TGN knots - Issues

[BrianC]

I have a custom made handle with a TGN Silvertip knot in it (24/50).

How often does anyone have issues with these knots? This is the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] knot that’s been in this brush due to shedding and this weekend when I shaved with it, about 40 hairs came out of it. The handle maker was great about replacing it the first time however I don’t really want to have him replace it again and run the risk of damaging the handle.

I love the way the handle/knot feel however I don’t want to have to dig hairs out of my lather and brush every time I use it. Even this morning I picked it up and ran my hand over it while talking to SWMBO and 5 more hairs came out of it.

I know a lot of people like their knots but I’m wondering if I just got some bad knots or if I’m doing something wrong. None of my other brushes have shed like this does.

 

[mblakele]

A new knot will have loose hairs. Some brushmakers take the time to comb them out, others do not. Give it a shampoo and comb out, then see what happens.

If it still sheds consistently after the shampoo and comb-out, then it is probably a bad knot. That is unfortunate, but probably just bad luck rather than a bad batch. Gathering data about knot quality is tricky, but I have not observed many posts about TGN shedding.

 

[BrianC]

I've used this brush about a dozen times prior to the shedding issue. It had shed about 6-8 hairs total for the first dozen shaves then just exploded over the weekend. I'll continue to use it since I love how the knot feels and preforms but I guess my luck has been bad so far with their knots.

 

[Haggises]

Consult the brush maker - losing that many hairs is not usual for a TGN knot.
Unless you are mashing it into your face it's hard to see why a dozen shaves would ever lose 40 hairs over that time, let alone one shave. Sounds defective to me.

 

[Allegrabene]

I've got two TGN knots, one a silvertip, that were made by a brush maker holding a lot of clout rounds these parts and they didnt shed even one hair. Sorry for your experience, that's really frustrating

 

[deruitem]

I have made at least 50 brushes most with TGN knots. I have had 2 shedders that I know of both were standard grade silvertips. A brush will shed a few hairs the first few uses but it should stop after that. Even a hair once in a while is normal. 10-20 hairs after a few uses is not. Tony replaced my knots that were shedders.

 

[BrianC]

I just feel bad asking the maker to replace another knot since he's replaced it once already because the same issue.

If it were my way, I'd probably put a higher grade knot in it and pay the difference but I'm saving my pennies for a DO1 2-band.

 

[wagstaff]

I have, now, two TGN Finest knots... neither a shedder. Probably lost 5 hairs total from both of them over the course of the first several shaves, and that's it.

It seems you got a couple of stray shedders... I would ask the maker again. But that's me.

 

[Galhatz]

I just feel bad asking the maker to replace another knot since he's replaced it once already because the same issue.

If it were my way, I'd probably put a higher grade knot in it and pay the difference but I'm saving my pennies for a DO1 2-band.

The maker would most likely work with the supplier on that issue, the only hassle would involve the reknotting process. Besides, if I were to make a custom handle it would be a matter if pride for ne to see it with a worthy knot abd put to good use.

I only used TGN's finest 2-band knots and they are excellent, they shedded about 6-7 hairs in the first week and thats it. No experience with the silvertips.

 

[tomcj2]

Who supplied the knot. If the maker bought it from TGN give him the opportunity to make it right. If you bought it and forwarded it to the maker let TGN decide what to do. Either way you should be satisfied.

 

[life2short1971]

What are you using to bond them in?

 

[BrianC]

Spoke with the brush maker. He is taking the brush back and giving my money back. I LOVE THIS BRUSH! minus the shedding of course. Now I need to figure out what to order to take it's place. Maybe I can convince SWMBO to let me get that Shavemac I've been wanting.

 

[Doryferon]

I have many knots from TGN
No shedding but except the Pure-Black badger knot all the other have no very good backbone
They are a little bit more soft,not so good for swirling.

 

[wrinkles2]

I only lost A Hair or two on the first few uses, none after that.
maybe once in a while.

 

[GregDR]

I restored quite a few brushes (around 11) using TGN knots ranging from "Best" to "Finest" to "Silvertip Grade A" and I've never had a shedding problem with any of them.

 

[blzrfn]

Spoke with the brush maker. He is taking the brush back and giving my money back. I LOVE THIS BRUSH! minus the shedding of course. Now I need to figure out what to order to take it's place. Maybe I can convince SWMBO to let me get that Shavemac I've been wanting.

If I received that level of service from an artisan brush maker there is little doubt where my next order would be placed. Service like that should be rewarded with loyalty!