Knot size

I know this could be a question with many, many answers, but is there a common knot size and loft that is more popular than the others in the shaving community? I see a lot of 20mm knots out there, but would like to  know more about the likes and dislikes of them and what would be an alternative. Along with that, what would be the more popular brush type in a custom styled piece. I see brushes that are real expensive, moderately priced and cheap. I know you get what you pay for, but for an example, is a Silver Tip Badger a good go to, for a modestly priced handle. I realize one persons opinion does not represent the entire community, but many opinions may enlighten me. 
Let the fun begin......and thanks for your opinions.

My preference is for 26mm knots. Loft is dictated by the characteristics of the knot: backbone, density and splay.

My preference, if we're talking non-SHD (super high density) silvertip badger, is ~28mm set at a loft no greater than 52mm.

I actually prefer SHD 2-band badgers, and in that configuration, I prefer 26mm set at a loft no greater than 50mm.

No real set range. I go through periods of times that I like a certain brush more overall. Used to like smaller brushes, then medium, then progressively larger and right now mostly grab my large brushes. At times I go back to a smaller brush. All depends on the mood. Usually like a longer lofted brush, but I have plenty of short, dense brushes.

This is a great question and one that has been asked before. It’s pretty clear that 24mm seems to be about where most gents like to land. Loft height GENERALLY seems to need shortened as knots get smaller to perform similarly. High density knots can be set taller and still perform similarly to a regularly dense knot. It comes down to preference. I personally like a 26Mm to 28mm Knot set a bit taller than most seem to like them. I’d say 24mm knot about 52mm height is a good starting place.

As with most things wet shaving, it is very much YMMV. Some like jumbo knots; some like medium knots, some like smaller knots. My preference is for 24-26 mm knots because I want to make a lot of lather in a hurry. I have one 28mm SHD badger knot that is just too big on my face. If it were regular density, it would be fine.

I think you will find 24-25 mm knots to be the most common. You really need to try brushes of different sizes to learn what works best for you. As long as you are not purchasing premium badger brushes, the cost does not have to be extravagant. Try some inexpensive synthetic brushes of various sizes. Then branch out to other types of brushes as you have funds and interest. I have a variety of badger, boar, horsehair, and synthetic brushes. I like using all of them except cheap badger brushes.

Thanks gentlemen. Currently using a 20 and 22mm knot, but as you have stated. Personal preference. I will try some 24 and 26mm just to see what I like. Nothing extravagant, maybe some inexpensive synthetics. but should give me a general feel for the size. Thanks for the input.

Loft aside and physics-wise , knot diameter affects lather’s flow-through and brush stiffness.

Small diameter knots  (up to ~22 mm ) ,
have lots of flow-through and they splay easier that thicker knots.
Those two attributes makes them ideal for face lathering.

From the other hand ,large diameter knots (over 25 mm ) have low lather flow-through thus if used for face-lathering ,lather has to be “choked “ out of the brush ,as they tend to withhold a respectable amount of lather.
Furthermore, for them to splay ,much greater pressure has to be applied ,relatively to their small diameter counterparts ( assuming all other brush attributes remain same ) ,thus 
being somewhat tiresome to face lather with.
But ,they are great brushes for bowl lathering.
Their increased stiffness and reduced flow-through are responsible for their amazing lather building capability when using a vessel
( bowl) of some sort .And a bowl offers a readily available source of lather ,no matter
how much the brush withholds.

Medium diameter knots (~23 to 25 mm ),
stand in between .They are capable for both
face and bowl lathering ,but not really excelling in either of methods.But still ,they
are probably the most preferred knot diameter category,from both face and bowl latherers.
Myself ,included!

Tim, this is really one of those personal preference questions without a "perfect" answer.  I use many different knot sizes but my preference is between 24-26mm and usually, though not always, synthetics.  Today, for example, I used a combination Stirling Soap Co. handle with a 24mm Strike Gold Shave Mother Lode synthetic knot.  It whips up a great lather relatively quickly and is one of the softest knots I own.  The brush was put together by a friend when I loved the handle but not the original boar knot.  Stirling now makes that same handle with a tuxedo synthetic knot, which is also excellent.  Here is the one with the Mother Lode knot:

My Badger knots range from 24-28. I lean toward the 24-26 most of the time. I load in a bowl and finish the lathering on my face.