Muhle basic black fibre

[chris.hale]

After reading with interest about the new Muhle black fibre, and having fallen in love with the look of the basic brush, I ordered one from Connaught Shaving and it arrived today. I was immediately impressed when I took it out of the box, the handle is solid and heavy and feels really well-made. To be honest it feels like "Basic" is a bit of a misnomer because it feels expensive. The bristles look like real animal hair and feel very soft at the tips, but of course it doesn't have the badger pong. Oddly, I missed that a bit.

I only have one other brush to compare it to, a Simpson Special in pure badger, but the Muhle feels softer and less dense. I decided to test it with a TOBS soap, as I wasn't sure how the soft bristles would cope with a hard soap, but I needn't have worried and it loaded easily. Transferring to the mug after a quick dip or two in the sink I was rewarded with loads of thick creamy lather which I found much easier to build than with the Simpson. I have read that synthetic brushes use less product because the fibres are solid rather than hollow, and it seems like it's true. A couple of times with the Simpson I've had to revisit the puck because I didn't have enough soap on (still learning soaps!) but this was not the case with the Muhle. Applying the lather felt marvellous, the brush was so soft that I spent longer with it than I would usually, just because it felt so damn nice!

I'm unable to compare it to an expensive badger brush but I am very pleased with it, especially as it only cost £23, and it goes really well with my Muhle mug!

 

[Codfish]

You chose well. The Basic is a beauty!

I was amazed when I received my first Black Fibres brush at how well it performed. Mühle has worked some charm with synthetics. They are radically different that the synths available only two years ago. I just took my HJM black fiber brush along on a mini-vacation, and it made a perfect travel brush because it is so fast-drying.

I see you also have a Mühle mug. That's next on my wish list.

 

[El-a-Menthol]

Nice! Is it a heavy brush?

 

[galopede]

Like you, I had an attack of the SBADs after reading about the Black Fibre brushes. I bought the white version of yours though.

It is certainly not a "Basic" brush! Heavy and well made with some nice chrome on the base into the bargain. It has fast become my go to brush since getting it a month or so ago.

Think of all the money I could have saved if they were going a few years back!

Gareth

 

[itsmedave]

I traded with another member and got a Black Fibres brush and am really impressed with it. For the tips to be as soft as they are, it has an amazing amount of backbone. I do wish the knot were a bit thicker, but it's a great brush.

 

[chris.hale]

The brush is quite heavy, 89g by my kitchen scales, according to the Muhle website the metal parts are brass plated with nickel or chrome. Comparing the brush to my razor I think mine's nickel. I'd probably have gone for a larger knot myself if one was available, but nevertheless I'm not disappointed.

The mug was a present from my lovely wife.

 

[a Rose's thorn]

I agree with all of the above. I will admit to being apprehensive about buying a "synthetic". Sometimes that is a codeword for inferior. Not regarding this brush. I love the handle on the basic. And it is pillow soft. I also agree with the above about the knot size - it almost feels like there aren't enough fibers while I face-lathered. But it produces plenty of lather for 3+ passes. The only question is durability, and that will take time to see how it holds up. I'm glad for all the advice here, I wouldn't have bought it without all the great reviews.