I fell down the brush rabbit hole after joining, and have probably had 25 or more brushes. I'm primarily a badger guy, but have tried 3 synthetics over the years. My first, in 2015, wouldn't splay. I don't like to paint lather, so I PIF'd it to another member. My second synthetic, in 2017, was too prickly, but it made for a good keyboard cleaner. I wouldn't even PIF that one. My 3rd synthetic, in 2018, a 24mm RazoRock Chrome is great. I'd have saved a lot of money on brushes if this one was my first brush. It was discontinued for a time, but I see it's now back. It's handle heavy but a great brush. I primarily use it with my favorite discontinued soaps, because it doesn't eat up soap like my badgers.
I love synthetic brushes
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Your description matches exactly what an acquaintance of mine told me a few months ago. According to him, given that I already have an OMEGA EVO 2, the eventual purchase of an Elite would not be an upgrade to the Evo 2, quite the opposite. This is the reason I haven't bought a brush with this knot yet.
@horizon , I hoped that the 29mm knots could deliver more volume than the EVO II (or even the Chubby 3 Sovereign) but instead it was the opposite.
I mentioned it earlier, I am super enthusiast of the new plant based Mühle STF with extra density. Very generous knot in spite of its 25mm, it develops a lot of volume, it hods a lot of lather and it is real pleasure on my face.
I mentioned it earlier, I am super enthusiast of the new plant based Mühle STF with extra density. Very generous knot in spite of its 25mm, it develops a lot of volume, it hods a lot of lather and it is real pleasure on my face.
That’s a great review!
Do you have a link to the new STF brush?
Here:
apshaveco.com
Here is a picture I took when I received it, to compare the old and the new knot.
www.badgerandblade.com
I have moved it to another handle now but I used it without handle as well, you can see it in the Henson SOTD thread, all last week.
25mm Mühle STF XLarge Dense++ - 37% Plant Based - Silvertip Fibre Synthetic
Andrew's Notes: This 37% Plant Based Fiber has more softness and less backbone than the original STF. It retains water more and is a bit slower to dry. For more backbone with the 37% Plant Based Fiber - try this Dense++ edition The Mühle STF with 20% Extra Density - This is Dense++ Now even more...
Here is a picture I took when I received it, to compare the old and the new knot.
New Plant-Based Synthetic from Mühle
Are you talking about that there's so much lather on the brush handle you are in fear of dropping the brush? I cringe when I watch video's of some people while lathering and lather is running down the brush over the hand and down ones arm... If lather or water even gets half way down the handle...
www.badgerandblade.com
I have moved it to another handle now but I used it without handle as well, you can see it in the Henson SOTD thread, all last week.
Thank you!Here:
25mm Mühle STF XLarge Dense++ - 37% Plant Based - Silvertip Fibre Synthetic
Andrew's Notes: This 37% Plant Based Fiber has more softness and less backbone than the original STF. It retains water more and is a bit slower to dry. For more backbone with the 37% Plant Based Fiber - try this Dense++ edition The Mühle STF with 20% Extra Density - This is Dense++ Now even more...
Here is a picture I took when I received it, to compare the old and the new knot.
New Plant-Based Synthetic from Mühle
Are you talking about that there's so much lather on the brush handle you are in fear of dropping the brush? I cringe when I watch video's of some people while lathering and lather is running down the brush over the hand and down ones arm... If lather or water even gets half way down the handle...
I have moved it to another handle now but I used it without handle as well, you can see it in the Henson SOTD thread, all last week.
This weekend I sold my two SOC Brushes and have replaced them with a pair of synthetics: Simpson Classic 1 and Trafalgar T1.
When I do decide to purchase a new brush, it will likely be an STF.
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I also have a Mühle STF, and as soon as I got it I asked myself, why the hell didn't they make the knot thicker, with more fibers?!
However, probably provoked by the competition, Mühle decided to add more fibers to the knot, besides being thicker, it seems to sit a little higher now.
No doubt the Mühle STF brushes have lovely bristles, but because of the overly soft spine, I preferred the Evo 2. Note that the smaller Mühle knots are even looser.
However, the game changed completely after I got a brush from Wald with an A1 node. It's a different universe and I can't compare it to anything else I've tried.
I'm a synth guy (although I have hopped on the boar bandwagon recently), so I'm a synth and boar guy in the end.
One more thing that wasn't mentioned is the painting ability of synth knots. Especially important to me for the 2nd and 3rd passes. They just blow any natural hair brush out of the water in this regard. Perhaps because of the thinness of the fibers or the floppyness that is inherent in any synth fiber. (the knot does not need to be floppy, I mean the fiber's ability to bend a little, making it an excellent painter)
One more thing that wasn't mentioned is the painting ability of synth knots. Especially important to me for the 2nd and 3rd passes. They just blow any natural hair brush out of the water in this regard. Perhaps because of the thinness of the fibers or the floppyness that is inherent in any synth fiber. (the knot does not need to be floppy, I mean the fiber's ability to bend a little, making it an excellent painter)
I have a nice Wald synthetic and I travel with a Muhle stf, but I can't say they are my favorites. My Semogue badgers are my favorites - especially the Barbear Portugues. It loads just as quickly as the synths, maybe a second or two faster because of the backbone and density. It also has no propensity to throw lather around.
Synthetics have come a long way, and I expect them to continue to improve, outstanding travel brushes. But not my favorites yet.
Synthetics have come a long way, and I expect them to continue to improve, outstanding travel brushes. But not my favorites yet.
First test lather and shave today with my brand new Omega synthetic. The brush immediately showed excellent qualities. Fibers feature wonderful elasticity with silky soft tips. The knot is packed with good density and has substantial backbone. Water retention is definitely up to expectations. Overall performance is great, especially with hard triple-milled soaps. And the brush handle, inspired by one of the very first Omega designs, is just strikingly beautiful to look at.
Omega
Vintage Edition Elite
Vintage Edition Elite
I have several badger and boar brushes. My first synthetic was a 30mm DS Cosmetic. It's a beautiful brush but too thick and dense. I then bough the Frank Shaving 24mm G7 (pictured). It's now my go-to brush (at the expense of the several beautiful badgers). It has prompted me to go down the synthetic rabbit hole. I am now eyeing the G5C knot from APShave and of course, the Muhle STF XL....
Gorgeous photography, too, @Marco. My mouse-clicking finger is twitching, darn you!! 
Can you educate me about their different knot lines? How is yours different from say, this one?
maggardrazors.com
I see EVO knots and Elite knots. How are the different?
Can you educate me about their different knot lines? How is yours different from say, this one?
Omega Model MB1918 GT Series Resin Handle Elite Synthetic Fiber Shaving Brush, 29mm
Omega Elite synthetic fiber shaving brush - new GT Series. Inspired by Ford Mustang racing car.Hand made in Italy. Knot made with the innovative Elite synthetic fiber. Turned resin handle inspired by the iconic colors of the most famous cars in the history of motorsport.The brand new Elite...
I see EVO knots and Elite knots. How are the different?
John, this is the sole Omega brush I own. All the others, both synthetic and badgers, are Simpsons. Anyway, this brush is part of the new Vintage Edition 2024 collection and uses the latest technology regarding synthetic fibers. More information can be found directly on the Omega web page here .Gorgeous photography, too, @Marco. My mouse-clicking finger is twitching, darn you!!
Can you educate me about their different knot lines? How is yours different from say, this one?
Omega Model MB1918 GT Series Resin Handle Elite Synthetic Fiber Shaving Brush, 29mm
Omega Elite synthetic fiber shaving brush - new GT Series. Inspired by Ford Mustang racing car.Hand made in Italy. Knot made with the innovative Elite synthetic fiber. Turned resin handle inspired by the iconic colors of the most famous cars in the history of motorsport.The brand new Elite...
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Thanks for sharing your impressions with us!
@Marco Ah. Apparently we can get some of these Elite series brushes in the U.S. but not that color scheme. All I've been able to find are the race car stripe colors, which are quite handsome, as well. They are called the Omega Elite GT series.
I'm sorely tempted to buy one, but you already have me buying S.V. soaps! I am going to discipline myself to say know, but if your color scheme becomes available here, I'm probably done for. You've ruined me for my cheap shaving habits, I'm afraid, my friend.
I'm sorely tempted to buy one, but you already have me buying S.V. soaps!
I am going to discipline myself to say know, but if your color scheme becomes available here, I'm probably done for. You've ruined me for my cheap shaving habits, I'm afraid, my friend.
John, I purchased mine here in Italy from a trusted online shop called Rasoigoodfellas. They should ship worldwide, give it a look here .@Marco Ah. Apparently we can get some of these Elite series brushes in the U.S. but not that color scheme. All I've been able to find are the race car stripe colors, which are quite handsome, as well. They are called the Omega Elite GT series.
I'm sorely tempted to buy one, but you already have me buying S.V. soaps!
P.S. Yes, I already know what you're thinking: Marco is a good old friend, but he's the devil as well!
Truth be told, however, I've been enjoying my shaves since I've let you get me out of my "cheap" phase. I think I can discipline myself to hold off on this until those vintage handles are available in the U.S., I like them better than the "GT" colors. I'm also curious about how this compares with their EVO knots which have been out for a while.
@JCinPA Shieldrazors is offering the whole line at a decent price. I think they have some seconds as well for $10-$12 less (slightly chipped handles) but I do not see them listed now. I am not familiar with this vendor other than for a razor that I have recently purchased and that I will receive in the next days. Other members here are familiar with them.
GT are 29mm, Vintage are 26mm.
GT are 29mm, Vintage are 26mm.
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Well, darn you, @Omega48 you're acting like @Marco accomplice!
The GT series at Maggard were $79. I just found Marco's exact brush at your site for $56, shipped! I could not resist, but rationalized it as 23-Aug is my birthday. Whatever, I can find any excuse, but that's as good as any. I'll have a duplicate of that in my den soon, Marco!
26 knots are fine. I used to think they were huge, 22 was normal, 24 was big, 26 was huge. I don't need 29 lol. Can't wait to get this and try it with the PIF of S.V. Felce Aromatica that is on its way!
The GT series at Maggard were $79. I just found Marco's exact brush at your site for $56, shipped! I could not resist, but rationalized it as 23-Aug is my birthday. Whatever, I can find any excuse, but that's as good as any. I'll have a duplicate of that in my den soon, Marco!
26 knots are fine. I used to think they were huge, 22 was normal, 24 was big, 26 was huge. I don't need 29 lol. Can't wait to get this and try it with the PIF of S.V. Felce Aromatica that is on its way!
John, match that stunning Omega Vintage Edition Elite brush with any of your SV soaps and you'll have Italy at its very best!Well, darn you, @Omega48 you're acting like @Marco accomplice!
The GT series at Maggard were $79. I just found Marco's exact brush at your site for $56, shipped! I could not resist, but rationalized it as 23-Aug is my birthday. Whatever, I can find any excuse, but that's as good as any. I'll have a duplicate of that in my den soon, Marco!
26 knots are fine. I used to think they were huge, 22 was normal, 24 was big, 26 was huge. I don't need 29 lol. Can't wait to get this and try it with the PIF of S.V. Felce Aromatica that is on its way!
