Knot Questions for Custom Brush

[sychodelix]

Next month, I'm planning on getting a custom handle made by shaverjoe, my Kingsport, TN neighbor, and I'm trying to figure out what kind of knot to get. Right now I only have a cheap boar, and I'm looking to get either a TGN finest 2 band that's 22mm or a Whipped Dog Silvertip that's drilled down to have a shorter loft to make it stubbier. I've never used any type of badger, so I'm not really sure what to do.

I hear the praises of TGN's 2 band all of the time on here and I know that it has some night backbone, but I'm also partial to having a nice, soft, stubby silvertip fluffball as well. Any recommendations or comparisons from the experts?

 

[edgerunner]

Buy all three knots (you forgot TGN Grade A) and test them in your new handle. Use the one you like the most. Keep the other two for your future handles or restorations.

 

[deruitem]

If you want a little scritch go Finest. If you want soft and nice go with the silvertip. All are nice but I like the grade A. Also if you are on a budget at all whippeddog silvertips are very nice for the money. In all cases with the silvertips set them a little low if want some backbone

 

[Cochese2323]

I have tried TGN's Finest, Grade A and Super Silvertip. Definitely prefer the 2 band Finest hands down. Especially the fan shaped one. A real workhorse in my stable.

 

[sychodelix]

Hmm...okay Finest is probably the best way to go, especially since I've heard it has nice soft tips, but the shaft still has plenty of backbone. Any ideas on how long the loft should be on a TGN Finest Fan? I definitely don't want it to be huge, but enough to hold a decent 3 pass lather as well.

 

[edgerunner]

I can't complain from my two 22 mm TGN Finest - the fan has 48 mm loft (the knot measures 24 mm at the base); the bulb - 50:

 

[Cochese2323]

I have a 26mm finest set around 50mm and I love it. Great backbone but still lets lather flow thru well.

 

[deruitem]

The Finest is great, keep in mind it will have a little scritch

 

[sychodelix]

I'm used to a cheap boar with a LOT of scritch, so that won't bother me at all, just needed something different.

 

[deruitem]

I'm used to a cheap boar with a LOT of scritch, so that won't bother me at all, just needed something different.

Then you will love the Finest from TGN

 

[Cochese2323]

If you are disappointed with the Finest, I will gladly take if off your hands.

 

[Den]

I've only used a Frank Shaving Finest and a TGN Finest 2-Band XH set at 22/46mm bulb shape. Hardly what you'd call much experience with badger brushes, but I will say that every time I use the TGN Finest, I'm amazed at how soft it is, but yet stays compact with great backbone. Prices are hard to beat also.

 

[martym]

I have 5 badger brushes from whipped dog. 1 silvertip and 4 black badger.
The silvertip is 22mm handle with a loft of 47mm. Very soft and ooh so nice when my face is feeling sensitive.
I have a 30mm black badger with a loft of 47mm. Sweet!!
The others are 20mm, 22mm, and 24mm black badgers with all the same loft of 45mm.
They are my absolute favorites.
Once broken in, the rub my face nicely.
Of course everyone is different but I love them.
marty