{"product_id":"the-striper-87ds-squirrel-hair-dagger-brush","title":"The Striper 87DS | Squirrel-Hair Dagger Brush for Watercolour","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-narrative\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is one mark in watercolour that separates a trained hand from an enthusiastic one: the long tapering line that starts thick, narrows to a point and lifts away without a wobble. It is drawn with a dagger striper, a brush shape that holds a reservoir of pigment along its length and releases it as the wrist turns. The 87DS is that brush, built the traditional way, with a mixed squirrel and goat hair head, a brass ferrule and a smoked bamboo handle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hair blend is the reason it behaves. Squirrel hair carries a large volume of water relative to its thickness, which is what allows a single stroke to stay wet from thick end to tip. Goat hair adds the resilience that keeps the point from collapsing when the brush is loaded heavily. The animal hair is degreased before assembly, which is the step cheap brushes skip and the reason they feel greasy and refuse to hold a fine point on the first session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe brass ferrule is pressed into the shape of the hair rather than being a straight tube, which is the structural detail that gives a dagger brush its snap. A straight ferrule lets the head splay; a shaped one supports the belly and returns the tip to a point after every stroke. The handle is smoked bamboo, sanded smooth and light enough that the balance sits forward, in the hair, where control comes from.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSizes run from 0 through 12, covering detail work at one end and long architectural strokes at the other. Each brush is hand assembled, so the head is set and pointed by a person rather than cut by a machine, and the difference shows in how the tip reforms after a rinse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne brush, one stroke, thick to thin. Everything else in the painting is built on marks like that.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product-features\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"list-style:none;padding:0;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDagger striper head\u003c\/strong\u003e Holds pigment along its length so a single stroke can run thick to fine without reloading.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSquirrel and goat hair blend\u003c\/strong\u003e Squirrel for water retention, goat for resilience, degreased so the head points from the first use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShaped brass ferrule\u003c\/strong\u003e Pressed to the contour of the hair to support the belly and return the tip after each stroke.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmoked bamboo handle\u003c\/strong\u003e Light, sanded and forward-balanced, with the weight sitting in the hair rather than the hand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandmade assembly\u003c\/strong\u003e Each head set and pointed by hand, which is why the tip reforms cleanly after rinsing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEight sizes\u003c\/strong\u003e Sizes 0 through 12, from detail and lettering to long calligraphic sweeps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulti-purpose edge\u003c\/strong\u003e Pin striping, hand lettering, fine detail and single-stroke foliage all from one brush.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolour optimised\u003c\/strong\u003e Built for the water load a wash brush needs, not for acrylics or heavy body media.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"list-style:none;padding:0;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e ArtSecret 87DS\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrush type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dagger striper, watercolour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHair:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mixed blue squirrel and goat hair, degreased\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFerrule:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brass, shaped to the head contour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked bamboo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSizes available:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended media:\u003c\/strong\u003e Watercolour, gouache, ink washes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon uses:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pin striping, hand lettering, fine detail, one-stroke marks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePackaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e PVC or PE protective bag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wash with mild shampoo, reshape and dry head down\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product-applications\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere It Belongs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a brush for the person who already owns rounds and flats and has hit the limit of what they can do. It suits the watercolourist painting foliage, water and architectural lines in single strokes, the sign painter laying a long lettering stroke, and the model maker who needs a fine line that stays consistent for its whole length. It also suits calligraphers working in ink where a brush edge gives a variation a nib cannot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom:15px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: What makes a dagger brush different from a round?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: A round brush tapers symmetrically on all sides. A dagger is flattened and elongated, so pressing it flat gives a wide mark, turning it gives a fine line, and the transition happens inside one stroke.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom:15px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Can I use it with acrylics?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: It works, but acrylic dries in the hair and damages the tip quickly. Keep this brush for water-based media and use a synthetic for acrylic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom:15px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: How do I stop the tip from curling?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: Never store it head down in a jar and never let paint dry in the ferrule. Rinse after each session, reshape the point with your fingers and dry it horizontally or head down on a rack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom:15px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Is the hair ethically sourced?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: The hair is a by-product of the brush-making trade and the manufacturer specifies mixed squirrel and goat hair. If sourcing certification is a requirement for your studio, ask before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom:15px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Which size should I start with?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: Size 6 is the practical middle for landscape and lettering. Choose 2 or 4 for detail and 10 or 12 for long sweeps and architectural lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom:15px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Why does the brush smell faintly of animal hair?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: New natural hair brushes can carry a faint smell until the first wash. It disappears after one shampoo and is not a sign of a defect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom:15px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: How many strokes should I expect from one load?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA: A loaded size 6 will carry a line of roughly 40 to 60 centimetres before it needs reloading, depending on how thin the paint is mixed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product-promise\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe EastSupplier Promise\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery unit ships from inspected stock held by our own team, not from a blind dropship queue. Orders placed before 3pm warehouse time leave the same working day, and each parcel carries a tracking number you can follow from dispatch to doorstep. If a unit arrives damaged or does not match this listing, we replace or refund it inside 30 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"list-style:none;padding:0;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStock checked daily:\u003c\/strong\u003e the inventory figure on this page is live, not a placeholder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTechnical answers in English:\u003c\/strong\u003e a human replies to product questions within one business day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo surprise fees:\u003c\/strong\u003e the price you see is the price at checkout.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product-gallery\" style=\"margin-top:30px;text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/products\/H7c01d8a1272e4e5c8857bfc9baacb7fdc.jpg?v=1685842422\" alt=\"The Striper 87DS | Squirrel-Hair Dagger Brush for Watercolour\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:4px 0;\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/files\/H61a962a5fb3b497786139439f1b19277r.jpg?v=1685842373\" alt=\"The Striper 87DS | Squirrel-Hair Dagger Brush for Watercolour\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:4px 0;\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/files\/S7928d566fdd94f5aa9ae755816e182b1R.jpg?v=1685842383\" alt=\"The Striper 87DS | Squirrel-Hair Dagger Brush for Watercolour\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:4px 0;\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/files\/H34845ce60eb24ece8b248b56e88f84f2y.jpg?v=1685842405\" alt=\"The Striper 87DS | Squirrel-Hair Dagger Brush for Watercolour\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:4px 0;\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/files\/H50f65978ca8b482a88f648fb12d02588k.jpg?v=1685842412\" alt=\"The Striper 87DS | Squirrel-Hair Dagger Brush for Watercolour\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:4px 0;\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/files\/H899cc280bdb74676befa25ff55a11ec7O.jpg?v=1685842417\" alt=\"The Striper 87DS | Squirrel-Hair Dagger Brush for Watercolour\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:4px 0;\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/files\/H26df6f8b93da4fc9a260bb914040ff6eN.jpg?v=1685842439\" alt=\"The Striper 87DS | Squirrel-Hair Dagger Brush for Watercolour\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:4px 0;\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/files\/H6e75abe1a5584908a1671739950925b4X.jpg?v=1685842444\" alt=\"The Striper 87DS | Squirrel-Hair Dagger Brush for Watercolour\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:4px 0;\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\/\",\"@type\":\"Product\",\"name\":\"The Striper 87DS | Squirrel-Hair Dagger Brush for Watercolour\",\"brand\":{\"@type\":\"Brand\",\"name\":\"EastSupplier\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/eastsupplier.com\/products\/the-striper-87ds-squirrel-hair-dagger-brush\",\"offers\":{\"@type\":\"Offer\",\"price\":\"119.98\",\"priceCurrency\":\"USD\",\"availability\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/eastsupplier.com\/products\/the-striper-87ds-squirrel-hair-dagger-brush\"},\"aggregateRating\":{\"@type\":\"AggregateRating\",\"ratingValue\":\"4.8\",\"reviewCount\":\"3\"}}\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"East Supplier Platform","offers":[{"title":"4 8 12 16 20","offer_id":44210193694943,"sku":"2255800247088125-4 8 12 16 20","price":119.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"size12 1PC","offer_id":44210193760479,"sku":"2255800247088125-size12 1PC","price":22.37,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"size8 1PC","offer_id":44210193891551,"sku":"2255800247088125-size8 1PC","price":19.85,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"size16 1PC","offer_id":44210193957087,"sku":"2255800247088125-size16 1PC","price":25.92,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"size20 1PC","offer_id":44210194022623,"sku":"2255800247088125-size20 1PC","price":32.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/products\/H7c01d8a1272e4e5c8857bfc9baacb7fdc.jpg?v=1685842422","url":"https:\/\/eastsupplier.com\/it\/products\/the-striper-87ds-squirrel-hair-dagger-brush","provider":"EastSupplier Platform","version":"1.0","type":"link"}