How much am I missing if I only use synthetics?

You can get a decent semogue boar for $20 so you’re not looking at a major expenditure. As far as smell and break in, the Semogues aren’t too bad. I’m breaking in an Omega 10098 right now and it’s more of an issue. Stinks to high heaven although the softening of the bristles is going well. The smell is unusual compared to other boats I’ve broken in. I think it ma be related to the treatment Omega does to that particular knot.  The owner of Heritage Brushes mentioned it in the Lather Talk podcast. The treatment, which he gave little details about, results in gelled tips and it’s why he uses that knot in his brushes. Still, what a stink. 

The thing about badger is you can spend a lot of money before you figure out what kind of knot you like. There is far more variability in badger knots I’ve used than in either boar or synthetic. I don’t mean random variability but customizeable variables like bristle type, lift, density, diameter etc.  

Have fun

Certain synthetics perform really well but you'll be missing out if you never experienced the luxury of a quality two band Badger knot.

Certain synthetics perform really well but you'll be missing out if you never experienced the luxury of a quality two band Badger knot.

Nowadays im a 95% synthetics guys (have 2 savile
Row badgers but seem the knots are damaged on them now). I also used to own a chubby 2 super and it was so bad, i sold it within 3 weeks (insane lather hog)

For that reason, i wanted to give badger another real chance, this time snatching a M&F ebonite 2xl from the latest brad sears drop. I will receive it tomorrow and hope it reignites my badger passion again. It not, it will be a costly impulse buy (cost me $305 usd)

If it does, i admit it will be a full rabbit hole. Cause it will make me buy one from each of the “top ones” i see mentioned often, like declaration grooming and paladin and shavemac 2 band.

Lets see. Im cautiously hopefull. I do love luxury products but they need to perform as well.