TGN Knots vs. Simpson, Shavemac, etc.

I was wondering if someone who has both (or has used both, I suppose) could post their thoughts about the difference between the silvertip knots from the Golden Nib and one of the usual upmarket suspects?

I recently got a silvertip brush from one of the members here that restores vintage handles w/ new knots. It's a really nice brush and feels great on my face. The TGN knots just aren't that pricey compared to the price of a Simpsons, etc. Much more in line with the Chinese brands.

So what do the Usual Suspects bring to the table that justifies the premium? Obviously, what justifies which amount of money is totally subjective. I'm just wondering where a user of both brushes would see a substantial difference.

Thanks,
Eric

Eric,they are different but it doesnt means that TGN ones are bad...actually their silvertip grade A and the super badger are really good.

Oh, I absolutely agree. Frankly, I adore my brush.

I have zero experience with the more expensive brushes, so I'm rather at a loss about why they are so expensive. Just trying to get an idea.

TGN knots are very good quality for the money IMO. I haven't had any hair loss or any other trouble with them. They are completely enjoyable and sufficient to create great lather.
I can only give my subjective perception about the closest to TGN knots counterparts from the upscale brands.

TGN Finest feels similar to T&H (Rooney) with similar backbone and softness, a little less density and a little worse flow through.
TGN SIlvertip feels like Vie-Long 2-band - a little prickly when pushed, similar backbone and density, very good flow through. I suspect they are also similar to Shavemac Finest.
TGN Silvertip Grade A feels similar to Savile Row in regards to flow through and density, softer than the latter, both provide spungy feeling and behavior releasing lather more on side than on top.

Once again this is just my personal experience with the TGN knots.

Thanks for your insights, gentlemen. I'm waiting for a Finest TGN knot, can't wait for it to arrive.

In the future, I'm planning to order a Silvertip Grade A knot as well.

Thanks, edgerunner. That's a very helpful comparison.

I bought a brush last week off the BST at another site that had a TGN Silvertip knot in it and it's far too scritchy for me. The two times I've used it, it's given me a pretty bad case of brush burn. My question is, should I keep just doing test lathers on it to see if it softens up any more or just cut my losses on it?

Is it a new knot? Did you face lather or bowl lather?

The guy had used it for 20 lathers or so. I worked up a bit of lather in a bowl then face lathered the rest both times. My cheeks are sore hahaha.

The TGN Silvertip is a little prickly if you tend to smash it in circular motion. I don't mind it though. I don't think yours will get any softer.

(03-05-2012, 03:47 PM)edgerunner Wrote: The TGN Silvertip is a little prickly if you tend to smash it in circular motion. I don't mind it though. I don't think yours will get any softer.

Thanks edge. It will be sold then!!

i made 30-40 restore with TGN and always happy with them.. Especially Finest 2-band extra knots are really excellent..worth for every $.
Regards.

I just finished my first re-knot! I used a TGN Finest XH knot (22mm, bulb shaped) on a Vulfix 2234h boar brush

So far, I'm liking it a lot. The density and the softness of tips of this knot are exceeding my expectations.

Emanuel,
You did excellent job my friend congrats.Looks Classy. Exactly what im thinking to do..Now for sure i will do but i will prefer 24mm or 26mm finest 2-band.. Vulfix have to see this beautiful 2 band brush indeed.

I also really like the TGN knots (especially the 2-band finest). They're not as dense as Simpson or Shavemac knots, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. They're certainly not sparse or floppy.

They also do seem to improve with use.

Thumbs-up from me.

My TGN Short Loft Silvertip is a bit of a lather-hog. But I find the hair to be quite nice otherwise.

(03-16-2012, 06:46 AM)kasey Wrote: My TGN Short Loft Silvertip is a bit of a lather-hog. But I find the hair to be quite nice otherwise.

Yep, every short-loft brush I've had has been a lather hog (regardless of who made the knot).

I think there's a fine balance between knot loft and density. There's been a huge surge in people liking super dense knots lately, and combining that with a short loft just winds up making a lather hog.

They need to adjust the density for the shorter loft brushes. However, that will probably give rise to complaints of 'sparse knots'.

I have the TGN finest in 22 and 24mm's. for me, a 50-52mm loft is perfection with these. Love them for face lathering.

I setted that one above (the one with the Vulfix knot) at exactly 51mm. Great tool, it works great for both bowl-lathering or face-lathering. I'm loving it, it was quite a nice surprise. And it hasn't shed a single hair.

For some reason I feel my bulb shaped TGN Finest 22/52 performs better and has better flow through than my other TGN Finest 22/48 fan shape. I can't explain it though.