A First for Me

[beginish]

I have been taking part in the 2020-Year of the Synth thread, and as I have 6 synthetic brushes, will be putting them to use twice for a month at a time this year. I am currently using my Kent Infinity Silvertex synthetic for the second run this year. Its fibers are the generation just before the outstanding synths made by Mühle and Plisson. In other words, lathers fine, not fun to use.

I noticed a week ago that it had dropped a fiber or two. It’s notable because I had never seen any of my synthetics drop a fiber. Ever. Fast forward a week and it’s dropping 4-5 per shave. I can pull loose ones from the knot! This would be my second shedder. I never expected the synths to shed for some reason, always assuming that the badgers and boars do so because the natural fiber degrades and pulls loose. How could a petroleum product do that? I don’t know, but they do. If it were the Chubby, I’d be upset about it. This one? Not so much.

 

[Dave in KY]

Are they pulling loose or snapping at the glue bump level ? Hard to say I'm sure but possible....

 

[GearNoir]

I have not had any of my 4 synths shed as of yet.

I’d guess along the lines of what Dave said...likely the knot making process was lacking at the time of manufacture. Maybe an inferior glue or poorly done glue bump.

 

[Dave in KY]

I have not had any of my 4 synths shed as of yet.

I’d guess along the lines of what Dave said...likely the knot making process was lacking at the time of manufacture. Maybe an inferior glue or poorly done glue bump.

Or poor fibers that getting bent back and forth snapping at that level is what I was thinking.

 

[GearNoir]

Or poor fibers that getting bent back and forth snapping at that level is what I was thinking.

Oh, maybe. I always saw the earlier synthetic fibers as less friendly because they felt thicker and too sturdy.

 

[beginish]

They ae to be pulling loose more than snapping. I agree with the issue of fiber thickness. They may be too thick and less resilient to stand up to load it like you hate it loading.

 

[Spider]

Weird. I've had synths drop a few "hairs" at the beginning, but not after they're broken in. If it's an older generation synth, make it'll get better after losing some fibers?

 

[beginish]

The knot has been rock solid until now. I don’t soak the brush in hot water, but I do load vigorously and face lather with gusto.

 

[FarmerTan]

The knot has been rock solid until now. I don’t soak the brush in hot water, but I do load vigorously and face lather with gusto.

Strange. You think the current crop is a better product, or "back in the day" the mfg. process was just still learning the ropes?

I'd hate to think it's an "aging" problem. What will today's synthetics be like in 10 years?

 

[Dave in KY]

I'd hate to think it's an "aging" problem. What will today's synthetics be like in 10 years?

At the cheap price they are? In 10 years they'll be, in a word.......Replaceable

 

[dangerousdon]

That's definitely bad luck with the brush. I don't think I have had one fiber shed from one of my synthetic brushes. Even the real cheap ones.

 

[FarmerTan]

I watched a clip online a long time ago of the mfg. process of a DE blade. Does anyone know if a simple thing exists for a synthetic brush? Specifically, are they melted/fused together at the base or glued?

Seems to me if it is feasible, fusing them together would make it more difficult to shed.

 

[beginish]

Strange. You think the current crop is a better product, or "back in the day" the mfg. process was just still learning the ropes?

I'd hate to think it's an "aging" problem. What will today's synthetics be like in 10 years?

At the cheap price they are? In 10 years they'll be, in a word.......Replaceable

Spot on. At that point, you'll be paying for brand name and handle materials.

That's definitely bad luck with the brush. I don't think I have had one fiber shed from one of my synthetic brushes. Even the real cheap ones.

It dropped about 10 more this morning. Again, I'm not too bothered by it since it works but is not a favorite.

I watched a clip online a long time ago of the mfg. process of a DE blade. Does anyone know if a simple thing exists for a synthetic brush? Specifically, are they melted/fused together at the base or glued?

Seems to me if it is feasible, fusing them together would make it more difficult to shed.

I'm hoping one of our brush artisans or rehabbers who actually work with the stock knots can chime in on this question.

 

[woodpusher]

Cooties, man. Your brush has developed awareness and realizes that it's been kissing you all these years.

 

[beginish]

 

[Bad Badger]

Pretty rare for a synth to shed... at least from my experience.

Maybe just re-knot it?

I'm a huge fan of this synth knot at only $9:

Maggard Razors Shaving Brush Knot 26mm Black and White Synthetic

The Maggard line of Synthetic Shaving brushes are sure to be a favorite among beginners and veterans alike.For all of you hobby brush makers, we are happy to be able to provide these knots for all of your custom brush projects. These knots are denser than our regular synthetic knots.Knot Size...

www.maggardrazors.com

 

[beginish]

It was so cheap when I got it, I’m not losing any sleep over it. The handle is that uniquely Kent shape and I would just get a new BK4 in badger if I felt the urge.