I got such a good deal because the soap is so out of date, it being stamped 2012 on the back. I am looking forward to putting them into some vintage handles. I’ve also ordered a 27mm omega knot from TGN for my Pink Panther brush.I bought one of these sets about a year ago and really like the brush. Yeah it's a slippery small handle but the knot is just great and started my fondness for boar brushes. I now use it for my travel brush. What a steal at $5!