Ok folks, I need an honest opinion here. I've been reading through some older threads about synthetics and here's the thing. Now that Fendrihan stocks the Muhle synthetics I've been thinking of stepping to one. I already have a Frank Shaving synthetic that has been treating me pretty well but I kind of want to see what all the fuss is about with the Muhle. That being said, it's a pretty big chunk of change to drop, and given that Ian says that his brushes use the same kind of fibres, I'm just wondering for folks that have used both if the increase in quality for the Muhle is worth dropping $80 or so. I know, I know YMMV and whatnot, just curious about some opinions.
Another synthetic brush thread Muhle vs. FS
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Is Ian saying Frank's is NOW using the same fibers as v2 Muhle? I also have an FS synth, based on Tom's "Samjax" brush recommendation a while back. One of the big appeals of that was that it was large and $26. I'm skeptical but would like to be wrong about FS now using the latest generation Muhle v2.
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I got my Franks brush around October I think and it definitely didn't say that bit about the fibres at the time. I just checked now and it does. Even if the fibres are the same, I'm just curious if the general quality, craftsmanship, handle, etc are a big enough cut above with the Muhle to rationalize the price jump (As I could just buy another FS with the new fibres instead as another option).
I use Muhle and Edwin Jagger (same knot) and love them. I ordered a custom Frank's about 7-8 months ago and received a basic off the shelf spec brush, they totally ignored my knot specifications and the fibers..while fairly nice, were nowhere near the quality of Muhle/EJ..of course they could be using different stuff now.
If you do decide to order a Muhle I'd get one from Connaught Shaving. Their Prices are about $20-25 cheaper than Fendrihan and that it is with shipping included.
If you do decide to order a Muhle I'd get one from Connaught Shaving. Their Prices are about $20-25 cheaper than Fendrihan and that it is with shipping included.
All I can say about the FS brush is I got mine last year about june time. I treated my self as I had been using a body shop brush. Now my FS synth is a ssoft as my Duke 2 in best, has backbone like an Omega #34 boar and lathers just about anything. For me It's just about right in terms of size, weight etc, a great travel brush and a good all rounder. It's in the weekly rotation and cost £26 with a free stand. Whats not to like.
You won't be disappointed with the Muhle Silvertip Fibre, they're amazing. I have three of them!!
You can find the 23 mm knot size for 30.75GBP (about $48) at Connaught Shaving. You can also find the same STF knot in a gorgeous Edwin Jagger handle (also 23mm knot size) at Edwin Jagger's site for 28.33 GBP (about $44).
www.connaughtshaving.com
www.edwinjagger.co.uk
You can find the 23 mm knot size for 30.75GBP (about $48) at Connaught Shaving. You can also find the same STF knot in a gorgeous Edwin Jagger handle (also 23mm knot size) at Edwin Jagger's site for 28.33 GBP (about $44).
www.connaughtshaving.com
www.edwinjagger.co.uk
I have some Muhles and also a ' Samjax' FS synthetic.
The FS is not a bad brush at all.
The knot the FS has, is well done and is a good and solid performer.
My brush has no quality issues and was delivered according to the specs.
That said, it cost less and as usually you get what you pay for.
In my opinion the Muhles are better quality brushes.
The handles are more solid and heftier, and the quality overall is just a notch or two better.
If the knots are not the same - i.e. if Muhle comes with the v2 knot and FS does not - the choice would be easy for me.
These fibers outperform any synthetic knot I have seen.
The FS is not a bad brush at all.
The knot the FS has, is well done and is a good and solid performer.
My brush has no quality issues and was delivered according to the specs.
That said, it cost less and as usually you get what you pay for.
In my opinion the Muhles are better quality brushes.
The handles are more solid and heftier, and the quality overall is just a notch or two better.
If the knots are not the same - i.e. if Muhle comes with the v2 knot and FS does not - the choice would be easy for me.
These fibers outperform any synthetic knot I have seen.
I don't have a Franks brush. However, I did pick up a H.I.S. brush which was going to be my travel brush. It's main advantage is how fast it dries. It is a very different brush in terms of feel in contrast to my badger or boar brushes. It is fine for me as a travel brush but I did not use it in my rotation. Then came the Muhle synthetic brush. That brush was the perfect size for me (23 mm) and is now my travel brush. Much to my surprise the feel of the brush on my face and its performance in making lather is so good that it also went into my rotation. The fact that it dries so fast makes it an ideal travel brush.
I just received this Franks brush and the fibers look the same as the old ones , just dyed differently.I have a muhle Kosmos I bought from Connaught much cheaper than anywhere in the states . That is a much nicer brush . I use the Franks because I like the stiffer backbone , but they are not as nice.
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Thanks for all the feedback. I ordered a Muhle from Connaught, looking forward to trying it out. I like supporting Fendrihan because they're domestic but even with shipping to North America and exchange it was still $30 cheaper to go with Connaught.
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