I am looking for a good synthetic brush. This is my first time using a shaving brush. All feedback is welcome. Hope someone can help.
Here are a couple of good threads to read that address the subject. There are a lot of good synthetics out there, but why did you pick synthetic instead of badger, boar or horse? One of the main questions to answer is how much you want to spend on the brush. The recommendations will depend a lot on price range. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/the-brush-basic-information-everyone-should-know.29125/ http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/boar-and-synthetic-advice.32085/
I am vegan and don't want to use the animal hair. If it is a good brush and will last long I will pay $50-$60 price range.
From what I've read, the Muhle 33 K256 is an excellent brush, but is about $82 http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/muhle33k256.html I've got an Omega synthetic I like, and shoeboxshaveshop has several different models http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/syntex-shaving-brushs.html GDCarrington may respond to this thread, he's got a lot of great brush advice and recommendations.
Well, here are some offerings in that price range. 1. Vintage Shave 24 mm. http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/product.php?productid=1467&cat=240&page=1 2. Omega Syntex 26 mm http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/omega-46151--top-of-the-line-syntex-shaving-46151.html This is a larger brush than the 24 mm above even though the picture is smaller. 3. Muhle K39256 19 mm (Small Brush) http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/mu39sfi.html Notice that each is under $60 and that I gave you three great vendors. Vintage Blades ShoeBox Bullgoose If you want a quick delivery of a solid brush, the three vendors I chose have a size and/or type selection as well. Good fortune on your choice.
Gary has more experience with synthetics than I do but I will tell you I'm a fan. I've have the Muhle and original 28mm H.I.S. and am very pleased with both. I do use badger and feel these brushes compare very favorably. I just received a TGN synthetic knot and my first impression is very good but I haven't shaved with it yet. One word of caution, there are some excellent synthetics out there but also a few clinkers.
I love synthetic brushes, they are some of the softest knots I have ever used. My synthetic brush is softer then my badger that has 7months of break in time. The lather seems to be a little more rich as well.
The fibers have gotten much better in the last couple years. As long as you get a newer one, odds are it'll be pretty good -very good. Do you remember the maker of the brush you ordered by any chance?
Nothing wrong with that. It's good to start cheap, I'm assuming your just getting started since your a new member. Cheap doesn't necessarily mean poor quality, you'd be surprised that you can get some really great Omega boar brushes for like 9 dollars and great Silver Tip badges from whipped dog for around $30.
Taking it slow.....if I like the wetshave I'll invest in a nice razor and better brush. I didn't want to splurge and end up changing my mind, but from what I hear everyone who tries it never goes back to the goo
Next time you're in Manhattan go to Pasteurs pharmacy. They have 2 locations. One on 34th St. between Madison and Park Ave. And one on Lexington and 62nd or 63rd. I usually go to the one on 34th. It's a little bigger. The place is Mecca for wet shavers. They have everything you can imagine. You can pick up a great Edwin Jagger DE89 for under $40.
I may be mistaken, but I think you will find this "faux badger bristle" is actually a very cheap boar brush, died to somewhat resemble badger. Let us know.
One of my favourite brushes is a Kent Indinity Silvertex. This is a modern synthetic brush with a very smooth feel but enough backbone for soaps as well as creams. About £12 in UK, don't know about US though.
i use a HIS synthetic when my shaving soap tub is a deep tub.....i use a Muehle synthetic when the container is shallow. i do prefer the muhle though
