Comments about Robert Simmons Signet Brushes:

I bought this brush and soon discovered that the bristles keep shedding.

Comments about Robert Simmons Signet Brush Packs:

I have used Simmons Signet brushes for about two years and have found them to be very responsive, hold their shape, and do not wear out overly quickly compared with others in this class. Note that using turps, even turpenoid, can accelerate the wear (esp when not cleaning w/soap). I have used Venice turpentine (made from larch tree sap and is not a true turp), or Damar with turpentine and have had every bristle brush wear out in one or two sessions (no bristle will stand up to this). The Signet stands up as well as most.

Comments about Robert Simmons Signet Brushes:

Since Winsor and Newton discontinued its superb Rathbone line, these are easily my favorite hog hair brushes (the other brand I've heard fellow artists recommend almost as often as this one, Grand Prix Silver brush, I've never used).

To the person who claims these wear down too fast, a few observations.
First, there really just isn't any significant variation among hog brushes in the rate at which the hairs wear down; what varies is how well they'll reatain their shape from (1)the bristels interlocking and (2) not falling out of the ferule.

It doesn't sound to me like you've isolated the brushes as the most salient causal variable in their wearing down, and I have heard -take this with a grain of salt- seemingly similar reports on the Wetcanvas site of Turpenoid (allegedly)wearing down brushes(though this is anecdotal,not a contolled experiment and I think the brushes in question might even have been synthetics).

Anyway, even the cheapest, lousiest brushes don't wear down any faster than the good ones.
What matters is how well they retain their shape without splaying or shedding, and by that criterion these perform better on average (there's *always* variation among individual brushes, since they're hand made)than any other brand I've used (aside from the aforementioned Rathbones).

Comments about Robert Simmons Signet Brushes:

This is a follow up to the review I left previously. I gave Signet brushes another try and same results. I take extremely good care of my brushes. Always clean them gently after use with Turpenoid Natural and never let them sit in turpentine, etc. I am not rough at all with my brushes on my canvas. Regardless, it is astonishing how fast these Signet brushes wear out. I have tried bristle brushes from several brands and this brand, by far, has the shortest "life".

Comments about Robert Simmons Signet Brushes:

I have Simmons Signet Brushes that are years old and in better shape than the ones I purchased December 2011. Very disappointed, they fray at the edge.

Comments about Robert Simmons Signet Brushes:

Signet white bristle brushes my favorite for over 35 yrs to create oil paintings, also a set I have for acrylic paintings. '2011 I'm using the same Signet brushes I purchased 1970 - 1990's. Not abusing the brushes when painting, laying them horizontal instead of leaving them to stand in thinner and/or oil, and carefully cleaning the brushes when I am finished for the day, Signet brushes should remain in good shape for years.
Obviously, other reviewers of these brushes haven't cared for their brushes, abused the brushes when they used them & left them to stand in terpentine, oils, etc., for hours, & never cleaned them or stored them properly. So, they blame it on the brush & give a poor review. Too bad. They have to buy more brushes of another brand. What a shame to miss the value & quality of Signet brushes.

Comments about Robert Simmons Signet Brushes:

I like this kind of brushes for oil painting. You will not find others with this high quality for such a fairprice.

Comments about Robert Simmons Signet Brushes:

I purchased several large flat and bright Simmons Signet brushes to use with traditional oils. They wore down so fast it was almost like acid was eating them down. Really unbelievable. Was something in the brush reacting to Turpenoid? I have never used another brand of natural hair brush that wore down so fast. Switched to Winton Bristle Brushes which last at least three times as long.

Comments about Robert Simmons Signet Brushes:

I have relied on this brand for a few years. Painted some of my best things with them. That was years ago and the quality has drifted. They are keeping me from producing my best works. 10 years ago the brushes were better than average. They held their shape and had good balance. Now the balance is catch as catch can and they do not hold their shape. There are a few good ones in the rack but by the time you figure it out you have purchased them and used them too much to return. I would say most of them are lemons now.

Comments about Robert Simmons Signet Brushes:

These brushes are durable, resilient & hold a ton of paint.... love them!