#11
(This post was last modified: 06-22-2015, 01:45 PM by SharpSpine.)
Soulless was used as a derogatory comment towards all synthetics as they supposedly lack character, or soul. This flawless characteristic is exactly why I love synthetics so much so I embraced the term.
>>> Brian <<<
Happy beeps, buddy! Happy beeps!
#12
I have badger and boar, sense I got my plisson I don't care to use my natural brushes, I tried to go back to them for a change up but didn't care for them over the synthetics.
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#13
I bought a Mühle synthetic because I wanted to try something else than my badgers and boars and I also needed a travel brush. The synth does the job very well, but something is missing. Maybe the lack of "soul". Now I use it solely as a travel brush. And for that I think it's perfect.
#14

Member
Central Maine
(06-21-2015, 05:28 PM)SharpSpine Wrote: Soulless was used as a derogatory comment towards all synthetics as they supposedly like character, or soul. This flawless characteristic is exactly why I love synthetics so much so I embraced the term.

Exactly. I think of it as a strength. If a brush can be perfect synthetics are that. Natural fibers aren't.
Brian. Lover of SE razors.
#15
(This post was last modified: 06-23-2015, 02:02 AM by SRNewb.)
I have not tried synthetic, for two reasons.
The first is the way the knot looks. No matter how sweet a handle you put that thing in, to me it still looks like a cheap ladies cosmetic brush that costs $8 at Walmart. I know guys use that to slam this brush all the time, but I assure this is not the purpose of this post. That is not a knock or a slam, it is truly what I see when I look at a Plisson knot. Can't get past that, for me.
The second is this: There is no denying that the performance of this brush is top notch. As a matter of fact, I have seen at least one shaver on Youtube go back to a badger brush and find himself nearly incapable of making a lather with that badger because the Plisson was so easy and he used it so long that he lost his technique somewhat, and had to learn all over again how to lather a badger. I spent a great deal of time and effort learning to lather with boars and badgers. I don't intend to throw that away for "ease of use". Even if I could get past the look of the Plisson knot, I could not abide not being able to get the most from my badgers anymore because my technique slipped after using a synthetic for some time.
Enjoy your synths. They will not be arriving in my den.

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#16

Super Moderator
San Diego, Cal., USA
(06-23-2015, 01:59 AM)SRNewb Wrote: I have not tried synthetic, for two reasons.
The first is the way the knot looks. No matter how sweet a handle you put that thing in, to me it still looks like a cheap ladies cosmetic brush that costs $8 at Walmart. I know guys use that to slam this brush all the time, but I assure this is not the purpose of this post. That is not a knock or a slam, it is truly what I see when I look at a Plisson knot. Can't get past that, for me.
The second is this: There is no denying that the performance of this brush is top notch. As a matter of fact, I have seen at least one shaver on Youtube go back to a badger brush and find himself nearly incapable of making a lather with that badger because the Plisson was so easy and he used it so long that he lost his technique somewhat, and had to learn all over again how to lather a badger. I spent a great deal of time and effort learning to lather with boars and badgers. I don't intend to throw that away for "ease of use". Even if I could get past the look of the Plisson knot, I could not abide not being able to get the most from my badgers anymore because my technique slipped after using a synthetic for some time.
Enjoy your synths. They will not be arriving in my den.

Fair enough. I have no trouble loading my badgers, boars, horsehairs, blends, or synthetics and enjoy each for their own attributes.
#17
That is absolutely priceless!  I never ever thought of the Plissions in that way, but it certainly fits!  An excellent brush as the EJ and Muhle but they are missing the live connection that you get from a natural hair.  The more you try and get them to feel natural, the further away you get.  That being said I do keep a PAV two band and boar around to fill the gap when I'm feeling the need for natural hair on my skin.  Hard to move away from the practical simplicity of the synthetic.
#18
(This post was last modified: 06-23-2015, 05:22 PM by SRNewb.)
(06-23-2015, 03:41 AM)Freddy Wrote: Fair enough. I have no trouble loading my badgers, boars, horsehairs, blends, or synthetics and enjoy each for their own attributes.

Freddy, I think the difference is that you use them all. That is in truth what I would do, and why I have so many different brushes, soaps, razors, etc. So perhaps my second line of reasoning is just an irrational or overinflated fear.
I didn't come on this thread to bash anyone, or their choice in brushes. But the original post was basically, "I like synthetic brushes, but....". So I posted why I don't use them. I'm glad we have all the different choices available to us, including the Plisson and it's stepchildren.
It's a wonderful time to be a wet shaver.
#19

Super Moderator
San Diego, Cal., USA
(06-23-2015, 05:22 PM)SRNewb Wrote:
(06-23-2015, 03:41 AM)Freddy Wrote: Fair enough.  I have no trouble loading my badgers, boars, horsehairs, blends, or synthetics and enjoy each for their own attributes.

Freddy, I think the difference is that you use them all. That is in truth what I would do, and why I have so many different brushes, soaps, razors, etc. So perhaps my second line of reasoning is just an irrational or overinflated fear.
I didn't come on this thread to bash anyone, or their choice in brushes. But the original post was basically, "I like synthetic brushes, but....". So I posted why I don't use them. I'm glad we have all the different choices available to us, including the Plisson and it's stepchildren.
It's a wonderful time to be a wet shaver.

Honestly, no offense was taken nor did I think you were bashing.  When I started off with "Fair enough" I just meant that your statement has as much validity as mine. Smile
#20
Keep in mind that youtubers are out to get views and subscriptions. I would look at that bit about not lathering well with badger as a bit of a ploy. I went 18 months without using a badger. When I finally did I was quite easily able to get the same great lather I enjoy with a synthetic. I just didn't care for the face feel nor the extra effort to get the lather quality I demand. Call me lazy but 6am Brian who's been up too late with 3 kiddos wants easy peasy lemon squeasy lathers.

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>>> Brian <<<
Happy beeps, buddy! Happy beeps!


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