While it is the most badger like of the synthetics, I can still tell I am using a synthetic brush. They come up for sale on the BST sections often so you might want to keep an eye out on the various forums.
It's the only synth I've tried of about 10 over the last three years or so that I don't wind up slinging lather all about my shave den. Used it again just now, and it's a welcome addition to my brush line up. So glad it was recommended here!
I heard a guy say that it is badger like, but not very Chubby like. He too said it was his favorite synth, but he had some natural badger Chubbies that he preferred. I really love my best badger CH2 and I am going to keep my eyes open for good deals on CH2 synths.
"He among you who hath no synth, let him cast the first stone.." -John 8:7 (NSV- New Shaving Version)
Forgive me Badger, for I have synth'd...It has been three shaves since my last natural bristle lather...
I have a bunch of fine badger brushes and I rarely pull one out as I usually opt for a boar bristle brush (Omega, Semogue, Stirling, etc.). Badger brushes just don't have enough backbone to suit me while I'm soaping the brush or even building the lather. I could've saved a small fortune had I been onto that from the getgo. Synthetic brushes? Feh, not for me.
You would probably like them better if you traveled as much as I do ... they make great travel brushes. By the time I come back in my hotel room after breakfast, it's already dry enough to pack. To be fair, I flick the knot against a towel a few times after my shave, to remove excess water.
I'm on the list now and stressing out on which knot to get. I have a Merkur silvertip and a semouge that I love. Hate to blow my spot on a synthetic in case I don't like it. Sent from my S8+ using Tapatalk
Well that does make sense. To be honest I haven't tried the newer incarnations of synthetics, but now you have me interested.
They definitely are worth a try, if you haven't used one in the last couple/few years. Especially when you can get them from Maggards, Stirling, Italian Barber for $10-15. My only recommendation would be NOT to try an Omaga S-Brush for your first. They are commonly bought by users new to synthetics because of the brand name, and their supposed similarity to boar bristle. While they are fine in their own right, in my opinion they bear zero resemblance to boar, and do not represent the more modern generations of synthetic.
I wouldn't put one in there yet, if you don't even know if it's for you. Too many really good affordable badger knots out there. Try a couple of plain jane synths first. See if you like them. Some end up not.
There aren't really any if you ask me. But, synthetics seem to load soap differently, so there really isn't a fair apples to apples comparison. Any of them, from the highest lofted Plisson type, to a Simpson Chubby will eat up your soap. They are just a different animal.