Plisson vs S-Brush vs Boar: as comprehensive as I can get
- Thread starter TheChariot
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Nice review. I was really looking into those S-brushes... But then, the Plisson came into my life, and i feel like i don't need anything more. 
I really like those basic ones, with handles like 10066, like the one you have. Oddly enough, did not found them available around Europe, and i don't feel like waiting a month for it just yet.
That one is Omega 80266.
I really like those basic ones, with handles like 10066, like the one you have. Oddly enough, did not found them available around Europe, and i don't feel like waiting a month for it just yet.
That one is Omega 80266.
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Hi Chariot, looks like you and I have some similar brushes. I have the Plisson Synth, an Omega boar (81230), and just got a WD silver tip 24x50 recently. I haven't used the WD much yet, but my initial impression is that it's a bit smaller/stubbier than I thought it would be, due to the bulb shape. It's a bit pointy at the top of the bulb, which is noticeable when swirling on your face, but the tips are the softest badger I've yet to try, definitely softer than my other badger, a WSP Silvertip Prince.
Based on this and other threads, my next brush is going to be an S-brush. As you said, the Plisson makes tons of lather -- more than any other brush I've used. I think the WD 24x50 may be the best brush for me to get the hang of face lathering. Right now I still whip it up in a bowl, apply to my face and then do a final addition of water from the brush to get the exact amount of wetness I want.
Based on this and other threads, my next brush is going to be an S-brush. As you said, the Plisson makes tons of lather -- more than any other brush I've used. I think the WD 24x50 may be the best brush for me to get the hang of face lathering. Right now I still whip it up in a bowl, apply to my face and then do a final addition of water from the brush to get the exact amount of wetness I want.
I love my S-Brush. It's not very scratchy. It was very to break in, and, now, it works like a charm.
- Thread starter
- #25
They've finally arrived
I'll be using the synthetic exclusively for at least 4 shaves before tacking it onto this review and forming a comparison between the others I've used.
One comment I'll make right off the bat for those considering the WD synthetic: the glue bump that others have mentioned is quite real. It makes he standard loft feel more like its sunken in, and the fibers are held together much more tightly than a Plisson. This also keeps it from splaying as widely as a Plisson. Do what you like, but I can already tell you that I think it's silly to drill this knot deeper in the handle.
I'll be using the synthetic exclusively for at least 4 shaves before tacking it onto this review and forming a comparison between the others I've used.
One comment I'll make right off the bat for those considering the WD synthetic: the glue bump that others have mentioned is quite real. It makes he standard loft feel more like its sunken in, and the fibers are held together much more tightly than a Plisson. This also keeps it from splaying as widely as a Plisson. Do what you like, but I can already tell you that I think it's silly to drill this knot deeper in the handle.
I have sung praise to the WD synthetic...still the best all around for the money, for my size preference (not too big), softness, and backbone. I also have had the Plisson, and XL EJ - sold them. Still own 21mm and 23mm Muhle synthetics.
I purchased the Omega S due to the low cost and hype. At first I found it a little too scratchy, thought of selling it. Yesterday, while traveling, i took the S....my mind has changed!
The WD still rules, but if your budget is slight, get the S...not really scratchy, just feels like a boar...very nice!
I purchased the Omega S due to the low cost and hype. At first I found it a little too scratchy, thought of selling it. Yesterday, while traveling, i took the S....my mind has changed!
The WD still rules, but if your budget is slight, get the S...not really scratchy, just feels like a boar...very nice!
Larry told me basically the same.
An Omega #66
- Thread starter
- #29
It did very well during last night's shave. Today I did a palm lather to really gauge the performance closely. Here's some lather porn of a 20-25 second load of Mike's Barbershop.
I might just do a full write up and comparison after he next shave, because this brush has seems very easy to figure out.
I might just do a full write up and comparison after he next shave, because this brush has seems very easy to figure out.
- Thread starter
- #30
As much as it's already been discussed, I figured that adding the Whipped Dog synthetic to this thread would make things easier for someone down the line. A lot of people are still bewildered by synthetic brushes, and I think this brush is going to garner a lot of consideration from those who are new to synthetics or wet shaving in general.
Of the previously mentioned brushes in this thread, the only one still floating around my apartment is the S-Brush. The Plisson was sold off because it's just too soft, and the 10065 boar was sent to live at my mother's house along with some other cheap essentials for when I'm in need of a shave out there. Sorry, I didn't have great lighting for these picks.
That is the 22mm Whipped Dog Synthetic, set at the standard loft of 55mm. So let's get right to direct comparisons. Again, I want to note that I have not used EJ, Mühle, or Grooming Co. synthetics, and this is not meant to be an encompassing review of synthetic brushes in general.
However, the Whipped Dog does have a more dense feel to it along with very enjoyable backbone. Enough backbone to paint a thinner layer onto your face than the Plisson, but not so much backbone (or springy-ness) that it will fling lather all over your bathroom (which the Omega has a tendency to do). A lot of people say they like how the Plisson paints, but I felt the exact opposite. To me the Plisson was too feeble to paint down to a thin layer, especially on the first pass, leaving these big globby lines behind. The WD will build a bunch of lather, but then it will spread it nice and thin if you so desire. And the feeling of that is quite refreshing, since I never got to experience it with the Plisson. A firm painting stroke with super soft fibers.
Softness: To my face the tips feel like 98% as soft as the Plisson. In fact, I find the Whipped Dog more enjoyable because it still feel soft while providing a bit of push-back. The Plisson can almost feel like nothing is there, which is amazing but almost too much of a good thing in my book. If you hate scratchy brushes, I doubt that the Whipped Dog would give you trouble unless you have super duper crazy sensitive skin. Hell, all of these synthetic brushes are softer than any boar you'll come across.
Lather: This was the priority for me. If it didn't give me that large quantity of extra-luscious lather that the Plisson churns out, then I'm not sure I would've kept the WD. I discovered very quickly that it does a great job. Again, it's like 95% of what the Plisson gives you. Both brushes make great lathers with less soap than what I typically need to load in a boar brush. You add a dab of water, start swirling, and beautiful lather erupts in all directions. Still, the Plisson is very special in this category. It just wasn't special enough to compensate for the backbone I so enjoy. I feel like the WD retains water as good or better than the Plisson, for those who like to start with more water from the get-go.
In addition to that, I don't believe that the Omega is available anywhere that offers free shipping (Amazon, eBay, etc.), so that $8 price tag is going to likely be tacked onto a larger order for most buyers. This is all well and good, but if you don't need other supplies and are looking for a synthetic brush, Whipped Dog gives you a hell of a lot for a flat rate $22 (same price applies to 20, 22, and 24mm knots). If you're into huge brushes, the 30mm option is $30, which I may someday consider due to the fact that I shave my head. And my S-Brush? Well, one of its merits was the fact that it would always make a perfect travel brush if I found something better, and that's where it's going to reside. Nothing wrong with that whatsoever.
I feel like most people would prefer the 24mm knot, which again probably covers about the same surface area as the Plisson. Larry was out of them when I ordered, but I'm not disappointed with the 22mm in the slightest. Easily makes lather for 3 passes + touchups, and I think the 24 would just chew up more soap to make lather I don't really need. You'll have to make your own call on that front.
Lastly, I previously mentioned that I don't think drilling deeper is necessary for these, and I stand by that after my first 4 uses. The prominent glue bump already makes the brush perform as though it's set a bit deeper, and I'm pretty sure Larry is only willing to set it in a few mm deeper anyways. It's not necessary to treat these the same as his Silvertip brushes. My guess is that you're just going to make it harder to splay and end up with more lather on your handle. The backbone at the standard loft is nearly as effective and satisfying as that of my Semogue 620.
So there you have it! Now all you have to do is wait forever while Larry re-stocks. I'm thinking he's going to order enough of these knots to fill a silo this time.
Of the previously mentioned brushes in this thread, the only one still floating around my apartment is the S-Brush. The Plisson was sold off because it's just too soft, and the 10065 boar was sent to live at my mother's house along with some other cheap essentials for when I'm in need of a shave out there. Sorry, I didn't have great lighting for these picks.
That is the 22mm Whipped Dog Synthetic, set at the standard loft of 55mm. So let's get right to direct comparisons. Again, I want to note that I have not used EJ, Mühle, or Grooming Co. synthetics, and this is not meant to be an encompassing review of synthetic brushes in general.
Whipped Dog 22mm Synthetic VS Plisson
Probably the comparison that's had most people interested. My Plisson was long gone by the time the WD came around, so it's not like I had the chance to A-B them, but I used the Plisson for about 4 weeks straight just before Spring. I'm very sure that I prefer the WD. Objectively, I can also see how people might have a particular leaning towards the Plisson. The WD has a very obvious glue bump in the knot, so it doesn't splay as effortlessly or as far as the Plisson. I feel like the larger 24mm WD may cover an equal amount of area as the Plisson when splayed, but I don't feel the need to pick one up.
However, the Whipped Dog does have a more dense feel to it along with very enjoyable backbone. Enough backbone to paint a thinner layer onto your face than the Plisson, but not so much backbone (or springy-ness) that it will fling lather all over your bathroom (which the Omega has a tendency to do). A lot of people say they like how the Plisson paints, but I felt the exact opposite. To me the Plisson was too feeble to paint down to a thin layer, especially on the first pass, leaving these big globby lines behind. The WD will build a bunch of lather, but then it will spread it nice and thin if you so desire. And the feeling of that is quite refreshing, since I never got to experience it with the Plisson. A firm painting stroke with super soft fibers.
Softness: To my face the tips feel like 98% as soft as the Plisson. In fact, I find the Whipped Dog more enjoyable because it still feel soft while providing a bit of push-back. The Plisson can almost feel like nothing is there, which is amazing but almost too much of a good thing in my book. If you hate scratchy brushes, I doubt that the Whipped Dog would give you trouble unless you have super duper crazy sensitive skin. Hell, all of these synthetic brushes are softer than any boar you'll come across.
Lather: This was the priority for me. If it didn't give me that large quantity of extra-luscious lather that the Plisson churns out, then I'm not sure I would've kept the WD. I discovered very quickly that it does a great job. Again, it's like 95% of what the Plisson gives you. Both brushes make great lathers with less soap than what I typically need to load in a boar brush. You add a dab of water, start swirling, and beautiful lather erupts in all directions. Still, the Plisson is very special in this category. It just wasn't special enough to compensate for the backbone I so enjoy. I feel like the WD retains water as good or better than the Plisson, for those who like to start with more water from the get-go.
Whipped Dog vs Omega S-Brush
This is more of a value comparison. The Whipped Dog is softer, makes more lather, splays more agreeably, and is less springy while maintaining (possibly more) backbone. The brushes are not much alike when you narrow down the scope to only synthetics. The S-Brush holds it's own in terms of lather -- perhaps outperforming its boar counterpart -- but it doesn't hit that top notch performance. So which one gives more bang for the buck? It's close, but I'm inclined to say the Whipped Dog. Yes, it's more bucks, but it's significantly more bang.
In addition to that, I don't believe that the Omega is available anywhere that offers free shipping (Amazon, eBay, etc.), so that $8 price tag is going to likely be tacked onto a larger order for most buyers. This is all well and good, but if you don't need other supplies and are looking for a synthetic brush, Whipped Dog gives you a hell of a lot for a flat rate $22 (same price applies to 20, 22, and 24mm knots). If you're into huge brushes, the 30mm option is $30, which I may someday consider due to the fact that I shave my head. And my S-Brush? Well, one of its merits was the fact that it would always make a perfect travel brush if I found something better, and that's where it's going to reside. Nothing wrong with that whatsoever.
Overall
The buzz was very loud, Larry is already sold out of 20mm and 24mm knots, and in my opinion it's all warranted. A lot of us were waiting for a brush like this. Not only does it address the shortcomings of the Plisson, but it's freakin' $22 and doesn't compromise the qualities in a way that most of us will really notice.
I feel like most people would prefer the 24mm knot, which again probably covers about the same surface area as the Plisson. Larry was out of them when I ordered, but I'm not disappointed with the 22mm in the slightest. Easily makes lather for 3 passes + touchups, and I think the 24 would just chew up more soap to make lather I don't really need. You'll have to make your own call on that front.
Lastly, I previously mentioned that I don't think drilling deeper is necessary for these, and I stand by that after my first 4 uses. The prominent glue bump already makes the brush perform as though it's set a bit deeper, and I'm pretty sure Larry is only willing to set it in a few mm deeper anyways. It's not necessary to treat these the same as his Silvertip brushes. My guess is that you're just going to make it harder to splay and end up with more lather on your handle. The backbone at the standard loft is nearly as effective and satisfying as that of my Semogue 620.
So there you have it! Now all you have to do is wait forever while Larry re-stocks. I'm thinking he's going to order enough of these knots to fill a silo this time.
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Occasionally I'll see items on ebay from Italian Barber that are quite good. You can pick up an S10065 for $11.50 with shipping.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Omega-S-Bru...305?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f4d69ed49
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Omega-S-Bru...305?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f4d69ed49
I LOVE my 24mm WD synthetic. Every morning is an epic morning.
- Thread starter
- #34
That's good to see. Also worth noting is that the S10077 and I believe one more (S10018???) are basically the same brush with a different handle.
I have 2 with the 24mm knot. One at 55mm loft and one drilled a tad deeper. Like 2-3mm. I would have to say that I like the lower loft a bit more. Still splays just fine and adds just a touch more backbone. As said neither is quite as amazing making lather or quite as soft as the Plisson, but they are damn close on both fronts and the added backbone more than makes up for it. I have a 3rd one of these knots going into a Wolf Whiskers custom as well.
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- Thread starter
- #36
That's another nice factor: these knots are easier to get into custom brushes. Not only do you avoid cracking open a crappy little Plisson handle, but it's an easier commitment for people who enjoy face lathering and are looking at a $60-$80 handle to spruce up their den.
Do you find that your standard loft brush splays wider than your lower loft brush? Did the lower loft version somehow maintain the width of its splay despite gaining backbone? Conventional wisdom would say this isn't likely, but I feel like it's actually pretty likely due to the glue bump.
The current 24mm WD is amazing. The L sized Edwin Jagger synthetic is even better, in my opinion. It's the best brush I have.
The one with the lower loft splays just a bit less. Still ample splay.
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