THE GOLDED NIB: 3 BAND NYLON

I wasn't expecting the density to be this high for a synthetic, but it loads lather like a champ and the tips are genuinely soft. It's a great stand-in for badger without the fuss, and it's held up well after a few weeks of daily use.

The 3-band nylon blend really does mimic badger convincingly—the white tips and dark base give it that classic look, and the density is spot-on for a firm yet yielding face feel. Loaded it this morning and the lather exploded on my skin, so soft I almost forgot it was synthetic.

The knot is dense enough that it holds lather right where you need it, and the 3-band look fools me every time I glance at it. Used it for a week straight, and the tips have stayed soft with zero scratchiness even on sensitive days.