Thread: Synthetics

Originally Posted by Rdefreitas

I've seen that one, was thinking of going for it. But some mixed reiviews.


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I have 3 of them...2 white's and 1 black. All are exactly the same. Good, but, like I said, very very soft. Which may be OK for some. But for me, I like a little more stiffness. Great for travel, though, as the dry with a handful of shakes and a quick brush along the forearm or towel.

Has anyone tried the new tuxedo synthetic shave knot? I hear really good reviews. I'm curious how it compares to the Plisson knots.

Originally Posted by Aaron27

Has anyone tried the new tuxedo synthetic shave knot? I hear really good reviews. I'm curious how it compares to the Plisson knots.

A lot of what I read is falling towards the plisson or muhle. Where is the tuxedo you mentioned found?


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Do a goggle search of "tuxedo synthetic knot". I have seen several reviews (written and youtube) of people stating how great is it. I have only seen the knot for sale on Etsy and eBay. The seller is from Ontario. The knot looks amazing. Based on pics I think wolf whiskers used it on his brushes for a period of time.

I just received the razorock hulk. Holy mother it is enormous!!


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I have been using a Frank Shaving synthetic (actually this one, but bought in China for a fraction of the cost) for quite some time now.

Some observations:

1. Water retention is totally different compared to a badger hair brush. You need to get used to that. Soaking the entire brush prior to lathering will result in lather flakes flying around your bathroom. What I do is dab some hot water onto the soap, wring the brush out until it feels dry, then take it from there.
2. Backbone is different. Mine has lots of backbone, but super soft tips. But the backbone is still different inasmuch as the fibres have the same stiffness across their entire length. Think pogo stick. Coming from badger hair brushes, that took some getting used to (and, again, some cleaning the floor from specks of lather). Other than that, backbone is just different, and not, I think, in an unpleasant way.
3. Maintenance is really easy. When all else fails, put the entire brush in the dishwasher.
4. Ability to lather is phenomenal. I am not a fan of superlatives, and preserve them for when they are indeed needed. This is such a case. Lathering with this brush (and other synthetics I have tried) is actually easier and more efficient than with even my best badger hair brushes.
5. Price is a joke. Given the above, that is a no-brainer. Performance, maintenance - they are as good as my best badger hair brushes, and certainly a lot better than lesser natural fibre brushes.
6. Boredom. Well, yes. Obie mentioned this. I find my brush boring. As in "no mess, no fuss, just pure impact." It just keeps doing what it is supposed to do, no matter which soap, or cream, I throw at it. Bowl, or face, lathering, it does not matter. So it is a kind of boredom I find very useful.

I hope this helps. Given the purchasing prices if you order bulk from China, these brushes should be in the 10-20 USD range, but unfortunately aren't. Nevertheless, 40 USD compared to 140 USD (or more) for a decent badger hair brush... Well, unless money is no issue, the choice should be simple enough.

Had my first shave last night with my RazoRock Bruce brush.
Very nice piece of kit. May be my new favorite. My $.02. Ken

I've been doing a bit of research on synthetic brushes as of late and just acquired my first, a 24mm Whipped Dog in a tall handle, last week. At this point I'm still learning how to build a great lather with this new piece of equipment. The quality of the lather I'm getting is very nice but the quantity is certainly less than I get with my old AoS "genuine badger" brush. I have plenty of lather for two or three passes but I have not yet learned to build a great lather in great quantity. To be clear, I don't consider this a problem, merely an example of how my own skills need to evolve.

I've developed quite an interest in the different synthetic knots and I have two more on the way, both in 24mm, a Game Changer and a Sunrise knot. I intend to purchase a Tuxedo and an Ubersoft 2 knot and work up a review. To this end I'm trying to order everything in 24mm and mount them in similar handles to keep the variability to a minimum as I investigate how each of these knots perform and feel. Once I'm able to play with each of these knots I'll be sure to pass along my thoughts on each.

Originally Posted by GreenRipper

I've been doing a bit of research on synthetic brushes as of late and just acquired my first, a 24mm Whipped Dog in a tall handle, last week. At this point I'm still learning how to build a great lather with this new piece of equipment. The quality of the lather I'm getting is very nice but the quantity is certainly less than I get with my old AoS "genuine badger" brush. I have plenty of lather for two or three passes but I have not yet learned to build a great lather in great quantity. To be clear, I don't consider this a problem, merely an example of how my own skills need to evolve.

I've developed quite an interest in the different synthetic knots and I have two more on the way, both in 24mm, a Game Changer and a Sunrise knot. I intend to purchase a Tuxedo and an Ubersoft 2 knot and work up a review. To this end I'm trying to order everything in 24mm and mount them in similar handles to keep the variability to a minimum as I investigate how each of these knots perform and feel. Once I'm able to play with each of these knots I'll be sure to pass along my thoughts on each.

Can't wait for the review. Yeah I've used the hulk a few time find is easy to lather just too big. I'm gonna go down to a 24 as well. Want to order the tuxedo, and another plisson style just smaller


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I love my synthetic from Maggard Razors. My wife has one that she uses also. They are excellent at whipping up great lather and have just enough backbone and softness. Only about $12 too.