Best synthetic

[Razorburn92]

For around $40-60? I figure I'd get the best answers here in the brush forum. I was looking for a quality badger brush, but I'm interested in trying something new as well. I want something that has plenty of backbone to it, won't hog up my soap, lathers amazingly, and is soft...not scratchy. I've heard someone mention Whipped Dog? Where can I go to buy one and what other brands. I'm looking for a top-of-the-line brush gents. Thanks

 

[cmh737]

For synthetics, I'd recommend you start with a Whipped Dog. I have it in 24mm and it's a wonderful knot. Good backbone (for a synth) and lathers equally well by bowl or face. Extremely soft tips. And it's economical. There are now, thankfully, many other synths that are fantastic. The other two that I have are an Edwin Jagger XL synth, and a Plisson L'Occitane knot transplanted to a Rudy Vey PJ style handle. The Plisson, however, does not have the backbone you seek. Many other choices: I've heard good things about the new Stirling "Kong", as well as knots from Ubersoft and AMACK4 (which I have them both en rte, so can't comment directly). I've had Muhle synths and an Omega S-brush; I liked the Omega S-brush better. I'm sure others will chime in soon. Good luck.

 

[Graydog]

I like the Zenith syn that I got from the Bay brand new Great brush nice soft knot and really packed and has plenty of back bone

 

[BSAGuy]

+1 for Whipped Dog. Great performers.

 

[Cash_Stronomer]

I always have to jump on these threads and recommend the EJ, or Muhle. I love the EJ in 19mm, best brush to date that I have ever purchased!

 

[Scotty]

A Muhle 21mm or my Whipped Dog 24mm synthetic. The WD is cheaper to buy, has backbone with soft tips. I like my Muhle but it is a little springy but looks just like a silvertip, & very well balanced with soft tips. (Made in Germany) I have a Plisson 23mm but it's more floppy & very little backbone & very soft tips!

 

[Steve_in_CT]

The synthetics that seem to get the most positive press around here are (in no order):

• Plisson
• Shave Revolution
• Muhle
• Whipped Dog
• Stirling
• Razorock Plissoft

I haven't seen many head to head comparisons, but all of them have their fans. I have two, the Stirling 26 mm "Kong" and one not on the list, the Sunrise knot from Amack4shaving on Etsy. I think that they're both worth considering, but the Stirling is truly outstanding. Unfortunately, I can't tell you how it compares to the rest of the brushes on that list. Many folks seem to think that the Plisson lacks backbone and the Muhle is a bit scratchy, but I have no first hand experience with either.

If you're looking for a large brush, start with the Stirling. If you want a more interesting handle, the Shave Revolution and Razorock are available with a larger barber style handle. The good news is that with the exception of the Muhle and Plisson, they are quite inexpensive. And even those two aren't terribly pricey.

 

[bberg100]

My Stirling Kong is very similar in feel and lathering to a TGN 24mm Grade A Silvertip I have. Don't know how a synthetic can get any better.

 

[Mostho]

Muhle or Omega S-brush

 

[xxvaleria]

The synthetics that seem to get the most positive press around here are (in no order):

• Plisson
• Shave Revolution
• Muhle
• Whipped Dog
• Stirling
• Razorock Plissoft

I haven't seen many head to head comparisons, but all of them have their fans. I have two, the Stirling 26 mm "Kong" and one not on the list, the Sunrise knot from Amack4shaving on Etsy. I think that they're both worth considering, but the Stirling is truly outstanding. Unfortunately, I can't tell you how it compares to the rest of the brushes on that list. Many folks seem to think that the Plisson lacks backbone and the Muhle is a bit scratchy, but I have no first hand experience with either.

If you're looking for a large brush, start with the Stirling. If you want a more interesting handle, the Shave Revolution and Razorock are available with a larger barber style handle. The good news is that with the exception of the Muhle and Plisson, they are quite inexpensive. And even those two aren't terribly pricey.

I have all of those, plus a couple of Ubersoft brushes and an Omega S-brush. The Plisson is too floppy for my taste, and the S-brush is too stiff and scrubby. All the rest are excellent; soft but with enough backbone to handle even triple-milled soaps. You can't go wrong with any of them. Just pick the size and price you want.

 

[labrax]

I have Stirling 'Kong', Razorock Plissoft, a Virginia Sheng Pur-Soft knot and another of her complete synthetic in fan shape and a 20mm TGN synthetic.

The Kong is nice, but the Razorock is a better size for me. It is 1/2 the money and performance is same. I do not have the Whipped Dog synthetic, but hear good things. I would recommend the Plissoft - very enjoyable to use, great size, soft feel, lathering beast, nice heft. I face lather exclusively.

 

[Steve_in_CT]

I have Stirling 'Kong', Razorock Plissoft, a Virginia Sheng Pur-Soft knot and another of her complete synthetic in fan shape and a 20mm TGN synthetic.

The Kong is nice, but the Razorock is a better size for me. It is 1/2 the money and performance is same. I do not have the Whipped Dog synthetic, but hear good things. I would recommend the Plissoft - very enjoyable to use, great size, soft feel, lathering beast, nice heft. I face lather exclusively.

I've been enjoying the extra size of the Kong; my Sunrise is a 24mm, and those extra 2 mm seem to make a difference. Also, I was able to get a factory second for $21 shipped, as compared to $16 shipped for the Plissoft. If Stirling has any more of those seconds, they can be a great deal. The only "problem" with my brush is that it doesn't have a logo - for me that was a plus.

Another major factor in my choice was: what's in stock? I was planning on getting the Shave Revolution synthetic, but it was out of stock. I'm not sure who has what in stock now, but I know that for a while Shave Revoltuion, Whipped Dog, Razorock and Stirling were out of stock on one or more of their synthetic brushes.

 

[AbbyW2]

I have the Plissoft and I am not impressed.

 

[labrax]

Hi Steve,

I waited to get a 'second' with no logo, which is a plus for me too.

I like both, but would consider giving my Dad the larger Stirling brush - he has hands like catchers mitts. Plissoft with regular handle is one I could use going forward if I did not like the variety of all sorts of brushes.

 

[fl_guy]

I really love the Simpson Chubby 2 Synthetic. Very soft tips but very dense and lots of backbone. Its a face lather monster

 

[shave/brush]

I like the Fine Stout brush. It has a 24mm knot and only cost $25.00. My favorite brush and I own many.

 

[Steve_in_CT]

Hi Steve,

I waited to get a 'second' with no logo, which is a plus for me too.

I like both, but would consider giving my Dad the larger Stirling brush - he has hands like catchers mitts. Plissoft with regular handle is one I could use going forward if I did not like the variety of all sorts of brushes.

Well, my wife has always said that I have "butchers hands"; I don't think she means that they're small and elegant. That may partly explain why I like the Stirling 26mm "Kong" so much.

 

[royal52]

I have the Plissoft and I am not impressed.

What makes you say this?

 

[Riyame]

I have the Plissoft and I am not impressed.

What about it do you not like? I think you are the first person I have seen or heard of that didn't like it.

 

[Claudel Xerxes]

I'm also curious why AbbyW2 did not like the Plissoft. I've only tried a few synthetics, but my Plissoft is quickly becoming my favorite of all the brushes I own. I think is has just the right amount of backbone. The tips are incredibly soft. It's very easy to load and will whip up more than enough lather for a 3+ pass shave. I've only had mine for a week, but I absolutely love it. Plus, it was only $10 at Italian Barber (I believe it's still on sale, but it's been sold out for the past few days).