Thread: My Modest Synthetic Brush Lineup

Gentlemen,

Forum mentor Phrank had asked about my synthetic brush lineup and the characteristic of the knots. Here are some thoughts on them. From left to right:

1. Doug Korn custom 25mm Ubersoft. This is a relatively dense knot with medium backbone. The tips are soft, although not the softest in the group. It's a handsome brush, but not my favorite.

2. RazoRock Synthetic Silvertip. I think it's a 25 or 26mm knot. It has some backbone, with lovely splay. The tips are silky soft and the knot luscious. The only thing I don't like about this brush is the handle, and am thinking of having the knot placed in a custom handle.

3. Envy Shave 24mm Black Wolf knot is pure pleasure. Not much backbone in this brush, but the brush splays beautifully. The brush is a joy to use. I love the handle size, shape and color combination. You could say the brush is the smaller version of Envy Shave's 8 Ball. Love this brush.

4. Vladimir Ferdman custom 26mm BOSS. The handle on this brush is gorgeous and it fits my hands perfectly. Actually, I chose the color combination and it's quite striking. I don't care for the BOSS knot, however, as I find it a wee bit "scritchy." Some backbone combined with plenty of splay would be perfect for me had the knot been, say, Tuxedo instead.

5. Doug Korn custom 24mm Tuxedo. This is a beautiful brush. I love the color combination in the handle, and the shape. The brush has good backbone and works quite well with hard soaps or soft creams. Soft and sweet tips. It is one of my favorites, and a keeper.

6. The best for last. This is the Wholf Whiskers 26mm Black Wolf bulb shaped knot. The handle is called Bishop. This is about as perfect a synthetic brush I have found. Good backbone combined with a plush knot and silky soft tips make it my favorite. That my wife chose the color scheme in the handle makes the brush extra special.

For years I used silvertip badgers. I still think the Wiborg is the best overall shave brush made. The Thater isn't far behind. I also like the shavemac and the Simpson brushes. Vulfix, Kent and Rooney are also sweet brushes. Yet, all are gone from my lineup — for now.