What is a sable brush?

A sable brush is a very high-quality brush often used in modelling for detail work thanks to its ability to be finely shaped at its tip.

The brushes are made from the tail hair of the kolinsky (a variety of weasel) and not an actual sable as its name would suggest. However, this doesn't make them less expensive, because weasels are incredibly difficult to raise in captivity and the few companies dedicated to the production of the hair generally tend to be located in Siberia, production costs remain high.

The finest brushes are made from pure male kolinski hair, but most mainstream products have a ratio of around 60% male and 40% female hair. Synthetic variations have been produced but struggle to achieve the same quality as the genuine brush.