The size to start with — and our pinned listing is sold by an authorised art retailer, which matters on a line this counterfeited.
Kolinsky red sable · Size 1
Raphael 8404
The Raphael 8404 is the French counter to the Series 7, and the brush many painters end up preferring: a slightly fuller belly per size, so it carries more paint, with a point that snaps back just as sharply. Sizes run a touch larger than Winsor & Newton — an 8404 size 0 sits close to a Series 7 size 1 — so do not map numbers across brands one to one.
The Honest Verdict
Series 7 or 8404 is a genuine coin flip and the community splits down the middle: the 8404 holds more paint, the Series 7 point is marginally finer. Like the Series 7, it is counterfeited — buy from an art retailer or a marketplace-sold listing.
The Range
A size down — though an 8404 zero sits close to a Series 7 one, so it is finer only on paper.
Kolinsky red sable · Size 0
The big-belly option: more paint on the brush than any Series 7 of the same number.
Kolinsky red sable · Size 2
Other Brush Ranges
Rosemary & Co Brushes
Winsor & Newton Series 7
Artis Opus Brushes
Army Painter Brushes
Citadel Brushes
Monument Hobbies Pro Brushes
Da Vinci BrushesNot sure what shape you need in the first place? The brush types guide explains every brush on this site - and whatever you buy, the brush care guide is what makes it last.