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Saturday, November 15, 2014

Kolinsky Sable Brush Relief

Brushes.  They are like old friends, are they not?
My companions
My favorite brushes are the Winsor & Newton Series 7 and Raphael Series 8404 Kolinsky sables.  My old friends in the photo have been in constant use for at least five years.  While the Raphael is beginning to lose its point and snap, the WN7 is still going strong and never fails to return to a fine point.

Those using Kolinsky sable brushes for painting probably have experienced frustration finding their favorite Kolinsky sable brushes over the last year or more.  I know I have.  Since last year, my favorite Kolinsky sable brushes, Winsor & Newton and Raphael, have been unavailable.  From my understanding of the situation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department was the culprit.  Kolinsky sable was placed on their "Do Not Import" list.
Fortunately, it looks like we have turned the corner on the whole affair.  A quick look through the latest Dick Blick flyer led to a browse on their website (Dick Blick Winsor & Newton).  Could it be?  The brushes are back in stock!
Even though I maintained a reserve of a couple of WN7 and Raphael8404 brushes, perhaps a small order is prudent just in case the Government changes its position?

 Also included in the flyer were links (Brushes 101) to three pdfs containing a primer on brushes and brush selection.
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12 comments:

  1. BaconfatNovember 15, 2014 at 1:43 PM

    Thanks for posting this, I will definitely try them. My brushes are lucky to last 5 months, 5 years sounds amazing.

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    1. Jonathan FreitagNovember 15, 2014 at 3:28 PM

      Pleased that you found it useful! WN7 brushes are excellent but I do use other brushes during painting too so the WN7 is not getting ALL of the action. Still, it is a solid brush that stands up well to use. It should see more than 5 months, at least.

      Delete
  2. DeanMNovember 15, 2014 at 8:58 PM

    Thanks for this in depth post on brushes, Jonathan. Something I value, but have no good experience with which type is best for the money. So far, the best brush I have is an Army Painter "Insane Detail" one - which I rarely use as I don't want to wear it out! :)

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    1. Jonathan FreitagNovember 16, 2014 at 9:14 AM

      I understand wanting to save a good brush. I wrestle with that too and it pains me to throw away a dedicated worker after many years of service.

      Delete
  3. Black PowderNovember 15, 2014 at 11:41 PM

    Kolinsky is the holy Grale no doubt, and fortunately not under any restrictions in Europe. If you ever have any problems getting your favorite brushes, let med now, and we'll sort it out with some reversed "Marshall Help" from Old EU :0)

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    1. Jonathan FreitagNovember 16, 2014 at 9:15 AM

      The Reverse Marshall Plan! I will definitely keep that in mind.

      Delete
  4. IanNovember 16, 2014 at 5:27 AM

    I have the series & and find them good. I mix them in with using Rosemary & Co another good brand but somewhat cheaper

    Ian

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    1. Jonathan FreitagNovember 16, 2014 at 9:16 AM

      I have seen the Rosemary brushes on your blog but I can never seem to find them in the states.

      Delete
  5. Christopher(aka Axebreaker)November 16, 2014 at 10:17 AM

    I use a variety to include Rosemary, W&N series 7 for detail work(excellent brushes both) and cheap brushes to get the paint on.

    Christopher

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    Replies
    1. Jonathan FreitagNovember 16, 2014 at 10:46 AM

      I use cheap brushes too! I would like to try a Rosemary sometime, though.

      Delete
  6. Phil CNovember 17, 2014 at 5:23 AM

    cheaper by the dozen brushes are the way to go..... :o)

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