The following is a continuation and performance review of a H.I.S. synthetic brush knot which was taken from its original handle as seen in the thread below. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/chopping-a-h-i-s-synthetic-brush-down-to-size.30026/ As discussed earlier, the H.I.S. brush as originally equipped is a very large synthetic brush. The handle is large at a whopping 64 mm in length! It has a 28 mm knot size with a total loft of 60 mm! The maximum bloom is around 55 mm which is smaller than an equivalent sized badger knot. The overall length is 124 mm! For this new prototype version I was looking for a handle that would be able to easily fit in the palm of my hand and be able to reduce the overall brush length well below 110 mm. For the prototype handle I again went to a larger MEM product bottle cap similar to the one shown in this thread. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/bottle-cap-brush-project.29850/ The overall length of this new handle was 46 mm and the final width of the bore was 32 mm. I chose these measurements so that the handle would be easy to hold while face lathering while the knot "bloom" configuration would be unaffected by the change of handle. This would allow all things to be equal with the original H.I.S. with the exception of handle height and loft. Given the parameters of the short wooden handle I was able to place a small amount of ballast inside for weight and made some adjustments in the knot plug to finally get the finished loft to 54 mm. That was as low as I could make the loft and have that short of a handle combination. With that I present the "Reduced H.I.S." Here are two side by side comparisons to the original brush configuration. As you can see the fan pattern remains the same just the height is far less. The overall brush height for the "Reduced H.I.S." is 100 mm. So now to the testing of the prototype. The first day of testing was a face lathering test using Wilkinson Sword shave stick. My preparation was the usual warm shower and moistened face and head. I rubbed the wet shave stick over my moisten face (not on the head) and dunked the brush in warm water and shook it off twice and went to work lathering. Within a few seconds the brush was full of lather and so I shaved on my first face pass and then took the brush and lathered my head and made a head pass. There was more than enough lather left for a second face pass. Although I never had an issue face lathering with the H.I.S. brush in the original configuration, the short handle made it far easier to maneuver around the face and head. The fibers were still soft as before with a moderate increase in backbone due to the shortened effective loft. This brought the brush more in line with the Muhle 35 K 252 25 mm as far as maneuverability is concerned. The second day of testing used the same method just substituting Palmolive shave stick and the third day using Erasmic shave stick. The Palmolive lathered at the same level as the Wilkinson Sword while the Erasmic had a little less lather but was able to perform two face passes and a head pass. For the next trial, I decided that I would generate a bowl lather based on Williams soap as currently manufactured for the United States market. I whipped up some lather in the mug and it was easily able to create a large amount of lather. Here are pictures of the results. My conclusion was that the reduction of the handle brought the greatest level of results to the maneuverability while the loft reduction without crimping the fan brought a moderate increase in backbone of the knot. Overall I prefer this setup to the original handle and knot length. However, those individuals with repetitive motion injuries to the hands (i.e. carpal tunnel, etc.) may prefer the size of the original handle. The results were that this setup allows for a brush that can both bowl lather and face lather with equal and strong capability. The tips are as soft as the original so if you are looking for exfoliation, seek something else because this is still the softest tips on any brush that I have ever used. The modifications improved this product to a level where more users would have an interest in obtaining a synthetic. Given the price structure of the current H.I.S. model this brush could be produced at a very attractive price as well. I see a great potential in synthetic brushes if they are developed on their own merits and strengths instead of trying to totally mimic natural brushes. This prototype proves to me the merit of this knot in a shorter shaving specific style handle. The modification was my own work without any input from the manufacturer. If you would like make a suggestion to the manufacturer or the distributor about producing this 28 mm synthetic knot in a more traditional size and style handle, here are the email addresses for each. Artist Brushstrokes: lpierrejr@artistbrushstrokes.com FM Brush: info@fmbrush.com Again, to all, thank you taking time to review these matters.
I have the H I S brush that I bought after reading your review of it! This is a fantastic brush and I have been using it almost exclusively. The one thing that I also immediatly noticed that I would have changed about the brush would be to shorten the handle. I really like what you have done here and if they ever offer one like it I will buy it! If not I may have to learn how to do it myself. Looks like you have made a really awsome brush!
Well the detailed instructions on how to work the knot out of the original handle are included on the first attached thread which is listed below. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/chopping-a-h-i-s-synthetic-brush-down-to-size.30026/
That is one of the ugliest handles I've ever seen. On the other hand, the original handle wasn't a prize winner either. (and I have the exact same brush) The important thing is the performance and feel, and it sounds as if you've figured out how to improve both. I wonder if this thread will cause some changes to be made to the manufacturing process.
Looks like maybe, the ultimate travel brush... I have used a travel brush so much traveling that I just use it aswell when I'm home....It's what I'm used to and comfortable with....And this looks like a winner to me, what a great idea....But Gary's creative output no longer surprises me....He's one of the chosen, who sets the bar in that Dept....
Well, the handle is merely a prototype to prove a point. I was more worried about dimensions and performance than looks on this one. As I have stated, you have to make your wishes known to FM Brush and Artist Brushstrokes because this proves my point about the knot and the handle size.
