When I ordered my brush, I had ZERO expectations about the quality of the handle. Turns out to be the best $4 I could have spent on a handle, although I did give my $4 savings back as a tip. Feels nice in the hand although to be honest it is a bit lighter than some other handles I have of the same size. I'm happy with it, but I'm not too picky in the first place. If I was still traveling, I buy a couple more for backups.
In absolute awe of the new G5A
- Thread starter SterFry
- Start date
When I ordered my brush, I had ZERO expectations about the quality of the handle. Turns out to be the best $4 I could have spent on a handle, although I did give my $4 savings back as a tip. Feels nice in the hand although to be honest it is a bit lighter than some other handles I have of the same size. I'm happy with it, but I'm not too picky in the first place. If I was still traveling, I buy a couple more for backups.
My G5a arrived last night as well. I was going to put it in one of those $4 blemish handles as well. But these candy stripped blems were just really cool looking to me. They look perfect on two sides. But when you turn them 90 degrees in either direction, the layering gets super wonky, which I like. When you shove a bunch of colored resin in a tube, you never know what’s going to come out. Sometimes you get a happy accident. I like the looks of this one, even though Andrew did not, and put these out with blow out prices. And the faux Tulip shape is great as well. This handle feels solid and has a great weight. I like heavier brushes, so I am glad now I didn’t get the $4 one. I am very much looking forward to shaving with this tomorrow. I will soak it as recommended above. But just doing a few swirls dry, it seems to splay really well. It does feel very badger like. I will deviate from my current Omnibus to a more traditionally latherable soap so I can get a true feel for this brush.
I had a great shave with the G5a today. Felt somewhat Badger like. Had some scrub. And soft tips. Tons of backbone. Its a keeper.
26 mm with a 52 mm loft. Glue knot is pretty flat on this one. Doesnt seem to stick up into the knot at all.
Used the Candy striped G5a again today. It is a stiff brush. But it is completely usable. It splays okay. Whips up a good lather. I don’t think it approaches the luxurious face feel of a high end badger. Not even close. But it’s a good synth. Only time will tell if it holds up to my other synth brushes. I could see the potential for the novelty of this knot to wear off down the road. We will see.
Especially considering the price.
Got my G5B 28mm. This thing feels different than any other synth I’ve tried. Dense with soft tips. Haven’t shaved with it though. It’s on the small side for a 28mm IMO.
Fantastic looking handle! Reminds me of chisel handles.
My black Friday order from APShave arrived this week which included the G5b along with some discounted handles so I now have all three of the G5's to compare, A, B and C (pictured L. to R.). I've had the A and C for a while and prefer the C for its easier splay. Looking forward to trying the B.
I want soft easy splay 
been looking at these and might be my next brush so will be fun to hear the thoughts on all 3
they are nice looking synthetics for sure
been looking at these and might be my next brush so will be fun to hear the thoughts on all 3 they are nice looking synthetics for sure
I recently received the G5C. I set it high, like the G5A, soaked it for 5 minutes or more, and it performed great. Very similar to the 2BED from AP Shave Co., which I believe it is replacing since the 2BEDs are discontinued (per Andrew). I am very pleased with it and the G5A, and while dumbfounded at the soaking needed, I love the way the brush works!
I have been using the G5A on and off for a while now. I dont think its for me. I have come to the realization that I want my synth to behave like a synth. The G5A behaves like a badger brush. And if I want to use a brush that behaves like a badger brush, I will use a badger brush. If I want to use a synth, I will use one of my many synths. I am partial to the Tuxedo and Timberwolf knots at the moment. I get the point of the G5A. Its just not for me. I will probably sell mine soon.
I get it. I was ready to move mine on, but then tried the soak and fell for it! I just added a badger brush, first one in the brush drawer since April 2016 when I sold my only badger. Been totally synthetic until DecemBoar, and now have a wonderful Manchurian badger. So I may re-evaluate my stance on the G5A, but as for now, I like it!
I have been soaking my G5A since day one. Not helping. Last shave I tried it without soaking. No difference. I think my issue is that I am hooked on Paladin badger brushes, and they are beyond amazing. The bar is just too high for the G5A to compete.
I used the G5b today for the first time. It wasn't what I was expecting, for some reason. It was quite stiff. As it was first use I'll reserve any further judgement. But the general issue I have with all three G5's is loft and splay. I need to push quite hard to get them to splay as they are all very dense brushes. My B and C are set with silicone so I may get the pennies out to get the loft higher.
I was originally intrigued with this series of brushes and wasn't until finally getting the specs of the knots and realizing there just isn't enough free loft to get what I need out of the knot to be usable for me... It's only about 4-5mm but that is what keeps the knot from being usable without having to mash it into my face!! I wish more vendors or Mfg's would release the specs of the knots they sell as it would be much easier to make an informed decision prior to wasting time buying / trying to only find out it won't work!!
I bought an AP Shave Co. G5B and a second G5A both with inexpensive handles. Amazing how much those G5A knots look and feel like badger.
I bowl lather.
