TGN Grade A Silvertip vs Super Silvertip

**Cochese2323** · 05-09-2012, 09:36 AM

Anybody have experience with both or either of these knots? I currently have two custom brushes that both have TGN Finest XH knots, one is 26mm and one 28mm. I love both for the backbone and the way they feel on my face, but I would also like something that is softer on the face. And since I can't afford a Thater brush right now, I guess this is my next best option.

I usually use hard soaps, but I have a couple soft soaps like MdC and RazoRock and my big finest knots eat that stuff up and probably use more product that necessay. I figure a softer and smaller silvertip would be great for these as they don't require as much gusto in a brush to lather like MWF or something harder like that.

I probably will go with a 22mm knot. Wondering if there is any real difference between the two as they are about the same price.

Thanks,
Ryan

**hig789** · 05-09-2012, 11:32 AM

I think the super badger has more back bone.

**Cochese2323** · 05-09-2012, 11:44 AM

The super badger is different from the super silvertip

**hig789** · 05-09-2012, 03:30 PM

Oh I don't guess I know what a super Silvertip is then.

Edit: I just looked at them and thats the first time I have noticed them. I might have to get one of these and try it out.

**taco8slo** · 05-09-2012, 03:35 PM

Go with the Grade A

**nEver-Ready** · 05-09-2012, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by taco8slo

Go with the Grade A

I have both and prefer the Super Silvertip, so YMMV. Obviously this is a personal preference thing. My Grade A is a bit softer, but I prefer the more substantial backbone and density of my Super Silvertip knot.

**Cochese2323** · 05-09-2012, 05:43 PM

Super silver tip sounds like my style with the extra backbone, but I do want something softer than the finest knots.

**Mike'sWorld** · 05-09-2012, 05:59 PM

I have both knots also, in fact several brushes with the Silvertip A knot. If you're looking for soft, Super Silvertip is the way to go. It's a little more dense than Silvertip A and a little softer with a little less backbone (YMMV), but truthfully, a lot depends on how high you set the loft. The differences are subtle. You can't go wrong with either one.
My (current) favorite is Silvertip A because I like the little extra scrub it gives me.

**Cochese2323** · 05-09-2012, 06:03 PM

I would probably set the loft pretty low, I do not care for a floppy brush. But this brush will be used pretty much only for soft soaps, so it don't need to have as much backbone as my 28mm finest set at ~50mm

**Mike'sWorld** · 05-11-2012, 05:14 PM

Click image for larger version.

Name: DSCF0695.jpg
Views: 175
Size: 49.6 KB
ID: 242996

Apologies for taking so long to upload pics, but here are my two. The brush on the right is Super Silver tip, the left is Silvertip A. Both are set at 48mm and both are 22mm knots. As I was taking the pics, I realized how close the two knots are in performance. The Silvertip A is slightly scrubber, slightly less dense, although plenty dense, and has slightly more backbone. I'm not sure I could tell the difference in a blind test. Both are nice knots and see plenty of use in my rotation. I hope this is helpful!

**bobfarvour** · 05-12-2012, 04:47 AM

I couldn't tell one from the other.

**Cochese2323** · 05-12-2012, 02:38 PM

Wow those look identical. I ended up going with a 22mm super silver tip. Should be here next week.

**deruitem** · 05-12-2012, 08:04 PM

I have made several in super but I have not tried one yet. I do like my grade A a lot

**byscott** · 05-13-2012, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by nEver-Ready

I have both and prefer the Super Silvertip, so YMMV. Obviously this is a personal preference thing. My Grade A is a bit softer, but I prefer the more substantial backbone and density of my Super Silvertip knot.

I agree. I have both and the Silvertip A feels too floppy, even set at a fairly low loft of 50mm. I have a 24mm Super Silvertip set at approximately the same loft in a vintage Rooney handle. It has good backbone, soft tips, and is one of my favorite brushes.