Maybe just a heads up. I can't get anything for my hobby here in the Dominican Republic and rely on online purchases. I needed some new brushes and although I normally get W&N series 7 the odd bad one crops up so I looked for an alternative. I went to Dick Blick and read their review on the Raphael 8404 Kolinsky and it was highly rated. Other online reviews all rated it as equal or even Superior to series 7 particularly in holding it's point and the consistency in quality.
So I ordered 4 brushes, a 2, 1, 0 and 3.0 and every one is garbage. The sharp point that they are supposed to have is very jagged and unneven as though they have not been trimmed correctly and as soon as I try and lay any paint they splay out like a cheap squirrel brush. The 0 is permanently split into two like a snake tongue and will not hold any point. Non of them held water so I tried cleaning and conditioning them with brush soap but this made no difference.
I'm not blaming Blicks but have emailed them and awaiting their response. Very frustrating when you spend nearly 70 dollars and get rubbish

Sounds like you was just very unlucky, I have bought and used these brushes and they are excellent, maybe they were not stored well/correctly prior to being sold !

Steve

My thoughts as well Steve, but surprised all four are bad. I'm waiting on a reply from Blicks.

I've been using Raphael 8404's for several years and I have never had a problem with them. I actually prefer them to W&N Series 7's as the brush is "fatter" and holds more paint.

Scott

I also use them and haven't had any problems, fingers crossed for a satisfactory result.

I've used them and they're very good,but don't last as long as the W&N series 7.Don't let it rest Ken,as i had an issue with a series 7 brush once, and eventually got in direct contact with them,including pictures of the problem brush.I was sent an apology and a new brush.I don't mind spending money,but i hate wasting money,is my motto.

I have many dozens of Series 7 and 8404 brushes and had one or two bad ones in the lot.
The brushes were all bought from Jackson's in the UK. All new brushes had their tip sharp from the start and lasting since. I wash them carefully and soap them at the end of each paintings session in order to keep the tip in perfect condition. I have seen a lot of bad Raphael brushes locally where the tips were not protected at all and were damaged.

I got a reply to my email from Dick Blicks on Saturday requesting photos of the brushes. I sent them immiediately and they said they would pass on to their technical department which did not work weekends. Today I got another email apologising and confirming their technicians agreed the brushes were substandard and issued an immediate full refund. Result. Thumbs up for Dick Blicks customer service. I shall now hold on for three weeks until I go to UK and purchase new brushes that I can handle before I part with.my money.