[gemy]

I not sure I can explain it too well. If you place your palm ontop of the pins they shouldn't feel sharp. You want the pins to flex easily with light pressure.

Not sure if you've used a wrist brace when brushing but sometimes that helps me out too. Also if I have no choice and I have to brush him out in the early morning, I've used a cold pack on my wrist to try to get the pain/inflammation down.
Also I about gave up with the very tiny and very firm topknot bands, I use a light weight topknot band and also use the band scissors which cuts the elastic without taking out the hair.
I now have a couple of small bows with the barrettes on the back - they are a whole lot easier to put into place.

I have heard that the boar bristle brushes give an amazing sheen to the coat, and are used after tangles knots are out. I don't have one yet because I've not found one that I think is soft enough.

Here are a few of things I've been told (by yorkie exhibitors) about growing and keeping a long coat.
Never brush the coat dry, or when it is dirty.
Always wrap/protect the coat. Although another exhibitor told me she doesn't wrap, but then again her dogs never go outside and play in the grass etc.
For the moustaches oil them very well and don't start banding them until they've grown inch below chin level.
For removing tangles use both a wide toothed comb and the end of a rat tail comb.
Trim a little bit off the coat about once per month.

Of course then you get into what do you feed, what additives to the food do u use, and the various types of shampoos and conditioners.

Good luck with your search for that perfect brush for you
and beamer

BTW I love your quote on your signature line