Thread: Why use synthetic hairs?

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

At one time they said the automobile could never replace the horse.

For sure. I am not saying synthetics replace anything though but are an extremely good alternative to traditional shave brush knots.

Bob

Originally Posted by Java

Today, if you're going to spend less than $20 on a brush, you're probably still best served by a boar or horse. But for the price where quality badgers start, you can get a pretty amazing synthetic.

That is what I think also and would add that if I got another badger it would have to feel and act the same as the current Simpsons Manchurian.

Bob

Hair, not so much. With synthetic I would say "fiber" or filament".

I tried an Omega synthetic (cause it was BIG) and if it didn't instantly eclipse my highly favored Semogue 1305 it certainly became its equal in my mind. As mentioned above, the right synthetic is great for lathering stiffer creams (in a bowl or directly on the face) and it's hell on hard-to-activate mug soap. If one didn't like the exfoliation from the stiff bristles of this Omega then there are certainly softer synthetics brushes with equally good performance.

The Omega is almost certainly made from the endangered Perlon; it is possible German hosiery products were killed to produce the bristles.

Synthetics have their own place in the shaving
I never saw them as a replacers,only a different feeling and help when travelling
I have tested 5-6 brands,they never failed me but even they were not "great" i was not disappointed as with some finest/super badgers (more expensive).
For now i have an Omega and a FS Put-tech
For face lathering are great,i enjoy them each time.

I own a V2 Muhle synth in the 21 size. It is a fantastic brush that I bought for travel but ended up using it in my rotation just because I liked it so much. I can't recommend them highly enough.

As has been mentioned, synthetics just offer another alternative to boar, horse and badger brushes. The new generation synthetic fibres have come a long way and are very good and will provide an excellent choice for a travel brush and for those folks who choose to not use animal-hair brushes. These brushes are also a fantastic choice as a travel brush as they dry very quickly, they generate lather quicker and with less product, in general. Great time to be wet shaving with all of the choices that are available to us.

I have two synthetics. One vintage and one new. The vintage is stiffer and compact and I use it when I feel I want to deeply scrub the lather into my beard. The new one is softer and more like any boar, badger or horse hair brush and I use it when I just want to softly move the lather around. I see and feel no difference between a synthetic or natural brush, just another item to satisfy BAD, if you have BAD.

I got the Muhle synthetic travel brush and found it to be a great little lathere. I travel with an Arkostick, and the Muhle, while small, does a great face lathering job.

I may try. A larger synthetic for my next brush, if there is one.