Synthetic Brushes-What if I’ve been doing it wrong?

I have found that the Omega S works well if I apply what I would consider to be excessive pressure while loading and building the lather.  I'd never apply that kind of pressure on a badger or a boar.  I'll take a look at some of those WCS synthetics for sure, thanks for the tips.

I have found that the Omega S works well if I apply what I would consider to be excessive pressure while loading and building the lather.  I'd never apply that kind of pressure on a badger or a boar.  I'll take a look at some of those WCS synthetics for sure, thanks for the tips.

Mark, I’m a fan of Stirling’s synthetics.  Rod has a nice selection of knot sizes and handle shapes and all are competitively priced.

Mark, I’m a fan of Stirling’s synthetics.  Rod has a nice selection of knot sizes and handle shapes and all are competitively priced.

I would add a caveat that their Tuxedo style (black/white) is better than the older gen. Plissoft style knots.

Mark, I’m a fan of Stirling’s synthetics.  Rod has a nice selection of knot sizes and handle shapes and all are competitively priced.

I would add a caveat that their Tuxedo style (black/white) is better than the older gen. Plissoft style knots.

Are the Stirling Tuxedo style similar to the Maggard black/white synthetic knots?

Mark, I’m a fan of Stirling’s synthetics.  Rod has a nice selection of knot sizes and handle shapes and all are competitively priced.

I would add a caveat that their Tuxedo style (black/white) is better than the older gen. Plissoft style knots.

Are the Stirling Tuxedo style similar to the Maggard black/white synthetic knots?

I think it's probably the same knot. I like and use my Stirling Tuxedo alot, and it has a nice handle. It's a great brush for soaps, or creams.

Clayton


Sent from my SM-A705U using Tapatalk

It's not you, it's the crappy Omega synthetic. YaQi has buried the competition. Try a Cashmere and/or a Mew Brown sold at WCS. You will offer me your daughter's hand in marriage in gratitude most likely. 

Is the Mew Brown the same as the APShaveCo synbad knot?

Essentially, yes although there may be minor differences.

Thank you.

I would add a caveat that their Tuxedo style (black/white) is better than the older gen. Plissoft style knots.

Are the Stirling Tuxedo style similar to the Maggard black/white synthetic knots?

I think it's probably the same knot. I like and use my Stirling Tuxedo alot, and it has a nice handle. It's a great brush for soaps, or creams.

Clayton


Sent from my SM-A705U using Tapatalk

Ok, thanks. I have a Maggards black and white synthetic and i just never got into it and never really enjoyed using it. I get that everyone is different and we all have our own preferences, i just never understood all the love for the synthetic brushes. Maybe i just haven't tried the right one yet. I get that the cost and easy care are a big positive, they just dont do it for me.  I normally face lather and much prefer one of my badger or boar brushes over a synth.

Marko, I hope you continue to enjoy the synthetic path, at least from time to time.

I would recommend trying an Edwin Jagger or Mühle Silvertip Fibre at some point. Those have some “high tech” fibers developed by Mühle, and come close to badger hair in some ways. (Though obviously the real thing is still the real thing.) My only slight criticism toward my Mühle Silvertip Fibre XL is that the loft could be a little lower. I wish Mühle would sell their knots separately.

The Silvertip Fibre knots have the slightest bit of “scrub”. If you want to go for a super plush experience, your countryman at AP Shave Co. has you covered with their silky knots. Their larger knots (28–30 mm) are especially good.

Marko, I hope you continue to enjoy the synthetic path, at least from time to time.

I would recommend trying an Edwin Jagger or Mühle Silvertip Fibre at some point. Those have some “high tech” fibers developed by Mühle, and come close to badger hair in some ways. (Though obviously the real thing is still the real thing.) My only slight criticism toward my Mühle Silvertip Fibre XL is that the loft could be a little lower. I wish Mühle would sell their knots separately.

The Silvertip Fibre knots have the slightest bit of “scrub”. If you want to go for a super plush experience, your countryman at AP Shave Co. has you covered with their silky knots. Their larger knots (28–30 mm) are especially good.

Thanks for the tips Matsilainen  and while I doubt I'll become a convert, I'll for sure give the modern synthetics a fair shot.  I did order a Yaqui cashmere brush from WCS.  I'll post how that turns out.

I have only one synthetic but it only makes an appearance when traveling due to ease of use, quick dry time, and minuscule cost and heartache if broken or lost. The fibers are insanely soft. I think I just prefer the splay characteristics and feel of a badger. My synthetic also has a distinct feel that no matter how hard I splay it it is trying just as hard to rebound. Just a different feel. It’s a lather machine though I can say that.