Thread: Synthetics

What are some of the best synthetic brushes out there currently? I searched and most information I found seems to be old info. Currently using a SRD silvertip and a WD silvertip. Cant figure out what synthetic to go for.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I love my Muhle STF (Silver Tip Fibre) brush. So much that I seldom break out a badger any more!

I have a few synthetic knots and found I like a synthetic knot to have twice the loft of the knot size, same as for a 2 band badger knot. I have a Muhle STF XL knot and had it reset to a 54mm loft which, for me, improved the feel of the knot. Hard to say what is the "best" synthetic out there because they all feel a bit different depending on how they are lofted and packed. It really depends on how you want the knot to feel like in use. Case in point being a Plisson synthetic that I have. It works just fine but I don't like the floppy feel of it.

Be aware that if you do try a synthetic that they require a different lathering technique compared to badger or boar knots as they do not retain water well. It takes some adjusting to this peculiarity in the beginning.

Bob

Originally Posted by Rdefreitas

What are some of the best synthetic brushes out there currently? I searched and most information I found seems to be old info. Currently using a SRD silvertip and a WD silvertip. Cant figure out what synthetic to go for.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Currently there is an abundance of synthetic shaving brushes, and I have used a number of them. Unfortunately, synthetic brushes bore me quickly and I begin craving the silvertip badger.

Of the ones I have used, Plisson is still king. I know there are quite a few Plisson clones with almost the same knot feel, and at a far lower price, but still, none matches the overall quality of the Plisson and the way it feels in the hands.

The Simpson synthetic Chubby was too stiff for me. The Muhle synthetics were a wee bit scratchy for me. The Plisson and the Edwin Jagger XL have lasted the longest in my humble shave den, although I find myself using the Edwin Jagger less and less.

If I were to recommend one over all the others that I have used, I would still go with the Plisson synthetic.

I also like the Mühle XL and the Edwin Jagger XL knots. I'm not a Plisson or Plisson clone fan--they are just too small and don't seem to hold lather very well. Lately, I've been ordering the Ubersoft 2 knots in 26 or 28mm and gluing them into a custom handle. The Ubersoft 2 seems to be the closest to badger knots.

I have a Fuller synth that works very well with shave sticks like Speick, Arko, Vie-Long. It brings the lather up quickly.

For travel I use a Satin Tip-The Purest. They are sold by the Grimm guys, on several of their websites. Every once in awhile, you can catch them on sale for $9.95. They are super, super soft. Too soft, actually. So much, I have removed and reset a little deeper to give it a bit more backbone.

I like the softness, with some backbone since I face lather. Lately been lathering right on the soap in the mug than lathering a bit more on face. I'm looking for something don't have to soak can get a quick lather going.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by AcesandEights

For travel I use a Satin Tip-The Purest. They are sold by the Grimm guys, on several of their websites. Every once in awhile, you can catch them on sale for $9.95. They are super, super soft. Too soft, actually. So much, I have removed and reset a little deeper to give it a bit more backbone.

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


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Rdefreitas

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

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have this brush and use it for travel only in its own cardboard tube. The brush has a silky smooth handle and a small and pleasant knot. I bought it on sale for a small price. From I can tell, the quality is good. The question is this: how long will this brush last?