Paladin Knots

What I would like to do here is discuss Paladin knots/hairs because (for example) you can purchase a Paladin Chief with with different knots that give totally different feels. But before I do I want to give a little info on what I look for in the brushes and individual knots that I purchase

I have and use different brushes in my rotation for different feels, soft-tips, slightly stiff tips, pillow soft, densities, backbone and handle styles. If I truly like a knot I will have it in different configurations high loft and low loft, in 24,s and 26,s in a few different handle styles and head shapes, Fans, Bulbs, Hybrids (though I mostly like Fans). The knots that I like are Elite, Ramero, M&F, Simpson, Thater, Shavemac, El Druida, Envy (I've only liked 2 Envy's knots that I purchase a few years back, since then others that I purchased I didn't like), Declaration 1, MS/LS, Stirling (I'm going to take a Stirling brush and transplant the knot to another handle) and of cause Paladin.

I need to state that I read and re-read the Paladin knot/hair chart as well as take notes when a new release comes out for I always refer back to chart to see if a handle with the color and head I like is paired with the desired knot. (There are a few knots that I have not tried based on the the information that is posted on the Paladin chart)

I will start with my first Paladin Select brush, the Lotus (26) in Jade 52/48 fan 2CLNL2 knot that I purchased last year. This brush became my favorite for quite awhile good density, med backbone, soft tips. A few months later I was able to pick up another Sumo (24) brush on the BTS board with the 2CLNL2 bulb knot. The knot in the Lotus has more density then the Sumo and for myself I prefer the Lotus handle.

I again picked up a Chief 26 in Butterscotch Bulb with the 2CLNL2 knot, I do love the Chief handle and with this knot, the density and backbone which is the same as the Lotus and softness of the tips just reinforced the greatness of this knot to me.

Later on I purchased a Chief (26) in Tortoise (from the all Tortoise sale) 53/52 fan 2CLNA4. Now this knot is very different from the Lotus because of the greater free loft, the hair in this brush is Springier, again there's good density and backbone but the tips are sightly stiff, you can feel a few when you swirl in certain ways similar to a Simpson Manchurian though there is more of the stiff tip feel with the Simpson.

When I look for a Paladin that I desire I always inquire on the note code which has lead me to pick up 4 others with the 2CLNL2 knot. Recently I picked up a PK47 (26) in Summerset, 51/48 bulb 2CLND3. Very similar to the Lotus yet does not feel quite as dense.

In the May 25 offering I pick up a Ebony El Dorado (26) 53/48 bulb 2CSLD4 and have now used it 3 times. With the little knowledge that I possess in my humble opinion all I can say about this knot is WOW, double WOW. The density is excellent, the backbone is strong (for me outstanding) the tips soft I do not feel any stiffness and I'm sure over the next few weeks the tips will continue to soften. Now what I want is a Chief 26 fan with the same knot and a Chief fan with the 2CSLE4 knot. Even though you have to understand the differences in knots offered, Paladin's finished handle's are superb, the engraving that finishes off Paladin brushes is next to none, in my opinion it is the leader that all other brush-makers and that includes Simpson should aspire to.  

P.S. I have just picked up a Strawberry Lotus (26) bulb with the 2CLNL2 knot which I want to compare the differences (if there is any) between the Fan and Bulb (though I am becoming a big fan of the Hybrid head), and will add it to this Thread.

The knot on the jade Lotus looked most appealing to me visually. I like that it has beautiful color to the hairs banding. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the different brushes bijou

I wanted that Lotus so badly. It has my favorite knot. It is not floppy, but it lacks substance in terms of backbone. However, the tips more than make up for lack of backbone, they are extremely soft, no scratch at all. If you don't find it to your liking, let me know! Enjoy.

What I would like to do here is discuss Paladin knots/hairs because (for example) you can purchase a Paladin Chief with with different knots that give totally different feels. But before I do I want to give a little info on what I look for in the brushes and individual knots that I purchase

I have and use different brushes in my rotation for different feels, soft-tips, slightly stiff tips, pillow soft, densities, backbone and handle styles. If I truly like a knot I will have it in different configurations high loft and low loft, in 24,s and 26,s in a few different handle styles and head shapes, Fans, Bulbs, Hybrids (though I mostly like Fans). The knots that I like are Elite, Ramero, M&F, Simpson, Thater, Shavemac, El Druida, Envy (I've only liked 2 Envy's knots that I purchase a few back others that I purchase I did not like), Declaration, MS/LS, Stirling (I'm going to take a Stirling brush and transplant the knot to another handle) and of cause Paladin.

I need to state that I read and re-read the Paladin knot/hair chart as well as take notes when a new release comes out for I always refer back to chart to see if a handle with the color and head I like is paired with the desired knot. (There are a few knots that I have not tried based on the the information that is posted on the Paladin chart)

I will start with my first Paladin Select brush, the Lotus (26) in Jade 52/48 fan 2CLNL2 knot that I purchased last year. This brush became my favorite for quite awhile good density, med backbone, soft tips. A few months later I was able to pick up another Sumo (24) brush on the BTS board with the 2CLNL2 bulb knot. The knot in the Lotus has more density then the Sumo and for myself I prefer the Lotus handle.

I again picked up a Chief 26 in Butterscotch Bulb with the 2CLNL2 knot, I do love the Cihef handle and with this knot, the density and backbone which is the same as the Lotus and softness of the tips just reinforced the greatness of this knot to me.

Later on I purchased a Chief (26) in Tortoise (from the all Tortoise sale) 53/52 fan 2CLNA4. Now this knot is very different from the Lotus because of the greater free loft, the hair in this brush is Springier, again there's good density and backbone but the tips are sightly stiff, you can feel a few when you swirl in certain ways similar to a Simpson Manchurian though there is more of the stiff tip feel with the Simpson.

When I look for a Paladin that I desire I always inquire on the note code which has lead me to pick up 4 others with the 2CLNL2 knot. Recently I picked up a PK47 (26) in Summerset, 51/48 bulb 2CLND3. Very similar to the Lotus yet does not feel quite as dense.

In the May 25 offering I pick up a Ebony El Dorado (26) 53/48 bulb 2CSLD4 and have now used it 3 times. With the little knowledge that I possess in my humble opinion all I can say about this knot is WOW, double WOW. The density is excellent, the backbone is strong (for me outstanding) the tips soft I do not feel any stiffness and I'm sure over the next few weeks the tips will continue to soften. Now what I want is a chief 26 fan with the same knot and a Chief fan with the 2CSLE4 knot. Even though you have to get to understand the differences in knots offered the finished handle which are superb, the engraving that finishes off Paladin brushes is next to none, it is the leader that all other brush-makers and that includes Simpson should aspire to.  

P.S. I have just picked up a Strawberry Lotus (26) bulb with the 2CLNL2 knot which I want to compare the differences (if there is any) between the Fan and Bulb (though I am becoming a big fan of the Hybrid head), and add it to this Thread.

Steven, thanks for sharing all of your thoughts on these knots. I'm happy to hear your reaction to the newest batch of knots. Ken has said that these knots are particularly to his liking and are the result of long hours of work on his part. It looks like Paladin knots are only getting better and better.

Kens knots are getting better. In my collection and rotation I have brushes with excellent backbone very soft tips that are a delight to use. This new Paladin knot have those same characteristics but with added density that doesn't stop flow through but gives a more substantial feel and lathering. All this is just my opinion and believe me I was very surprised on how good the knot is, I don't have have another like it.

Kens knots are getting better. In my collection and rotation I have brushes with excellent backbone very soft tips that are a delight to use. This new Paladin knot have those same characteristics but with added density that doesn't stop flow through but gives a more substantial feel and lathering. All this is just my opinion and believe me I was very surprised on how good the knot is, I don't have have another like it.

I can tell you that this is not a lucky accident of a particularly good batch; it is the result of Ken and Cody's continuous efforts to produce brushes that they themselves would love to use every day. The fact that the new knot impressed an experienced brush collector like yourself is a very good sign. I look forward to the chance of getting one!

Nice seeing a shaving brush artisan spend that amount time on the knots. Quality control and consistency is really important.

Bijou, I have several Paladins and keep track of them by their knot codes as you can see below. With Paladin the knot code tells you so much about the brushes characteristics.
Ebony Paladin Lotus 26mm badger brush, 53mm loft (L type knot)
Malachite Paladin El Dorado 28mm badger brush, 55.5mm loft (2CSLD4 knot)
Jade Winston 26mm badger brush, 53mm loft (2CSLE4 knot)
Lemon Drop Lotus 28mm badger brush, 52mm loft (2CSLD4 knot)
Strawberry Amber Falstaff26 mm badger brush, 52mm loft (2CLNA4)
Ivory PK-47 28mm badger brush, 52.25mm loft (2CSNL2)

Nice collection, I really like your El Dorado Malachite with the new knot. How do you like your Jade Winston with the new 2CSLE4? Is there a difference between the 2 new knot (ELl Dorado vs Winston)

This morning I again used the El Dorado with the new knot 2CSLD4 lathering, listening to music and day dreaming. I then started to pay attention to the feel and fullness of the knot (this knot gives a full badger lathering) without sacrificing agility, softness and flow through is lovely, yet delivering strong backbone is quite unique.