Thread: The Synthetic Brush Shootout

Originally Posted by GreenRipper

I believe the brush is one sold by APShaveCo with one of their Tuxedo knots. If I'm right then you're in for a lovely shave once it arrives!

That's right. I couldn't remember the name of the maker when I posted but knew they were from Ottawa. Am really looking forward to getting it.

Originally Posted by GreenRipper

I believe the brush is one sold by APShaveCo with one of their Tuxedo knots. If I'm right then you're in for a lovely shave once it arrives!

Right you are. It is the Tuxedo brush from APShaveCo. I have two more brushes coming from these fine folks: a 30mm Tuxedo and a 24mm Cashmere. Fine people to deal with, by the way.

Both my Tuxedo and Cashmere knots came from APShaveCo and then I sent them along to Chris at Brush Craft prior to having them mounted. As an aside, my latest brush was to be dropped in the mail today so it looks like I should have it sometime early next week. Let the anticipation begin!

After reading this wonderful review of synthetic brushes by Green Ripper, studying Obie's comments and speaking with him personally in Wisconsin, I am the proud owner of an AP shave brush with the 24mm tuxedo knot.
I have to say that it is one of the best lathering and feeling knots that I have ever used. I am so impressed with it that I have just ordered three more 24mm tuxedo knots and will start replacing older, well worn knots with them.
Obie said in Wisconsin at Dave's that he switched his brushes to almost all synthetic...
Now I know why.
Thanks Obie and Green Ripper for the great information.

Pete <:-}

My experience with my APShave Tuxedo is not as positive. It is a really beautiful brush, but I haven't been able to get it to lather right for me. Since it doesn't absorb water, even if I just wet the bristles, it seems to spray water all over the place when I lather.

I'm sure my technique is wrong, but I have tried keeping it pretty dry to pick up the soap, then adding just a few drops of water to the soap (i.e. not the bristles themselves) but for whatever reason, still get water splashed around.

I give just the tips a quick dip in hot water, not a soak, then a little shake and go right to the soap.
After loading the brush I go directly to the wet face or to the shave bowl with a drop of water in it.
Either way, for me, this brush develops a fantastic lather.

Pete <:-}

Just want to throw in that I've been using a Whipped Dog synthetic for the past few months, and really like it. I know it landed on the bottom of the original list, but I find it to lather well, be very gentle on my face, and have just the right amount of backbone for face lathering.

First thanks to GreenRiper for the thread!

Looking to get my first synthetic and I'm leaning toward a Tux from AP. For $20 I'm willing to order the knots in the AP handles and give the snythetic a try.
Guess my question is has anyone tried the Synbad and Silksmoke knots?

How are they with scritch and splay? Compared to the tux?

For comparison: I've got a Shavemac 2 band (NOT a DO1) and love the scritch this knot produces. Enough that I'm going to try a D01 knot. I don't particularly seek out a super scritchy knot and the D01 maybe too much. Like I said for the price I'm willing to give a synthetic a try.

Thank and cheers,
Jer

I have the SilkSmoke and love it! I will be trying the Synbad soon. The link below may help understand "AN OPINION" of some of the different synthetic knots.

https://dailylather.com/content/unde...ynthetic-knots