Which synthetic knots?

[Dimitri]

I pulled the trigger yesterday on a Timeless "adjustable" brush handle because I like the idea of being able to swap knots on a whim. I want to start off with a couple of Synthetic knots, but am unsure which ones? Something from the G5 series? Something from the UK (Simpson) series? Muhle or MiG?

What do you like and recommend, and why? I like to splay and I prefer bowl lathering if that factors in. I've got a couple in my shopping cart already but want to hear your opinions in case there's something I haven't considered.

 

[idjekyll]

Do note that the Muhle STF won't fit the Timeless cause of the extra thiccccc rubber base. Also, any knot you fit on the timeless adjustable will just make use of the whole loft left cause it only holds on to the rubber base. That means all your knots would be splayed to the max on each knot. If you like to splay, like I do, try face lathering.

 

[Jonn]

The "new" Muhle STF extra dense with plant based fibre. Absolutely great. The Wald A1. The ouomo knot is very good, but Mine is probably to big, and I don't like the particular handle that I chose

 

[poppi]

I'm partial to the cashmere knot. Got 2 and find they will do whatever I chose on a particular day. Very soft, splays well and I just like them.

 

[Dimitri]

That's good to know. I ordered a G5 B & C knot, but have been eyeballing the cashmere as well. It's a very intriguing knot.

 

[Dimitri]

Do note that the Muhle STF won't fit the Timeless cause of the extra thiccccc rubber base. Also, any knot you fit on the timeless adjustable will just make use of the whole loft left cause it only holds on to the rubber base. That means all your knots would be splayed to the max on each knot. If you like to splay, like I do, try face lathering.

That's a bummer. I may still get one and see if I can jerry rig something. Worse case, I will get a separate handle and set it. I have a G5 B & C knot on the way. I'll see how much I like those. I may decide I don't need the Muhle STF, although this hobby is more about wants vs needs lol.

 

[BradWorld]

I may decide I don't need the Muhle STF, although this hobby is more about wants vs needs lol.

I have tried dozens of synthetic knots, and held off on the Muhle STF for a long time because I had an older Muhle Synthetic Black Fiber brush from back in the day and didn’t like it. Then years later I got a 25 mm STF brush from Rudy Vey, and it blew away everything else. It was the 2022 Contributor’s Brush. I’ve had a couple more STFs since and I still feel that way. I got rid of all my other synths except for a couple of one-off custom synth brushes that hold sentimental value. Otherwise they’d be gone too. And of course I have a Wald A1 which is a completely different beast. But the 25mm STF is that much better than all the rest. At least for me. I’d say I use an STF based brush 70% of the time these days.

For the record, my favorite synth knot prior to me rejoining the STF club was the Timberwolf. It had the best combination of good backbone with soft tips versus all the other synth knots I’ve tried. I still enjoy the Timberwolf knot very much when I use it.

As for the Timeless Adjustable brush, the lack of height / loft adjustment is a deal killer for me. Great idea though.