To splay, or not to splay? That is the question!

[Dimitri]

I recently purchased my first Simpson’s brush, an X2L Colonel with synthetic knot. I know Simpson’s instructions that come with their brushes state to paint, not to splay with regard to their badger brushes. The instructions that came with mine say the same, but they are instructions specific to their natural hair knots, no mention of synthetics. I’ve painted and splayed with this sovereign fibre knot, though it’s got some pretty stiff backbone and doesn’t want to splay easily.

Will splaying ruin these synthetic fibers? What do you all recommend?

 

[silverlifter]

Painting is for artists! Splay away!

 

[Omega48]

Simpson’s instructions that come with their brushes state to paint

 

[bmiller3230]

You really have to splay and scrub/swirl to build a lather. painting is for evenly distributing lather and sometimes hydrating. Painting will not help mixing or introducing air into the lather

 

[NorthernSoul]

Will splaying ruin these synthetic fibers? What do you all recommend?

What they don't want you doing is mashing the brush hard into your face while moving it in tight circles. That is a good way to create a doughnut hole in the knot. They don't want to warranty claims from customers for this type of problem, so they just say not to do it at all. It would be more of an issue for natural hair knots, but they give similar instructions for all types.

You really have to splay and scrub/swirl to build a lather. painting is for evenly distributing lather and sometimes hydrating. Painting will not help mixing or introducing air into the lather

The term "painting" misleads people. You can agitate and build lather with back and forth or curved motions. It's not like painting with a paint brush, though (more like light scrubbing). Agitating the lather in circles should not hurt the brush as long as a reasonable level of pressure is used. Simpson knows many customers are not reasonable so they just say not to do it.

 

[bmiller3230]

I certainly use the back and forth painting stroke for the second and third passes. Mainly because it does cause the brush to give up lather inside the brush. I suppose it does mix water with the soap, but I don't think it's as effective at introducing air into the lather. But yes, there is splaying and scrubbing, splaying and swirling, painting in a single direction, and back and forth painting.

All have different effects and are useful depending on the state of the lather at that particular part of the face.

I think I'd rather risk wearing out the knot and replacing it or buying a new brush rather than treating it as something precious that shouldn't be used in a manner that produces a proper lather.

Knots are consumable and wear out. When they do, replace them or get a new brush.

 

[NorthernSoul]

There was a post from a Simpson's manager awhile back. I quote it below:

Light circular motions are fine guys.

There can be a tendency to ‘mash’ bristles into the face when using this technique which obviously places unnecessary stress & pressure on the bristles. It’s a common sense approach really. Treat your brush with respect :0)

You should be able to build a superb lather with back & forth strokes using any good quality shaving brush.

Long story short, don't mash the brush, be gentle. No one is being deprived of "a proper lather"!

 

[musicman1951]

I always splay with every brush, but I do not mash.

 

[JCinPA]

^^^^^^^^^

What he said.

 

[Marco]

A moderate splaying action is perfectly fine, as is using a moderate circular motion. They key feature is no heavy pressure. Well, you apply it to any brush as well as to any razor.

 

[BigJ]

I splay a wee bit when loading, then use a painting motion for applying lather.

 

[Alex Jr]

I splay a wee bit when loading, then use a painting motion for applying lather.

This.

I don’t want any air, just slickness.

 

[gpjoe]

Splayed, not mashed.

 

[gdawg55]

I splay a wee bit when loading, then use a painting motion for applying lather.

I do this as well.

 

[Novac]

Just splay it

 

[pbnj]

Splay, you can always buy another one when it's dead.

 

[Pat Puma]

I splay very little. It's just the method that works for me and not about preserving my brushes, although I do like to take care of my gear. I like to use the tips.

 

[sternej]

When I'm using a small knot badger, I splay. Any other large knot brush, painting with the tips is for me.