Are Synthetic Brushes the Way of the Future?

Wait this thread got me thinking, is there a fan shaped synthetic know available these days?

The Ubersoft II knot is a fan hybrid shape. Closest to a fan that I've seen.

Like gwsmallwood I was holding out for a fan-shaped knot. Now that they exist, I really need to try one. I like my synthetic and, in theory, it's superior to my badgers and boars in every way. In practice, however, well, I really don't know what my problem is except that, like they would say in the backwoods of Missouri, it just ain't natural.

It's the soullessness... It's great, but there's no life in that knot

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Nor has its donor been killed.

OK, I know nothing about synthetics other than the original Plisson sold by L'Occitane. So currently what is the best synthetic brush that is not a Chubby. I understand they don't bloom so, for example, 24 mm stays at 24.

So which one would you buy?

Another vote for the Plissoft. Can't go wrong with the 24 or 26, just choose your handle!

Thanks Jerry, it's settled. Ubersoft II is in my must acquire list.

Wait this thread got me thinking, is there a fan shaped synthetic know available these days?

Satin tip is fan shaped i think. It's certainly not bulb snapped like my Plissoft brushes. It could be hybrid though as I don't know what a fan shap looks like besides it.

I have been intrigued by those Muhle STF brushes, but not enough to buy one.

They are fine brushes, but you aren't missing very much, in my opinion.

I have been intrigued by those Muhle STF brushes, but not enough to buy one.

They are fine brushes, but you aren't missing very much, in my opinion.

Phew! Thank you for knocking something off my to-try list. It's too long for its own good

Phew! Thank you for knocking something off my to-try list. It's too long for its own good

This is a very subjective opinion, so if you ever get the opportunity to try one, you may want to to determine this for yourself.

OK, I know nothing about synthetics other than the original Plisson sold by L'Occitane. So currently what is the best synthetic brush that is not a Chubby. I understand they don't bloom so, for example, 24 mm stays at 24.

So which one would you buy?

grim depends on what you're looking for but a couple of immediate choices:

1. 24mm razorock Plissoft. Great face feel but still plenty of backbone
2. 24mm DeLuxeShaving Retro; VERY luxurious while still being effective

Hard to narrow it down as with anything but those are a couple with low cost of entry, great value and I would guess you'd be pleased with either. Or both

I think it's very hard to beat something from razorock, stirling or maggards in terms of quality for the price.

I agree. Check out the Razorock, Maggard, and Stirling offerings. They are all at the right price point. If you decide you like synths after trying one, then you can consider something at a higher price point if you want.

Pick the knot size you think you'll like, and then go with the handle you like best. Or, if you happen to be particularly loyal to one of the 3 vendors above, go there and pick the brush that looks best to you. If you're unsure about the knot, my vote is 24mm for face lathering, 26mm if you happen to be a head shaver or tend to like larger knots in general. For bowl lathering, many people like the bigger 26mm knots, but the 24mm knots work just as well. If you keep any facial hair, then you might prefer a smaller 22mm knot, but otherwise they've always felt just a bit too small to me.

The Ubersoft II knot is a fan hybrid shape. Closest to a fan that I've seen.

Thanks Jerry, it's settled. Ubersoft II is in my must acquire list.

Satin tip is fan shaped i think. It's certainly not bulb snapped like my Plissoft brushes. It could be hybrid though as I don't know what a fan shap looks like besides it.

The ubersoft knots are more of a synthetic boar. They have a lot more backbone than the Plisson-style knots. The Satin Tip is a slightly older generation fiber, so it still has some of the springiness that was common in brushes like the Omega S brush.

I haven't yet seen a Plisson-Style fauxmere knot in anything other than bulb shape.