I started my shaving journey many years ago with a synthetic brush. It was inexpensive and I thought a sturdy purchase. I hated it. The bristles clumped weird, felt like a noodle/wet dog tail on my face, and held water weird (in one big glob). A huge awkward glue bump. I got rid of that brush. Since then I've had better experience with badgers and recently tried and liked a boar.
I want to give synthetics another try, as I heard they have improved leaps and bounds. I have tried my best to read up on the diff knot types (as well as the sharpologist synthetic knot article) but I don't have a reference point for "more backbone" or "softer tips". I need a recommendation.
I -know- I like badger silvertips, just so soft, and I know I like a bit of backbone. My Kent bk4 silvertip was too floppy. My thater 4125 was really good, as was as my WD silvertip, with the knot drilled an extra 5mm (for the cost, that wd is amazing!) I also enjoy the Semogue Soc, its worn in nicely. The Uomo 293 was really nice. Between my recent Duke 3 and Chubby 2... they are both win ners. The chubby may be on the touch dense side for me and a touch skritchier than I like. (I guess I lucked out and got a nonskritchy "good" duke) Maybe if the Duke and Chubby had a love child? So... which synthetic knot seems to fit what I like for those with experience? Synbad? Tuxedo? Silvertip Fibre? Cashmere? I mainly bowl lather, but will face lather if pressed for time. If it matters I'm looking for a longer handle (like a polo or painters brush or one of those heritage collection or vie long, long handles), but I don't mind glueing a knot and handle together. Also have been looking at turnNshave/apshave/cayuen/oumo/wcs, but thats neither here or there. Help? I do want to keep costs reasonable (under $100usd) as I'm a little gun shy from my first experience. Thank you in advance.
I want to give synthetics another try, as I heard they have improved leaps and bounds. I have tried my best to read up on the diff knot types (as well as the sharpologist synthetic knot article) but I don't have a reference point for "more backbone" or "softer tips". I need a recommendation.
I -know- I like badger silvertips, just so soft, and I know I like a bit of backbone. My Kent bk4 silvertip was too floppy. My thater 4125 was really good, as was as my WD silvertip, with the knot drilled an extra 5mm (for the cost, that wd is amazing!) I also enjoy the Semogue Soc, its worn in nicely. The Uomo 293 was really nice. Between my recent Duke 3 and Chubby 2... they are both win ners. The chubby may be on the touch dense side for me and a touch skritchier than I like. (I guess I lucked out and got a nonskritchy "good" duke) Maybe if the Duke and Chubby had a love child? So... which synthetic knot seems to fit what I like for those with experience? Synbad? Tuxedo? Silvertip Fibre? Cashmere? I mainly bowl lather, but will face lather if pressed for time. If it matters I'm looking for a longer handle (like a polo or painters brush or one of those heritage collection or vie long, long handles), but I don't mind glueing a knot and handle together. Also have been looking at turnNshave/apshave/cayuen/oumo/wcs, but thats neither here or there. Help? I do want to keep costs reasonable (under $100usd) as I'm a little gun shy from my first experience. Thank you in advance.