Tisch Daggers by Celeste Duffy

Are Rosemary & Co Tisch Dagger Oil Brushes Worth It?

If you’ve scrolled through art forums, art blogs, or even Instagram reels, you’ve probably heard about or even desire Rosemary & Co paintbrushes. Me too! For years, I hesitated to order. They felt like one of those “too-good-to-be-true” products that might be more hype than substance—plus, ordering from the UK seemed like an extra layer of effort and expense.

But here’s the truth, or at least what I found after finally taking the plunge: with regards to their oil painting Tisch collection (long-handled dagger brushes), the hype is absolutely earned. These brushes are worth every penny, every bit of shipping, and every ounce of painterly joy they unlock.

First Impressions: Beauty in the Hand

Let’s not pretend the physical beauty of tools doesn’t matter—it does. These brushes are simply gorgeous. From the polished handles to the elegant dagger shape, they feel like studio jewellery. They’re the kind of brushes that make you excited to start painting before you’ve even touched the canvas.

They’re the kind of “looker” that almost makes you not want to dip them into paint. That lovely.

But good looks aren’t enough. The real test is in the bristles.

Bristles That Feel “Just Right”

Here’s what hooked me: the bristles have that perfect “Goldilocks balance.” They aren’t aggressively rough, which can feel scratchy and unforgiving, and they aren’t so silky-smooth that they slip around without control. Instead, they’re right in the middle—supple yet springy. They hold that sweet spot amount of paint and lay it down like it read your mind.

Why the Tisch Dagger Shape Wins

Now, about that dagger shape. It’s genius. One brush effectively gives you two tools:

• Wide strokes that lay down bold swaths of color.

• Fine detail work when you flip or angle the edge.

That dual functionality makes painting feel more fluid and expressive. Instead of juggling three or four brushes, I can let the dagger handle most of the heavy lifting. It keeps the process loose, spontaneous, and incredibly fun—exactly how I want my oil painting sessions to feel.

It sounds so very corny, but honestly,  if you want to “feel like a painter” – all loose and confident, these will get you there IMHO – those inner negative thoughts about your artistic abilities are another matter altogether.

Are They Worth The Expense?

For me, the answer is a thousand yeses. Ordering from the UK wasn’t nearly as daunting as I expected, and the brushes themselves simply add to the joy of making art. AND, investing in a nicer set of brushes helps me feel like I’m taking making art seriously and that my practice and myself indirectly are worth it.

DO NOTE: They’re not an affiliate product for me—this isn’t a sales pitch. This is simply an artist saying: if you’ve been on the fence, stop hesitating. These brushes live up to the chatter. They’re tools I plan to use for many painting sessions, and every time I reach for them, I feel a little bougie. Who doesn’t love that?

Final Thoughts

I wish I hadn’t waited so long to try Rosemary & Co. The Tisch long-handled dagger brushes are worth the hype and then some. If you value a brush that feels balanced, versatile, and genuinely inspiring to use, this set belongs in your studio.

Sometimes, investing in better tools doesn’t just make painting easier—it makes it more magical.

– Celeste Duffy, 2025

Artwork courtesy of Celeste Duffy.

Find Celeste’s website and blog here.

Shop Tisch Daggers.