Synthetic Fan-Shaped/Face Lathering Brush

If you want a ridiculous amount of backbone in a synthetic brush, get the Ubersoft 2. Personally, I hated it and I really like most synthetics that I've tried. The tips were not particularly "über-soft" either, despite the name. Like all things though, you never know until you try it. You might like it.

If you want a ridiculous amount of backbone in a synthetic brush, get the Ubersoft 2. Personally, I hated it and I really like most synthetics that I've tried. The tips were not particularly "über-soft" either, despite the name. Like all things though, you never know until you try it. You might like it.

Obviously I can’t speak for merelymoe (thread starter), but I’m glad to have read these particular impressions, Jeff. I had been considering an Ubersoft 2 as a replacement knot, but judging by this description, that will not be the way to go. (Also, the 28 mm seems somewhat pricey for a synthetic, although I’ve paid about the same for a few other synthetic knots, when taking shipping into account.)

I guess what I'm actually looking for, performance-wise, is a synthetic brush that works like my Stirling Fan Shaped Badger. Just the right amount of backbone to not be floppy, good splay, not a lather hog with all the benefits of being synthetic.

I think I might have found the synthetic brush that meets my needs - the Stirling Shave Brush w/Pro Handle 26mmx54mm. I think the right in the middle loft is the difference maker. Not overly dense so it splays nicely without hogging up lather with a comfortable handle for my big mitts all at a great price. Best face lathering synthetic I've used.

merelymoe, glad to hear you’ve found one that you like! I had that brush in the original handle version (the handle that is now used for one of the badgers), and found it to be quite dense and difficult to splay, although good in all other aspects. Perhaps I’ll have to revisit the Pro handle version.

Matsilainen - For around $15, it was a low-risk purchase - figured worst case scenario I could PIF to a new wet shaver...

I have an Omega Hi-Brush which is extraordinary, especially considering the price. I don't think it could disappoint, though I can imagine if you used it on a particularly hard soap it might be a bit slow to lather. But I use it with Williams Mug and RazoRock with no problem.

I've used 3 different style synthetic knots now: plissoft from razorock, ubersoft from envy and a black & white from maggards. my favorite of the 3 is the plissoft from razorock. I think the black & white from maggards looks the best from a pure aesthetics stand point, but it might be too dense of a knot for me. The ubersoft is even more dense than the black & white, if my memory serves me correctly.

plissoft = good balance of backbone and splay
black & white = dense with very little splay
ubersoft = dense with very little splay, perhaps more so than the black & white

Anybody have experience with the TurnNShave quartermoons?

Yes, I had a custom one by Milton in the "quarter moon" Tuxedo style and quite frankly it was the best brush I've ever used. I sold it however to a buddy who wanted it badly. Buy one. Trust me.

On my search, I've been putting in some shaves with a 25mm quarter moon synthetic from TurnNShave. So far it's the one to beat as far as face lathering synthetic. Doesn't splay much when loading, but once you go to the face that fan shape lathers beautifully. Only complaint is the handle I got with it is a bit on the small side for my mitts. Might go back and order a custom one with a bigger handle, because this knot is just fantastic.