I'm pretty sure they sell that same knot themselves, not sure which one it is though. What made the L'Occitane offering so popular was the lower price point and easy of purchase for many (walking into a store).
In Answer to Slow Joe. These are the Plisson synthetic fiber brush. This is a Plisson Badger http://www.fendrihan.com/plisson-hi...h-horn-handle-size-p-1107.html?cPath=116_3_98
I just posted a new thread, but perhaps should have just posted it as a reply here: the L'Occitane Plisson synthetic is back on L'Occitane's site, and is now only $30. Here's the other thread I posted with more details.
Good thing some of you got one before they sold out. For 30$ honestly I would have bought 2. I have one and absolutely love it. 2 more and I would have secured an awesome brush for a long time. Its weird that yet discontinue things that are so good.