Dale, I agree with Hex. I've had the same thing happen to me many times over the years. It seems every time I returned or sold a gift I unintentionally hurt someone's feelings. Now, I try to look at it as "It's the thought that counts". Even if it isn't exactly what I like, it represents someone's effort to make me happy. I treasure those types of gifts all the more for that. The person that bought that for you will get a real good feeling seeing it proudly displayed and seeing you use it. Alan
Buy another similar brand brush but to your specs. Explain that you loved that gift so much you had to get another of the same brand, to use with a different soap, so they will not get mixed, that a brush that good should not get mixed. Thank them for turning you on to this outstanding brush. Then proudly display the gift brush forever. If the giver's feelings come first, then I say go all the way with that!
I'm not sure how I feel about it. I have been using it rotation. It does a good job with whatever I lather, but is a bit large for shave sticks. I do like it, but would really prefer more backbone and less splay. Here it is pictured next to my favorite user a 24mm Finest set at 50mm. Both brushes are 24mm knots. I really think I am just going to leave it sit and use it once a week or so. That way it won't cost anything, will still get used, and will keep everyone happy. If that doesn't work out, then I will use boiling water until the knot falls apart.
Now Dale, you said that both of those knots are 24mm. Does the one on the left look much bigger because it has more loft? (not set as deep in the handle) And so it splays out more? It almost looks as though the knot is going to flop over.
Thanks Bill. It's a super comfortable handle and knot. Tom - It won't flop over, but it is set with more loft so it blooms more. It is also a different grade of hair with less backbone so it is not as stiff. It is a T&H Silvertip (Rooney Super) with very soft tips and is a great knot. I just wish it was set a bit lower as it is a bit big for my tastes.