What SB did you use today?

Hey Matthew, thanks for the info.  I used only the cold water tap when I cleaned it the two times and then when I lathered so it wouldn't be due to hot water.  Personally I didn't give it a second thought but does make me wonder now that you mention your experience. I wonder what the difference could be for the decrease in color stability?  The only other person I know who has purchased the Maggard B&W knot is Jeff wyze0ne but I'm not sure if he has used the knot yet.

Well, the temperature can then be ruled out. It seems like you really enjoy this knot (in general). Has it stopped bleeding color by now? If it’s still doing it after about ten uses, I’d get in touch with Maggard to see if they have heard of other such instances. Best of luck!

Thanks for the follow-up Matthew Matsilainen as I meant to post some additional info.  I rinsed it really well after it bled into my Mystic Water soap.  The last 3 times I have used it I have not noticed any color bleed, if it did it was too small to discolor the soap.

I actually sent an email to Maggard Razors to see if they had plans to offer the B&W knot and handle in the 26mm and 28mm in the future and I mentioned the color bleed issue (this was before I stopped seeing it).  The rep did respond saying they have had 2 or 3 reports of the knots bleeding and said it should stop after a few uses. If I continued to have problems they would offer a refund or exchange (of course, it’s glued into a handle so not sure how I would do that  ).  He also mentioned no plans at this time to offer the 26mm and 28mm with a handle combination.  I can see the 28 as it is an odd size but the 26mm synthetics are pretty popular.

I decided to order a 28mm B&W knot and plan on using a 30mm Whipped Dog handle.  In the past I had heard that your handle hole should be 1-2mm wider than the knot.  I know my 30mm was very tight.  The only issue I can see would be it splays a little easier.  I have not ordered the handle so if anyone thinks this is a bad idea let me know.  Thank you.

The last 3 times I have used it I have not noticed any color bleed, if it did it was too small to discolor the soap.
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I decided to order a 28mm B&W knot and plan on using a 30mm Whipped Dog handle.  In the past I had heard that your handle hole should be 1-2mm wider than the knot.  I know my 30mm was very tight.  The only issue I can see would be it splays a little easier.  I have not ordered the handle so if anyone thinks this is a bad idea let me know.  Thank you.

Glad to hear that the knot is not bleeding much or at all anymore. I hope that trend continues.

Usually if a brush is called, for instance, a 24 mm brush, the plug at the base of the knot will be around 23 mm. You could mitigate excess splaying by setting the knot a little deeper into the handle, but you presented a valid question still.

I have a 26 mm handle that I’m contemplating filling with a so-called 24 mm knot (which will then probably be more like 23 mm at its base). I just asked Larry of Whipped Dog if he thinks this is a good idea or not. I’ll let you know what he says. If anyone else wants to chime in, that would be most welcome.

Thanks Matsilainen

Paladin Lemon Drop Lotus 28mm badger brush, 52mm loft (2CSLD4 knot)

24mm Silvertip in burl box elder

This was my first badger brush, and while I still really enjoy using it, it has taken a second row position in my rotation to some excellent brushes that I just enjoy using more.

RR Bruce.

The more I'm using these Plisson types, the more I'm noticing the scritch and pokey-ness. The tuxedo knots are really superior in my opinion. I wish those were more readily available.

Paladin Chief 26mm

AP Shave Co with 24 mm Tuxedo knot