Thread: Knot Sources Pros Cons

Originally Posted by Badgister

Yes, that is the difference between a shaving brushmaker and shaving brush handle maker. Turning a handle out of driftwood or recycled bowling balls does not a brushmaker make.

The same way making custom scales for a razor doesn't make you a straight razor maker.

Yes, certainly true enough. I don't really know how that is relevant to the OPs original question though. Basically you can get knots made in China or knots made elsewhere, mostly in the EU at a guess, from badger hair sourced in China.

You can debate the quality control offered and the ethics of the work place conditions in both sources but you are stuck with those two sources. Which you choose is a personal matter.

Personally, I was pleasantly surprised at how well I like the TGN Finest 2 band in comparison to my Simpsons Manchurian badger brush. OTH I like the TGN knot quite a bit better than the knot in my Muhle Retro brush.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Personally, I was pleasantly surprised at how well I like the TGN Finest 2 band in comparison to my Simpsons Manchurian badger brush. OTH I like the TGN knot quite a bit better than the knot in my Muhle Retro brush.

Bob

I am very much enjoying my two TGN 28mm Finest knots. Great softness, great backbone, great density.
I do not know if they suffer from batch variations, but IMHO those are great alternatives for beginners and people that are not into collecting high end brushes or do not want to spend a lot on a brush.

Originally Posted by mainaman

I am very much enjoying my two TGN 28mm Finest knots. Great softness, great backbone, great density.
I do not know if they suffer from batch variations, but IMHO those are great alternatives for beginners and people that are not into collecting high end brushes or do not want to spend a lot on a brush.

Yes, my thoughts also. I will use a TGN Finest 2 band if I reknot another vintage brush handle and decide on using a badger instead of a synthetic knot.

Bob

Here is what goes into the making of a badger knot; worth the time to watch:
https://youtu.be/2vH3zx1a9R4

~Richard
PS. There is a longer and complete version available but I was unable to find it this morning.

Originally Posted by mainaman

I am very much enjoying my two TGN 28mm Finest knots. Great softness, great backbone, great density.
I do not know if they suffer from batch variations, but IMHO those are great alternatives for beginners and people that are not into collecting high end brushes or do not want to spend a lot on a brush.

I also like TGN knots. Recently purchased more of them and decided to wait on the other high end companies suggested.. twice the price, I was a bit shocked.
Do you have experience with the high end knots?
Is there a noticeable difference?

Thought I would share about the High Mountain White;
I compared it to the Grade A, and the Grade A is softer for sure but with a little less backbone. I'm enjoying their Finest as well!

Originally Posted by MikeT

I also like TGN knots. Recently purchased more of them and decided to wait on the other high end companies suggested.. twice the price, I was a bit shocked.
Do you have experience with the high end knots?
Is there a noticeable difference?

Thought I would share about the High Mountain White;
I compared it to the Grade A, and the Grade A is softer for sure but with a little less backbone. I'm enjoying their Finest as well!

I tried a couple of HMWs from the other source. I thought they were of higher quality, more dense, whiter tips, a lot whiter and maybe softer by a hair but not worth the increased cost in my opinion.

I found some of TGN's HMW vs. Premium Silvertip hard to tell apart visually but could feel the HMW was softer tipped when using.

Originally Posted by MikeT

twice the price, I was a bit shocked.

And you should be. Given the bulk prices on taobao.com or alibaba.com, the EU models should be ten or more times as expensive.

Originally Posted by MikeT

Do you have experience with the high end knots?
Is there a noticeable difference?

Yes. And yes. Like this: Top - your brush; bottom - my brush.

Your brush may look like my brush, but it lacks craftsmanship, style, and ethics. And that's great if you don't mind any of them and just want a brush. I do mind, though.

Originally Posted by RobinK

And you should be. Given the bulk prices on taobao.com or alibaba.com, the EU models should be ten or more times as expensive. <<<< snip>

I still can't purchase from them here in Washington State even though I have an account. Har!!

The price difference is cents on the dollar to ten dollars but just what quality are they. Does anybody in the US have purchase access yet?

Find a local proxy. Haggling is expected, and will get you meaty rebates if you're good at haggling.

Quality? They will work. Personally, I would go for synthetic fibres in that price region, though. Typically more efficient, cheaper, and easier to maintain. If you want top quality, you will have to buy from a reputable source, ie an established Western brush (read: knot) maker. One that does not bleach the hairs to make them look more expensive, or cut the knot into shape (which is why high quality brushes have backbone and soft tips).

Well I think badger knot comes solely from China, since it's the only country in the world where the badger is allowed to hunt and use in this way.