I was about out of Tabac after todays shave, and that is something I just won't tolerate. So I did a little shopping, and in the process this caught my eye. The Omega 10019 synthetic boar brush. Recent postings by oscar11 got me curious about synthetics. (of course this handle doesn't even come close to an oscar11 original.....) So, I splurged and went with the S-Brush. For $10, I figured the risk was minimal. Anybody here have one of these? If so, I would appreciate hearing your opinion.
No. Synthetics do not split (flagging) with shaving use. They can be flagged under production but not through shaving. The fibers are not colored with either white or 3 band tones. I would wonder whether it was a good Gen 2 or very low level Gen 3. Remember the Generations really are a continuum not a either or. See the chart in this thread. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threa...etic-fibers-clarifications.37568/#post-665276
I have several brushes I've restored with synthetics knots from TGN and Whippeddog, the TGN synthetics are far and away my favorite knots.
I was wondering in the past for Omega Synthetics Here it is: http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/omega-s-brush.39127/#post-696794 @Bristle Me - tell us your opinion when you use it.
The only synthetic brush I have is an Omega—an artificial badger, though, not boar. I can't speak for the boar brushes, but I find this synthetic badger to be a poor replica of a real badger. A bit floppy and with scratchy tips. It does a decent job lathering, but it pales compared to a good badger.
@Doryferon I'm anxiously awaiting arrival. Hopefully I can post a first impression this week. @GDCarrington This appears to be the next generation after the Hi Brush. Is there a way to know for sure? @HoosierTrooper Tom, I've got two handles turned and ready for polishing now. You've convinced me to get a TGN synthetic and give it go.
Actually it is either at best a Gen 2 or 3 but from the looks it would be no better than what a HI brush is. Remember don't fall for marketer's product name or designation. The Kent looks like 3 band badger but behaves like a boar. The brush makers for the most part (HIS might be an exception) buy fibers from the major fiber makers who already have these fibers in use for the cosmetic market. This is ar best a creme colored Gen 2 or 3 fiber. Refer to my chart which has been brought up in a recent thread. I am not at my PC so I cannot link the thread. Bottom line synthetic fibers do not come from animals so there is no such thing as a synthetic boar or badger. Marketing Hype.
When you get it in rub it dry against your skin then look at the chart with the description of feeling. That dry test helps in identifying Generation type.
@GDCarrington (it's already in the sink soaking in some hot soapy water) It's hard to believe, but it's here already! Boy, those folks up @ Maggard Razors must have hit the ground running last Saturday morning! What service! When I first took the brush from the package, I was worried. The bristles are pretty fine, much more so than a regular boar brush. And softer too, much softer. I immediately thought, Ughhhh, its going to be a mush mop, as useless as a silvertip badger. I was pretty hang dog right from the get go. But, part of the proof is in the lathering right? So I ran some hot water in the sink, threw the brush in for about 1 minute, then grabbed my bowl with the Arko soap. I plucked the brush from the water and gave it 1 good shake. What happened next was hard to believe... The lather just started billowing out of the bowl, and it didn't stop! As you Arko fans know, that little stick of soap is no slouch in the lather department anyway, but this was just hard to believe! The little brush did not mush out at all! I kept agitating and within 15 seconds or so, I had a sink full of really soapy water to wash this new brush and a new razor in. @HoosierTrooper Tom, I'm beginning to see why you have moved over to the synthetic side. Well, I'm going to let the soap and my new shavette soak for an hour or so, and I plan on making the first shave with the new Omega synthetic brush in the morning. I'm certainly happy with the lather making ability so far, but the brush-on-face test will tell the rest of the story in the morning I guess. I'll be back....
S10019 Well, I've had a couple of shaves using this brush now, and all I can say for sure that it is an odd/confusing little brush. Let me explain. I'm used to using the big Omega boar brushes. The 48, 49, and 98 mostly, and I just love 'em. The 019 is my first synthetic, and I didn't know what to expect. My first few test lathers with the brush were nothing short of amazing. This thing scrubs up soap and makes lather in the bowl like there is no tomorrow. But the first shave on Tuesday morning left me shaking my head. The brush is not at all like any boar brush I've ever used, and like no badger either. It's soft, (really, really soft) and sort of springy/spongy. I like to scratch up a good amount of soap, and press a bit on the brush to make it splay out slightly. Both in the bowl, and on my face. Well, the little synthetic just won't work like that, it won't splay. Rather, it sort of bends and bows out in the middle and the tips stay close together. It does a fair job of applying the lather, but you have to put it on like you are applying paint or something. If you find yourself "painting" on your lather, and just using the tip of the brush to do that, you may like this brush. I have to say though, I don't. At least, not so far. But I'm not giving up yet. I told myself I was going to try this brush 2-3 times with Arko, Cella, Ogallala Bay Rum, VDH, and MWF to see how it worked with different soaps. So, I'm going to stick to that. When I get a bit further down the soap list, I'll post again.
I found the same thing with the pur-tech, on whipped dog. it's very soft, pillowy. I find myself wanting to use it with creams more than soaps.I find it's s very different creature.
Do you mean to say you have synthetic animals? Oh, we're talking about brushes? (sorry, couldn't resist - we tend to get way to serious).
Mike from what you are describing it does sound like an early Generation 3 synthetic in terms of fibers. The fibers will not split like a natural boar and splaying will be a factor of density and thickness of fiber. Synthetic brushes can be made to splay, but you will have to use a little more compression to the skin and use stronger circular motions. Do not treat it like a natural brush because it is not. Push down and don't be afraid to use the sides of the fibers as well to lather. Keep at it and realize your technique will change some to optimize the results and know that this is one is not the only synthetic fiber type available.
