Review of the MUHLE 21mm Black Fibre brush

**OldGreyGuy** · 04-25-2012, 12:42 AM

Originally Posted by cxg231

Codfish very nice review. Reminds me that I need to get up a formal review of the 23mm Muehle Silvertip Fiber that I bought after the pass-around of the same.

Yes please, I have been looking at one of these and would appreciate seeing someone's feedback.

**Codfish** · 04-25-2012, 01:31 AM

Originally Posted by OldGreyGuy

Yes please, I have been looking at one of these and would appreciate seeing someone's feedback.

Chris did an excellent job of reviewing the 23mm MUHLE Silvertip Fibres brush in the pass around thread, although he is too modest to call his work a Review.

**Omp** · 04-25-2012, 02:03 AM

Originally Posted by Codfish

Is heat retention still an issue? I don't know. I haven't tested it yet.

I'd be interested in knowing how well the new synthetic brushes retain heat. One of the most pleasurable bit of a shave for me is the feel of a warm brush on my face. Anybody come to any conclusions on this?

**Codfish** · 04-25-2012, 05:40 AM

I have a few synths available and two Best Badger reference brushes (EJ and Simpson's). What would you consider to be a good test procedure? Anyone have a suggestion?

UPDATE: I've contacted Steve (SiBurning), the B&B resident Science of Shaving expert, and we're developing a scientific test protocol to supplement my subjective opinions.

**vitalMyth** · 04-30-2012, 01:49 AM

thanks a ton for that link, codfish. that was exactly what i needed to know - tips as soft as / softer than the silvertip fibre. i'm definitely getting one now.

**galopede** · 04-30-2012, 02:44 AM

Well I bought one of the Muhles after reading this or the other thread. Didn't need another brush but you know what this forum's like!

I got the white version of the more expensive one, just because I like the white!

Since it arrived, I've only used a badger once, my favourite Shavemac. I can see me selling my collection of badgers soon, the black fibre being so good.

Gareth

**TallyShave** · 04-30-2012, 07:52 AM

Anyone used the new Fibre brush (either black of silvertip) and also own a Thater 3 band? I have seen several comments on softness but some are in comparison to what may be considered scrubbier or scritchier brushes. How does the fiber compare to a brush like a Thater 3 band?

**Codfish** · 04-30-2012, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by TallyShave

Anyone used the new Fibre brush (either black of silvertip) and also own a Thater 3 band? I have seen several comments on softness but some are in comparison to what may be considered scrubbier or scritchier brushes. How does the fiber compare to a brush like a Thater 3 band?

I am not able to give a direct comparison, since I don't own a Thater brush. I can tell you that the brush was also reviewed by Teiste Brito, who felt the Black Fiber brush compared to silvertip badger.

**7 O Menthol** · 04-30-2012, 01:08 PM

Can anyone confirm if each of the synthetic brushes in various handle colors have the same "black fibre" thread?
On Muhle's website, the grey/grey handle actually says "synthetic black fibre", while each of the other color combinations only say "synthetic".

I'd like to make sure that each of the color choices are equipped with the same highly touted synthetic hairs before taking the plunge.

ETA: They all seem to have the model number 31 P 8 (followed by code for color of handle)...

**Codfish** · 04-30-2012, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by 7 O Menthol

Can anyone confirm if each of the synthetic brushes in various handle colors have the same "black fibre" thread?
On Muhle's website, the grey/grey handle actually says "synthetic black fibre", while each of the other color combinations only say "synthetic".

I'd like to make sure that each of the color choices are equipped with the same highly touted synthetic hairs before taking the plunge.

ETA: They all seem to have the model number 31 P 8 (followed by code for color of handle)...

I can confirm that the 31 P 8 is the same brush I have. It is the Black Fibres brush. The same knot is used in Mühle's "Basic 2" line and may find its way to other brushes in the future.

**mftoms59** · 04-30-2012, 09:47 PM

Originally Posted by 7 O Menthol

Can anyone confirm if each of the synthetic brushes in various handle colors have the same "black fibre" thread?
On Muhle's website, the grey/grey handle actually says "synthetic black fibre", while each of the other color combinations only say "synthetic"...

You're best bet would be to contact Kevin Johnson, the U.S. Representitive for Muhule Shaving; [email protected]
the 31 P 8 is the Model Style of the Handle.

**CHSeifert** · 05-01-2012, 04:58 AM

Originally Posted by galopede

Well I bought one of the Muhles after reading this or the other thread. Didn't need another brush but you know what this forum's like!

I got the white version of the more expensive one, just because I like the white!

Since it arrived, I've only used a badger once, my favourite Shavemac. I can see me selling my collection of badgers soon, the black fibre being so good.

Gareth

I was one click away yesterday from ordering a Mühle 23 mm Silvertip fibre brush in white resin for €39.95/$44.95 at the German Mühle shop. Will it compete with my 2 favorite bushes for face lathering (The Simpsons Duke 2 in Best Badger) and for bowl lathering (The Kent BLK8 in Pure Silvertip Badger) ?

Just curious

**HornHiYo** · 05-01-2012, 10:38 AM

How did you get the 23 mm fibre for $44.95? I see it for $82 at the Muhle shop! :(

Originally Posted by CHSeifert

I was one click away yesterday from ordering a Mühle 23 mm Silvertip fibre brush in white resin for €39.95/$44.95 at the German Mühle shop. Will it compete with my 2 favorite bushes for face lathering (The Simpsons Duke 2 in Best Badger) and for bowl lathering (The Kent BLK8 in Pure Silvertip Badger) ?

Just curious

**Codfish** · 05-01-2012, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by HornHiYo

How did you get the 23 mm fibre for $44.95? I see it for $82 at the Muhle shop! :(

I think that European Union prices are different than U.S. prices. The 25mm Silvertip Fibres brush is available in the EU (but not here) at a price I don't think we will see in the U.S.

**HornHiYo** · 05-01-2012, 11:20 AM

So it's sacrilege to take shearing scissors and cut the tips to make the loft shorter, right?

I want more backbone :(

Contemplating the 23mm ...

**CHSeifert** · 05-01-2012, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by HornHiYo

How did you get the 23 mm fibre for $44.95? I see it for $82 at the Muhle shop! :(

Right here, sorry it is €42/$55

LINK:
http://www.muehle-shaving.com/shop/c...7/100/33_K_257
http://www.muehle-shaving.com/shop/c...7/100/33_K_252
http://www.muehle-shaving.com/shop/c...7/100/33_K_256

Click image for larger version.

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**Codfish** · 05-01-2012, 12:55 PM

In the U.S., these links show as $82.

**Codfish** · 05-01-2012, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by HornHiYo

So it's sacrilege to take shearing scissors and cut the tips to make the loft shorter, right?

I want more backbone :(

Contemplating the 23mm ...

See post #16, above. Loft length in synths and naturals is not directly comparable. Synths require longer lofts to achieve similar amounts of backbone.

**HornHiYo** · 05-01-2012, 03:23 PM

Interesting. I would like the stiffest brush possible for face and hard soap lathering, but it's starting to sound like the 23 mm is more than capable.

**CHSeifert** · 05-01-2012, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by Codfish

In the U.S., these links show as $82.

Try changing country and buy based on that price ;)

I bought my Kent BLK8 doing that - it might work out :)

I paid £85 for it, if I had chosen the US as country, the price would all of a sudden had been $212 and if I chose my own region, which is Europe (main land Europe) I would have been forced to pay €136 for my Kent BLK8.
By paying the £85 for it I saved a good lot; £85 = €104 = $137, you do the math