Shavemac synthetic brush

[SeanC]

Thanks for the advice Gents, I definitely need to check out Muhle and AP Shave Co. Just trying not to spend any more, or own anymore brushes currently.

I've tried a fair few synthetic knots and the Chubby 2 is a favourite of mine. I believe this is down to two main factors.

Firstly the backbone. Love it. Not favouring the scrub associated with circular motions though. Painting strokes are brilliant.

Secondly the tip feel. It doesn't feel 'unatural'. The Plisson is too cloud soft, the timber wolf and tuxedo were too plasticy or waxy and the others had little flex with some even having sharp points and doughnuting (just feel base of knot). The Chubby 2 has a lovely as mentioned above almost natural badger feel (minus circular motions) and no glue bump!

The Shavemac has a different face feel, it feels even more natural. It doesn't lack backbone at all, it feels like a Shavemac 2 band silvertip set at 26/50 honestly! Itdoesn't doughnut when wet. When drying, it actually maintains moisture in the middle of the knot, I kid you not. Splay is very well controlled. The bulb shape definitely suits my preference, even not having tried a fan. The lather doesn't lock into the base of the knot. The knot gives up lather easily, no flicking around the bathroom. Honestly chaps I'm excited about this knot, it feels very much like a badger. Ok 2nd use was only a few hours and the above is all IMO but already I'm looking forward to more shaves. I have asked Bernd which type of synthetic knot this is. Also the VLB group buy has just had a boost with a new mechanism Bernd is happy with (regarding the variable loft) hoping to have the prototype next week. I'm definitely going to ask if we can have this synthetic knot in the VLB

More than happy to loan you the Muhle (XL) and APShaveCo (SynBad 24mm) any time you want

Sent from my CLT-L29 using Tapatalk

 

[Nishy]

More than happy to loan you the Muhle (XL) and APShaveCo (SynBad 24mm) any time you want

Sent from my CLT-L29 using Tapatalk

That is very kind, what I'm hoping for, which would provide a more realistic analysis, as opposed to reading my ramblings masked by YMMV, is with Bernd's permission, once all the reviews are complete, is to offer the brush as a pass around. But I would love to take you up on that offer, I can send you a few bits on loan to, just to keep those brush spots warm, PM incoming

 

[GoReds]

This thread is becoming more and more interesting.

 

[Dr Watson]

Shavemac synthetic?

 

[Nishy]

Still making good use of the synthetic brush. 4 uses all told now. Personally I would like the loft lowered slightly, as mentioned before. Not a huge deal as backbone is well balanced but just working to my preferences. Hoping to have this knot available with the VLB, allowing for every preference available. As it stands it mimicks a 2 band badger set at 26/52 very very well.

 

[R181]

I like my 2 band badger brushes with a loft that is twice the knot size and found that is also the way I like my synthetic knots set to.

Bob

 

[Nishy]

I like my 2 band badger brushes with a loft that is twice the knot size and found that is also the way I like my synthetic knots set to.

Bob

If we can get the VLB to spec anyone can have any loft anytime

 

[R181]

If we can get the VLB to spec anyone can have any loft anytime

True enough, but as I already know how I like my knots set regarding loft the VLB really does not interest me much for other than having one as an oddity.

 

[Nishy]

True enough, but as I already know how I like my knots set regarding loft the VLB really does not interest me much for other than having one as an oddity.

Yep I appreciate that, IMO I'll be dialing the loft up for bowl lathering, building a lather. As pressing down or increasing the tensile stress at a particular point along the shaft of the badger hair can lead to quicker damage and breakage. Bernd has mentioned that when loading it is more likely to occur (hard puck/scuttle). So I'll be dialling it up when loading as well. Dialling it all the way down for a face lather. All a bit heavy but proven.

 

[Mr Bigmem]

That is very kind, what I'm hoping for, which would provide a more realistic analysis, as opposed to reading my ramblings masked by YMMV, is with Bernd's permission, once all the reviews are complete, is to offer the brush as a pass around. But I would love to take you up on that offer, I can send you a few bits on loan to, just to keep those brush spots warm, PM incoming

Defo up for trying this Nish when and if it comes to a pass around. i've been very keen to see a synthetic knot added to the Shavmac arsenal. Wonder how it compares to the Mule synthetic silvertip, tux, cashmere, synbad, and the Plisoft kbots

 

[R181]

Yep I appreciate that, IMO I'll be dialing the loft up for bowl lathering, building a lather. As pressing down or increasing the tensile stress at a particular point along the shaft of the badger hair can lead to quicker damage and breakage. Bernd has mentioned that when loading it is more likely to occur (hard puck/scuttle). So I'll be dialling it up when loading as well. Dialling it all the way down for a face lather. All a bit heavy but proven.

Never had a problem with breaking badger hairs when loading a brush from a hard puck prior to face lathering. You really don't need to apply a lot of down force when loading from a hard puck or when face lathering either. Can't comment on bowl/scuttle lathering as I don't do that. So, for me that has been a nonissue.

Bob

 

[Nishy]

Defo up for trying this Nish when and if it comes to a pass around. i've been very keen to see a synthetic knot added to the Shavmac arsenal. Wonder how it compares to the Mule synthetic silvertip, tux, cashmere, synbad, and the Plisoft kbots

I've not tried the Muhle or Synbad but I have tried the others and I prefer the Shavemac knot. It feels like a natural badger. Not too soft and not springy either.

 

[Mr Bigmem]

I've not tried the Muhle or Synbad but I have tried the others and I prefer the Shavemac knot. It feels like a natural badger. Not too soft and not springy either.

Oh man i'm excited, can't wait to try in. I've been synthetic exclusive for over 3 years and i've pretty much owned or tried every credible synthetic knot. So this is going to be very interesting

 

[Wayne]

I'd have to have it given to me before I could say anything positive about it too. The handle is Pug ugly, the Wilkinson Sword Boar has a better handle to be fair. It needs a lot of improvement looks wise before I could raise any excitement about it.

 

[Nishy]

I'd have to have it given to me before I could say anything positive about it too. The handle is Pug ugly, the Wilkinson Sword Boar has a better handle to be fair. It needs a lot of improvement looks wise before I could raise any excitement about it.

Yep not overly keen on the handle, with respect to the knot, I'm not too fussed about the handle. Lets not forget it is a free sample brush. I would buy the synthetic in a different handle and very slightly lowered loft. I also wonder if he would make a higher density. Going forward based on the knot alone it's an exciting project.