Let me start with a clarification: this brush writes great. I only used a few bushes but this one is as good as the one my calligraphy professor uses. This is a great brush for the price. However, it comes without a cap, every calligraphy brush I've looked at has a small clear plastic cap to prevent damage. In addition, the tip has been pre-soaked. I was very nervous that the pre-soaked tip would not meet my personal requirements. It turned out well, but I wouldn't recommend this brush to a particularly demanding calligrapher.