SilkSmoke Synthetic

It appears there is a new synthetic "grade" on the market that purports to bridge the gap between the silky softness of the Cashmere type knot with the "backbone" of the Tuxedo. It's named SilkSmoke and being sold by AP Shave. I will go on record as stating that the best synthetic I have used is the "quarter moon" Tuxedo style as its fan shaped head is perfect for face lathering. I did a SxS test with it against a regular bulbous Tuxedo from Maggard and the fan shaped knot is better.....for face lathering. For people who do not then there is no gain IMO. YMMV. I sure hope there are plans to make this new knot in a fan shape.    As well, the color matches my hair.    




https://www.apshaveco.com/listing/588075...xtra-dense

BP Man I agree with you on the quarter moon (mine is from TurnNShave) - it creates tons of lather. I did go ahead and order the SilkSmoke from AP Shave Co. because I liked the description. They describe it as a cross between a Cashmere and a Tuxedo knot. Sure sounds interesting to to me and looks great IMO.

Whipped Dog is selling one as well:


http://www.whippeddog.com/products/view/...hetic-knot


I look forward to your comparison between the AP Shave SilkSmoke knot & your Turn 'N Shave "quarter moon" Tuxedo one.

It looks cool. Curious to see how they vary from the B&W Maggard knots. I have the 30mm synthetic and the knot is perhaps a bit too big,( should have gone wit a size smaller) but they feel much different than their original synthetic knots.

BP Man  I agree with you on the quarter moon (mine is from TurnNShave) - it creates tons of lather.  I did go ahead and order the SilkSmoke from AP Shave Co.  because I liked the description.  They describe it as a cross between a Cashmere and a Tuxedo knot.  Sure sounds interesting to to me and looks great IMO.

This is exactly what got to me.  I have two coming from AP Shave and they are in the mail now.  One is for a friend, the other for me.  My friend is going to reknot a brush each for us and I'm really looking forward to it.

I, too, agree about the quarter moon from TurnNShave.  I have one and I enjoy the way it lathers and feels on my face.

I am just amazed at how far synthetics have come along in such a relatively short time.  Only five or six years ago, just before their breakout, synthetics were getting almost universally panned and there were some good reasons for the bad reviews.  For me, that is just not the case anymore.  I still enjoy my badgers, boars, and horsehairs but I find that I reach for one of my synthetics more often than I do the others.

...I am just amazed at how far synthetics have come along in such a relatively short time.  Only five or six years ago, just before their breakout, synthetics were getting almost universally panned and there were some good reasons for the bad reviews.  For me, that is just not the case anymore.  I still enjoy my badgers, boars, and horsehairs but I find that I reach for one of my synthetics more often than I do the others.

Ain't that the truth!! I have a couple Mühle synthetics from 2014 that are practically considered Stone Age today!!

All these new synthetic designs and yet I can't seem to find a true Plisson replica. It seems everyone wants backbone, which to me is not really necessary with synthetics. I suppose I'll have to break down and buy another Plisson some day. I have long regretted selling my old one. The closest thing I have found to it is the Stirling Kong, but that's too large for some of my soaps.

Regardless of the above, I'll probably try one of these new knots. I do enjoy various types of synthetics but wish there were more Plisson-like offerings is all.

It seems everyone wants backbone, which to me is not really necessary with synthetics. I suppose I'll have to break down and buy another Plisson some day. I have long regretted selling my old one.

Finally someone who shares my opinion!

I call this 'backbone' fakebone - resistance NOT due to density and fiber but due to those humongous glue bumps.

I for one neglected original plissons for a long time; I thought why pay 60 when I can get the 'same' for 10. Then I picked up one (and another soon), and I absolutely adore them.

All these new synthetic designs and yet I can't seem to find a true Plisson replica. It seems everyone wants backbone, which to me is not really necessary with synthetics.

I for one neglected original plissons for a long time; I thought why pay 60 when I can get the 'same' for 10. Then I picked up one (and another soon), and I absolutely adore them.

C’mon guys, now I have to buy a Plisson, too?

I enjoy a bit of variety, but it’s true that the trend as of late in synthetics has been to increase backbone. There are those manufacturers who do actually add density to their knots (by stuffing more fibers into them), but the easier and cheaper way is to either play with the loft or utilize a glue bump.

Having never tried a real Plisson, there are still some knots on the market that I believe mimic its properties. RazoRock has the Plissoft, which I understand is similar. Stirling has a few synthetics that aren’t as big as the Kong, but I’m not sure if the knot is the same kind. I just got my first BOSS knot, and am really enjoying it. Very soft, some backbone, yet easy to splay.

The AP knots are great too (Cashmere being my favorite, tuxedo is great as well). I will probably pick up the silk smoke soon.

So many brushes, too little space.