24mm overstuffed TGN Silvertip in 2008..

I am quite abusive to that brush, and the hot tap water I have has been tested at 145° F I use near every type of lathering with that brush and it is quite well used.. Honestly I just haven't had an issue... Other than the slight reddish tinge from the Iron in our well water it looks and feels like the day I built it