I have been testing a new brush for WSP over the last few weeks. I haven't used it every day for the simple reason that I needed to be able to compare it to other, similar brushes.
The brush has a 27.5mm knot, approx. 51mm loft and a 45mm faux horn handle. It is very similar dimensionally to a Rooney 2XL, but less scritchy in use than modern Rooneys.
Lee at WSP alluded to it being very similar to a Simpson Manchurian. My own Manchurian is larger and denser than this brush. I had a Manchurian Polo 8 a while ago and this brush reminds me more of that Polo than my present Chubby 3 So I can only make a comparison from memory, but regardless, this is really a terrific brush!
It feels scritchy/scratchy when dry, as does the Manchurian (but so does a TGN knot), but it is soft yet firm, with a nice consistent scrub when in use (also like the Manchurian). The knot is a hybrid that leans more toward a fan and is very nicely shaped. I don't remember if it lost any hairs during the first couple of uses, but it has not lost a single hair since.
I have to admit that I am very pleasantly surprised since I tend to be a "brush snob". The handle isn't exactly a work of art, but considering the likely price (not set yet as far as I know), that is a minor consideration.
Now - is it a match for a Manchurian? Nope, sorry Lee - not quite. Is it similar in feel? Yes, but the Manchurian has a stronger backbone and more scrub effect. Actually, the brush that it most reminds me of is my Simpson Chubby 2 in 2-band. Yes, the CH2 is denser and slightly larger, but the face-feel is very similar. And since the Chubby 2 is one of my favorite brushes (and costs more than twice what the WSP brush will likely cost), I think this brush will be a great item for those who don't want to spring for the cost of the Simpson.
The brush has a 27.5mm knot, approx. 51mm loft and a 45mm faux horn handle. It is very similar dimensionally to a Rooney 2XL, but less scritchy in use than modern Rooneys.
Lee at WSP alluded to it being very similar to a Simpson Manchurian. My own Manchurian is larger and denser than this brush. I had a Manchurian Polo 8 a while ago and this brush reminds me more of that Polo than my present Chubby 3 So I can only make a comparison from memory, but regardless, this is really a terrific brush!
It feels scritchy/scratchy when dry, as does the Manchurian (but so does a TGN knot), but it is soft yet firm, with a nice consistent scrub when in use (also like the Manchurian). The knot is a hybrid that leans more toward a fan and is very nicely shaped. I don't remember if it lost any hairs during the first couple of uses, but it has not lost a single hair since.
I have to admit that I am very pleasantly surprised since I tend to be a "brush snob". The handle isn't exactly a work of art, but considering the likely price (not set yet as far as I know), that is a minor consideration.
Now - is it a match for a Manchurian? Nope, sorry Lee - not quite. Is it similar in feel? Yes, but the Manchurian has a stronger backbone and more scrub effect. Actually, the brush that it most reminds me of is my Simpson Chubby 2 in 2-band. Yes, the CH2 is denser and slightly larger, but the face-feel is very similar. And since the Chubby 2 is one of my favorite brushes (and costs more than twice what the WSP brush will likely cost), I think this brush will be a great item for those who don't want to spring for the cost of the Simpson.
But -- and I don't mean to be cruel 
-- if you aspire to write brush reviews that garner fame for more than their gladitorially-themed titles
, you may have to reach deeper than simply declaring that you think a particular brush is slightly better than another brush (or knot type). Otherwise, "better" can only be taken to mean you like it more, which doesn't strike me as meaning very much without some discussion of what it is you like more about it. 
I know you can do better. 
