WSP "Special Grade" - Worth the upcharge?

I own a few WSP knots. Until recently all of them 2 bands: "Finest" (Prince), "Super Fine" (Monarch, Stubby, RV Custom). See pics below:







All of these 2 Bands have been solid performers. Soft tipped, good backbone, medium density (except the Stubby, that is very dense). With the exception of the Stubby those have been moderately priced - the Stubby sells for $120, still much below a comparable Rooney Heritage XL or Simpson 2 Band Chubby.

Lately Lee advertised a new prototype - "Special Grade HMW" 3 Band and 2 Band brushes. These knots are 23/24mm and sold for $90 per knot (need to work the handle yourself or get it custom made from some of our artisans).

So what about these knots?

First the "HMW Special Grade" 2 Band: I think this knot is spectacular! It combines the benefits of Simpson Manchurian (strong, resilient hair, with good flow through and lots of water retention) with the benefits of Simpson 2 Band (very soft tips). This is a clear winner and I hope Lee decides to offer additional knot varieties. See pics below in a Elite Razors E7 handle in Desert Ironwood (24/50mm).





I then also wanted to try the "HMW Special Grade" 3 Band. I do not own many 3 bands anymore. The ones I do own are very special, e.g. Thäter for its softness, Simpson GYLE for the uniqueness of the grade/handle, a few shavemacs and one SR 3824.

I had the 24mm knot set at 50mm loft and asked again Bob Quinn at Elite Razors for a handle. This time a E7 in Amboyna Burl (stunning handle as well).





I am torn on the "HMW Special Grade" 3 Band. The knot is not very dense, has not much backbone and the tips are not particularly soft, but possesses great flow through. In other words: it is a good all around brush (the face feel is great/not uncomfortable), but there is no particular attribute that would be outperforming any other particular high end 3 Band. It still is a keeper for me, because of the stunning handle from Bob (thank you!) and the fact that I do not have many 3 bands left in my rotation.

The "HMW Special Grade" 2 Band, however, is worth every penny, and I am sure to get another one, if they should come back in stock.

Of course, as always, YMMV.