so many options but id like to know what you guys think
easiest splaying synthetic knot ?
- Thread starter mark_g96
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Don’t have some of the newest choices but from what I have*, I’d say that the Plisson synthetics would be my answer.
*older muhle, Plisson, plissoft from RR, Simpson sovereign, Simpson platinum, omega synth boar (which I don’t use to shave), & Kent syntheti.
*older muhle, Plisson, plissoft from RR, Simpson sovereign, Simpson platinum, omega synth boar (which I don’t use to shave), & Kent syntheti.
Muehle STF
I have had good success with my Omega Evo 2.0
Surprised to see STFs listed. Both mine need moderate+ pressure to splay and the Evo needing a great deal of pressure.
The synths with the most give in my experience are motherlode knots as an easy top spot, with SynBads and Cashmeres coming in as runners up, fan shape in all cases further contributing to ease of splay, obviously.
The synths with the most give in my experience are motherlode knots as an easy top spot, with SynBads and Cashmeres coming in as runners up, fan shape in all cases further contributing to ease of splay, obviously.
My latest STF XL from @Rudy Vey splays much easier than the 1st one I had from @apshaveco but, my Wald Calyx is a splaying machine!!
Though I've never had one I would also suggest a Mother Lode knot from Elite Razor. FGrom everything I've read about it everyone says its the softest knot on the market with the easiest splay.
Though I've never had one I would also suggest a Mother Lode knot from Elite Razor. FGrom everything I've read about it everyone says its the softest knot on the market with the easiest splay.
I totally I agree with you. The STF is an excellent brush but there are more gentle and easier to splay brushes on the market, if somebody is looking for those characteristics.
Among the ones that I use more often or I have used in the past:
1) Mother Lode, Plissoft.
2) Tuxedo.
3) Muhle STF (35K257-XL with 60mm loft).
4) Omega EVO 2, Simpson Sovereign.
5) Maggard G5
6) Simpson Synthetic (Platinum).
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By easiest splay, do you also mean a light backbone? If so, I'd suggest a motherlode or a cashmere knot for the softest and least stiff backbone.
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The Cashmere knots will basically fall over if you apply a bit of pressure.
I have been using a RazoRock Plissoft 400 with a Bruce handle lately, and it is very, very good. The backbone is not exactly crazy firm, but it splays nicely and gets the job done.
I've tried a lot of synthetic brushes (although not the Wald) and the Mother Lode knot is not only the softest, but the easiest to splay.
Of the synthetic knots that I've tried, the Motherlode splays the easiest, then Cashmere, then SynBad. I had a Muhle STF4 and it took a lot of work to get it to splay, so much so that I gave it away.
Turn n' shave angel hair incredibly soft and so easy to splay. I have tried cashmere, synbad, but not motherlode. Angel hair is so soft, I kind of feel like I wouldn't need to try it, but who knows they could be similar.
I had a Cashmere I set in a Wild West Brushworks handle and the loft was set higher than Andrew sets his at APShaveCo in his handles and I still had to use what I felt was too much pressure to get it to splay so I sold it off...
I can't believe I missed this one as it was my 1st TNS knot I owned and it cause me to sell off my Cashmere, Synbad, and Silksmoke knots because they took too much to get them to splay. I think I would also have to throw in the Timberwolf knot into the easily splayable category as well because for such a dense knot it splays very easily...
Phenomenal brush. It's the one and done work horse I recommend to people that just want a single brush that will work and work well.
It's so good. I really love it. I just ordered an AP Shave SilkSmoke with a 26mm knot because I want to try something with a bit more backbone, but the RR will never leave my den.
I think, if you want to save time and money, and avoid disappointments and regrets, get yourself a nice badger and enjoy it. If budget and badger sound similar but they are far off for you, get a boar. You will enjoy either more than any synth.
My opinion and thoughts. Now you know.
He could get a very nice synth for $10-$15, vs $60-$300 for a "nice badger". I guess I don't understand how him forking out for a nice badger that he's expressed no interest in is supposed to save him time and money? Countless people prefer synths to badgers
Yes, agreed. I have tried several badgers, boars, and synths, and I prefer the RR Plissoft 400 to all of them. I get the old-school appeal of badger/boar, but to me they are more trouble than they're worth. Obviously YMMV, etc.
