Difference in Sources for Badger?

[PappyD]

Let's say I want to build my own brush and I want the badger to equal what is available from all the top brush makers. By equal I mean the brush part alone, not the quality of the workmanship.

I'll use "thegoldennib" as my source for silvertip badger and I want the absolute best knot they have. They list a UK manufactured silvertip that is the top knot in their catalog for $46. Most of the other knots they have go for $15-$25. Looks like it would be fun to try and make your own...

Are there special badgers somewhere that are bred solely for brushes? When I see a brush selling for $300 I have to wonder; hand-fed Manchurian uber silvers?

Edit: Not trying to be a wise ***...I read the great stickies about the different brushes, etc. Just wondering about how many mfrs of "badger knots" can there be? I would think there would be just a few but with the different grades offered. I used "thegoldennib" as my example only because I've spent more time looking at that website... Neat stuff

 

[ssultan]

Well...there's definitely something to be said about the satisfaction of building a brush yourself...I just did a couple using the finest extra stuffed and a Silvertip grade A from Tony at the goldennib...I couldn't be more satisfied with the two knots...

 

[PaulL]

Maybe they feed the badgers beer and massage them every day with Vidal Sasoon?

 

[PappyD]

Thanks ssultan...

I'm heading in that direction. I think it's the Scotch blood coming out, plus it looks like fun.

 

[Greybeard]

Let's say I want to build my own brush and I want the badger to equal what is available from all the top brush makers. By equal I mean the brush part alone, not the quality of the workmanship.

I'll use "thegoldennib" as my source for silvertip badger and I want the absolute best knot they have. They list a UK manufactured silvertip that is the top knot in their catalog for $46. Most of the other knots they have go for $15-$25. Looks like it would be fun to try and make your own...

Are their special badgers somewhere that are bred solely for brushes? When I see a brush selling for $300 I have to wonder? Hand-fed Manchurian uber silvers?

Edit: Not trying to be a wise ***...I read the great stickies about the different brushes, etc. Just wondering about how many mfrs of "badger knots" can there be? I would think there would be just a few but with the different grades offered. I used "thegoldennib" as my example only because I've spent more time looking at that website... Neat stuff

Since 1992 badgers have been a protected species in the Western hemisphere and all badger hair since then comes from China. Prior to that badger hair was sourced primarily from europe and some from North America.

Badger hair is graded depending on what part of the badger it comes from, the neck, stomach, back, etc. There are also better grades within grades, just like some people have better hair than others do. Many manufacturers (Shavemac, Plisson, Kent, Vulfix, Rooney, Muhle and others) order hair to their specifications and make their own knots with their own lofts, density, etc. As to whether they have their Chinese supplier do the final sorting or do it themseves, I don't know.

For a long time Plisson was said to be using high grade european badger hair that they had hoarded and warehoused prior to the ban.

There are many knots pre-made in China and these are mostly what The Golden Nib carries. They are terrific value for dollar and I have used several myself in restores. They are not as good as the Rooneys, Simpsons, Kent and Muhles I have used. YMMV.

The UK silvertip and Super badger knots that the Golden Nib carries are said to be made by Vulfix.



- Peter

 

[ssultan]

Thanks Peter! Your post was most informative and very appreciated! I recently acquired an older rooney and IF it's pre-92...that knot may prove to be quite a surprise

 

[Greybeard]

Thanks Peter! Your post was most informative and very appreciated! I recently acquired an older rooney and IF it's pre-92...that knot may prove to be quite a surprise

Yes. I saw your thread and posted on your acquisition. I have a couple of vintage butterscotch Rooneys myself. One I had to re-knot since the hair was permanently mis-shapen. I think it had been stored hair down in a shaving mug. The other I use occasionally. The hair is very fine and soft with good backbone. Not as dense as today's Rooneys. Whether that's a result of use and age or type of hair, I'm not sure.

Your brush will age to a very nice butterscotch colour as well.

- Peter

 

[SRock]

Building your own brush can be a ton of fun. That said, there is something about the high end brushes. The badger knots are far superior. TGN is ok for good brushes but if you want stellar you'll have to ship it off (Shavemac does it) to a major manufacturer for a truly regal knot.

 

[ssultan]

Oh Rob..did you HAVE to mention that...now I'll need to find a handle to ship for a shavemac knot!!!

 

[SRock]

Oh Rob..did you HAVE to mention that...now I'll need to find a handle to ship for a shavemac knot!!!

 

[PappyD]

Thanks to all for the great information.

I'm revealing my Noob-ness on the topic. Fascinating!

Pappy