Creative Mark, working with watercolorists around the world, wanted to create a brush that surpassed virtually any other manufactured today. This was not easy, but we are sure you'll agree that they have. Watercolorists had relied on the pure English sizing developed by Winsor and Newton in their series 7 as a standard. It was confusing using other brands that simply did not conform. In designing the brush they committed to the full English standard whereas a size 10 is equivalent to a 12 or in some cases a 14 in other brands. The hair used is from male winter Kolinsky tales. This is the bushiest and most responsive hair. Instead of tappering down the belly these brushes extend the belly of the brush down to hold maximum color. The result is a brush that holds a flawless, split-proof point, that is super responsive with great resilience and that holds a large amount of color so the larger brushs are capable of vivid expressions and large wash strokes. Each brush has chrome plated brass ferrules attached to black polished wood handles with blue violet dipped ends. Try one out today and if for any reason you are not delighted return it for a full refund.