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I wish someone "in the know" would either confirm or allay my suspicions re/ brushes.
As we know (or should realize) the art supplies market is miniscule compared with most any segment of industry or trade, so ready supply, economics and convenience dictate what filters into this niche. The problem of obtaining really good supplies is further compounded by the fact that 80% (or more) of all art supplies sold are purchased by hobbyists and casual users more concerned with price than performance. (fair enough, they're not knowledgeable enough to recognize "great" quality anyway).
Good brushes have become increasingly harder to find in the past 10-15 years since computers supplanted hand-work in production of commercial sign work especially. Comparing the makers' benchmarks in several top tier lines, I'd hazard that Silver's Grand Prix are currently being made by the same folks who were supplying Blick's Masterstroke line a few years ago. Trusted "brand names" have not been directly involved in the production of their brushes for some time now. The "names" get their brushes where they can get 'em at best advantage.
Lower priced synthetic hair brushes are more likely to be consistent good quality because it's unlikely there are more than a few mfgrs. of monofilament, and the stuff is used for everything from mosquito netting to fishing line.
Across the board, I've foundTrekell's brushes of all types to be good quality and very reasonably priced. As of this writing, their sables are superlative. (I hope that doesn't change anytime soon)
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