Thread: Synthetic uberlather - wow

Originally Posted by boesesfleisch

I just read some reviews of new synthetics over on Mantic59's site and thought I would share for those who are interested

Part 1: The New Synthetic Hair Shaving Brushes (Part 1) | Sharpologist
Part 2: The New "Breed" Of Synthetic Hair Shave Brushes (Part 2) | Sharpologist

Thank you for this post. While the new Omega was not among the ones that he tested, it appears that he came to the same conclusion regarding the bowl lathering superiority of the new synthetics over any natural with HIS and Muhle.

My preliminary guess regarding the physics of why the synthetics are better than naturals at lathering appears to be the lateral friction of the sides of the fibers while lathering. You can almost hear it when vigorously whipping the cream. The natural fibers appear to be smoother introducing less air into the mix while lathering. This is only a guess.

Originally Posted by Str8Shooter

With all this new fangled technology they should come up with a new razor also. one that is dosposable. Maybe multi bladed...
cause new, synthetic, and disposable is all the rage.

Paul

DE razors were once "new fangled", as were straight razors at one time.

Synthetic brushes appeal to those who have a sensitivity to using animal products, seek fast-drying brushes, want to save money on purchasing good brushes, want creams and lotions to last twice as long, and like the ease of cleaning with them. They are not to everyone's taste, but ought to be judged on their merits. The fact that they didn't grunt or squeal at one time has nothing to do with their performance as legitimate shaving options.

So what if they're new?

I just couldnt imagine using something that imitated badger - and not holding water /lather is kind of an issue when thats what shaving brushes are supposed to do...

My only experience with a synthetic brush was with the one The Body Shop sells. I was so impressed I gave it to my wife to used for dusting or something. Never had a brush that the lather migrated back onto the handle before. Very annoying when you can't get it onto your face easily as it is not at the tip. It produced lather alright but the experience using it was enough to put me off trying more synthetics. I only hope the others available are better. Nothing against The Body Shop products, I think their Mecca Root shaving cream is pretty darn good, pity their brush is not up to that standard IMHO.

Bob

You could always rub the handle on your face... might be more impressive than the bristle.

You know the tips of the bristles were not too bad, nice and soft, and it produced held lather. Unfortunately as you say you just about had to rub the handle on your face to get the lather off the brush and onto your face. Just totally weird.

Bob

Here are a few pictures for your consideration of the new HIS and Omega synthetic badger brushes.



The HIS is on the left and is a much larger brush knot and handle. Some may prefer the smaller Omega, but if you like a bigger brush then the HIS is your best bet.



Overall, the HIS has softer bristles than the Omega for about the same price.



Here is a DOVO siltertip badger next to the HIS. You can see just how fine the tips of the HIS bristles are compared the silvertip. However, the softness of the silvertip is still preferred over the HIS for face lathering. Both the HIS and Omega are superior to any brush I own for bowl lathering, but if you prefer face lathering then the silvertip is till King in my opinion.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

It's just a matter of time until we have motorized brushes.

I have some 1/8th inch bar stock for making my own dremel attachments... you may see a DIY thread in the future. lol

Before I read this thread I had decided to order an Omega synthetic this coming week just to try it out. I have 8 badgers from Vulfix, Simpson and Omega, but decided to check out what a synthetic is like. The cost is reasonable, so it's not a big loss if I dislike it.

Originally Posted by BobH

My only experience with a synthetic brush was with the one The Body Shop sells. I was so impressed I gave it to my wife to used for dusting or something. Never had a brush that the lather migrated back onto the handle before. Very annoying when you can't get it onto your face easily as it is not at the tip. It produced lather alright but the experience using it was enough to put me off trying more synthetics. I only hope the others available are better. Nothing against The Body Shop products, I think their Mecca Root shaving cream is pretty darn good, pity their brush is not up to that standard IMHO.

Bob

This is an interesting phenomenon. The lather does seem to creep back in the bristles and onto the handle. It is very pronounced with the HIS brush, but much less so with the Omega.