(02-09-2021, 01:51 AM)Ok Zhang Doe Wrote:(01-19-2021, 07:36 AM)zaclikestoshave Wrote: Does anyone know what the dyeing of the bristle will do? I am not sure of why they offer it.
I believe it is purely aesthetic. The vast majority are bleached (the white ones) or bleached and then dyed (to mimic badger appearance). Rarely you'll see undyed ones, which look kind of brown. I like the white ones, though my latest purchase of a Semogue C3 IT was the banded just because that was the only one offered.
I have read on other forums people speculating that this bleaching (not sure about the dying) may weaken the bristles, which in turn has an impact backbone / floppiness. Seems logical, but not sure in practice.
I agree that the extra handling and/or treating of the bristles makes them a little weaker and brittle. All of the dyed knots I have display a little more bristle loss than the undyed ones snd they also break off fragments. Not a lot but it’s there. I also noticed some discolouration in the soaking water for a few shaves with the dyed Galahad I haven’t seen that before. That said, my well broken in 1305 knot is wonderful. I would like to try a Zenith as well.