I am a truely a dedicated badger brush user. I have a moderate collection of artisan high end handles with high end badger knots. Today I used for the first time a brush that I made yesterday. It is a in expensive handle purchased on Ali express. The knot is a AP Shaveco G5C synthetic fan 26mm knot. I am totally amazed with the performance of this knot. It is the closet synthetic that I found performs like a badger. Great backbone, great lather flow, and amazingly holds more water than any other synthetic that I have used. This brush will now become my main travel brush, since synthetics dry faster. I welcome any body else's opinion, or experience with this knot. Picture of this morning's shave with the G5C knot
G5C Brush Knot
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Looks like a great setup. Have you tried the Muhle STF knot, particularly the XL / 25mm? I have found it the closest to badger. I have a 24mm fan G5C from ap shave co, but I haven't it used it since the Muhle, and now Wald A1(although the A1 is a different profile from the Muhle).
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Can you purchase just the knot from Muhle? I like to buy my own separate handles, and do my own knot installs.
You might check with @Rudy Vey . He carries the knots. But I have only purchased with an accompanied custom handle from Rudy.
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I use boar and Synthetics only now. The AP synthetics and Zenith boars are some of the best brushes I've ever used.
Together with the Muehle STF XL, the G5C (26mm) is my top brush. While I do slightly prefer the STF because of the easier splay and because it releases lather a bit more easily, the G5C is the perfect brush to alternate with. It's also the perfect gateway synthetic for badger users.. why do I still have all those other brushes..
This.
I have both as well and share the same opinion. Been waiting a long time to pull the trigger on the stf and it was well worth the wait.
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The razor company has them in stock. I will take advantage of my first responder discount there.
Would you please post a picture of your brush with the MiG knot? Thanks
David's is the same knot as mine was:
What's Your Brush Today?
Head Shave Razor: Karve Overlander Blade: Astra SP (3) Brush: Declaration Grooming Deja Blue B11 Soap: PAA The Beach I do enjoy the PAA's unusual scents like The Beach. I have thought about moving this DG Deja Blue B11. It's my third B11 but I love the pour. First-world wet shaving problems.
www.badgerandblade.com
I asked Andrew to set the MiG at 56mm loft - a bit higher than standard. At 56mm, the MiG very closely approximates my STFs.David's is the same knot as mine was:
What's Your Brush Today?
Head Shave Razor: Karve Overlander Blade: Astra SP (3) Brush: Declaration Grooming Deja Blue B11 Soap: PAA The Beach I do enjoy the PAA's unusual scents like The Beach. I have thought about moving this DG Deja Blue B11. It's my third B11 but I love the pour. First-world wet shaving problems.
The MiG, in my opinion, is a viable option in my synthetic knot arsenal.
I had two MiGs for a while; one was set at 54mm, the other 57mm. Doesn't read as much of a difference, but we all know that can radically change face-feel and performance. I preferred the former, which I would describe as a "muscular" knot, nearly as soft-tipped as the STF but with a bit more muscle overall, just different enough to make a good alternative to the "refined" STF. (My STFs are all set at 55mm.) Again, my only complaints with the MiG are the fibers need to be longer, and looks-wise I wish the coloration was darker.
My 26mm G5C was set at the shorter loft as well. It had more scrub than the MiG and STF, but was still plenty soft. I just didn't care for the fan shape, much preferring the hybrid.
The APShaveCo G5C 26mm is my second favorite knot (#1 is the 25mm Mühle STF). I gets better after a lot of use. Notice how mine has bloomed out. Wonderful knot.
I have the same style handle in red/clear with a G5C. Your knot looks like a bulb knot rather than a fan.
The APShaveCo G5C 26mm is my second favorite knot (#1 is the 25mm Mühle STF). I gets better after a lot of use. Notice how mine has bloomed out. Wonderful knot.
As the G5C knot aged through use it became better and replaced my Shavemac as my #2 favorite.
