ST-2 Short-Term Test Report
In total, we tested three different samples: microfiber, sub-microfiber, and a mixed version of the two.
All three demonstrated strong water retention, but there are notable differences in feel.
The sub-microfiber sample still has very slight scritch — at the very least, you can feel the knot sliding and pressing against your face.
The mixed version of sub-microfiber and microfiber has milder scritch, almost unnoticeable.
The microfiber has no scritch at all. Filled with soap, it feels like a jelly. And because the fibers are so fine, it produces a suction effect — yes, like a jelly that can cling to your face, sliding and pressing. This feeling is remarkable.
Originally, I expected obvious differences in lathering efficiency, but the actual results are nearly identical — a difference I would consider negligible.
I was concerned that microfibers might struggle with hard soap, but my concerns were unfounded. Although microfibers are very soft, their extremely high density and the uneven, bionic texture of the hair surface enable them to handle hard soap with ease — even more efficiently than badger hair, which exceeded my expectations.
I attribute this to two factors: first, the bionic structure itself; second, the strong lather-holding capacity made possible by the ultra-high density.
In terms of lather quality, microfibers produce denser cream, and that lather is locked inside the knot for a continuous supply. A single lather can last through four to five passes. I believe microfibers have surpassed the lather-holding capacity of top-tier badger hair.
Then there is the most crucial indicator: backbone.
Microfibers deliver a unique feel. As I mentioned, when filled with soap, they can wrap around your facial contours — yes, like ultra-soft slime conforming to the shape of your face.
However, if you measure microfiber backbone by traditional standards, it naturally cannot compare with thicker materials. But we compensate for this disadvantage with extreme density, and combined with the loft setting, the microfiber still provides solid backbone.
You may have noticed that I did not describe the sub-microfiber and mixed versions in detail. The reason is simple: the suction effect of the microfiber is simply too captivating. Although the other two versions also exhibit varying degrees of suction, the microfiber delivers the strongest experience.
At this point, I am essentially decided on microfiber as the final version of ST-2. However, we will still provide two versions of ST-2 samples for our global testers to experience and compare as thoroughly as possible.
Global testing will begin at the end of this month.
I cannot wait to share this product with you all.
Best regards,
Carry