The Clear Handled H.I.S. Up Close And Personal

Good to know, thanks for trying it out. Sounds like it was a little thicker than even I like it if it was that hard to rinse off. Now to just wait for a handle that I like better!

 

Great write up, as usual, Gary. Just can't say I'm keen on the clear handle. But that's me.

 

I'm enjoying your through and great reviews about synthetic brushes. I definitely think one should be in my den.

 

Basic Black Tie is there for you Steve!

 

The company that makes these thinks so.

Really it is a great brush and dollar for dollar the best performing brush bar none in my opinion because you don't have to give it special treatment (too hot water, or too much pressure, break in or ...). Just use it and enjoy!

 

Now that one doesn't look too bad.

 

I will bring up the issue with handles and other details with the company in due time. Remember this is their second provision into the shaving brush arena from their area of expertise which is artist brushes and ladies cosmetic brushes.

If you think the world of Traditional Shaving is high dollar, well take a back seat to the ladies who have a market thousands of times larger in sales and total costs than Traditional Shavers generate. Some of their brushes are made with various hair types including Badger, but many are made with KolinskySable which is quite expensive.

While doing research on synthetic and natural fibers, I ran across this site that allows us to see the additional fibers used in the cosmetic industry.

http://www.urbanapothecary.com/Tools/t_professionalmakeupbrushes2.htm

 

As you saw from my images, I am not a big fan of super dense lather. One thing I have found that works when face shaving with the bigger synthetics is to have a little water handy and start to lather then light dip the end of the brush into the water and then start to lather again (don't shake). That worked well with the Palmolive stick without getting all wet by dunking the handle aggressively into water and starting with too much liquid. I use this method with my badger brushes as well when face lathering.

 

Just a FYI, a dense lather can be great if hydrated properly or completely worthless if too dry. If its sticking to your razor & not rinsing easily then you're under-hydrated.

 

That is why I had this statement in, "an extremely dense lather with the H.I.S. brush. Much denser than I normally make... clumps in the sink when quick rinsing the razor. The clumps would not leave the bottom of the sink until they were rinsed long enough with warm water."

Now it was still very moist, just extra, extra thick without any air in it due to additional whipping in the mug. It was much thicker than I like it. I like my lather at the consistency of slightly runny yogurt so that I can finish my lather on the face to work in more hydration.

The clumps left my razor easily when contacted by water, but would not break up quickly at the drain without some more water. Normally my lather is no where near a slick semi-solid consistency, does not clump, and goes down the drain with minimal effort.

 

Today I went back to my normal lather of the consistency of slightly runny yogurt and finished my lather on my face for each pass.
Wonderful shave and enough lather for three face passes plus a head pass with extra left over.

 

Thanks, I just ordered another Brush. Just what I needed.. I find the Frank's Synth a really good brush. If this one is equal or better, I'm sure I'll be very happy. Me and my other 30 or so brushes.....Thanks your an Enabler .....

 

Every little bit helps!

 

Thanks for the great review Gary, very helpful and insightful. I am a sucker for clear handles, and being synthetic is a big plus for me.

 

PLANofMAN PM sent.

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