I don't have a 2015.... but I have a 730, and they look like the same knot to me, but the oak handle is very handsome on the 2015. I'm really happy with mine. I've used it with hard soaps and creams, face lathered and bowl lathered. I don't have a lot of experience with badger knots to compare it with, because its the only badger I've ever used (up until this Friday when my Rooney 1/2 gets here), but like I said, I'm really happy with mine. It does everything well for me. I hope you use it in good health.
I had the 2015HD. It is a very well made brush & I think it only shed a couple of hairs - quite typical with Semogue brushes I find. It was a great lather maker & the handle is excellent. The reason I passed it on was that it was a tad too floppy for my liking. I hope you enjoy it.