The development cycle for ST-3 ran longer than anticipated. Along the way, we evaluated multiple fiber architectures before settling on the one we believed best suited to its mission. This required switching suppliers twice, until we found our current partner—the most technically comprehensive and professionally capable resource within our reach.
Now, it is ready.
I. Material & Structure: A Dual Breakthrough—Raw Material and Engineering
ST-3 is drawn from BASF granules. Compared to the Dongli material used in ST-1 and ST-2, BASF offers superior snap-back resilience and a more stable supply chain—critical for a series intended for long-term, consistent production.
But the more fundamental leap lies in the structure.
We blended four types of fibers with distinct parameters and geometries. The primary component is a dual-split fiber. Its tip is hand-processed to create two micro-forks, delivering a level of softness that exceeds the physical limits of the raw material alone—without sacrificing the integrity of the mid and lower shaft. This is a triumph of engineering: the natural tension between softness and resilience, resolved through design.
To temper the uniform "machine feel" and create a more layered, animal-hair-like texture, we also incorporated proportional amounts of fibers calibrated to ST-1 and ST-2 specifications.
II. Color: A Nod to Origin
ST-3 adopts the color scheme of the Origin series. This is not merely a visual upgrade—it is a statement of positioning: within OUMO's synthetic fiber lineup, ST-3 stands alongside our flagship badger-knot offerings.
III. Feel: A Backbone Capped by a Cloud
In the final round of internal testing, ST-3 exhibited a distinctly composite character: it combines the softness of ST-2 with the backbone of ST-1. You can feel the firm, resilient support beneath a supple, cloud-like tip.
The advantage of BASF raw material becomes evident here. Even under identical parameters, the Dongli-based formulation lagged in snap-back performance.
Equally noteworthy is its water retention. During a drying test, its behavior was almost disorienting—this did not feel like a synthetic brush. It felt like badger. This level of water retention means a single loading can comfortably handle three full passes.
IV. Final Calibration & Global Testing
We are currently conducting the final round of calibration, focused on two variables:
Splay vs. core support: We are evaluating whether to release a version with easier splay characteristics while maintaining the knot's central backbone.
Visual authenticity: The current ST-3 prototype closely resembles the Origin in appearance, which may cause sensory confusion. We are considering reducing the proportion of white fibers to make the color look "more synthetic"—and thereby avoid unintended misinterpretation.
Once these decisions are finalized, we will launch the global testing phase for ST-3. Consistent with the Super Fiber tradition, this will be a blind test: each participant will receive a numbered sample, with the numbers corresponding to different combinations of density, knot shape, and loft. The final production parameters will be determined by the aggregated blind-test feedback from testers worldwide.
We remain committed to building products through methods that are scientific, traceable, explainable—and validated through rigorous testing. This is not only our responsibility to the global OUMO community, but also our contribution to the wet-shaving world: more possibilities, more anticipation, and more reasons to keep exploring.
Thank you for reading.
Carry