Coming Soon....The Simpson's Douglas [Archive]

BullGoose

08-06-2010, 01:37 PM

Simpson/Vulfix was kind enough to produce another custom brush for me. Unfortunately this one will be the last in the line as a recent change of policy precludes Simpson from making additional custom brushes. Fortunately, I managed to slip this one in before the deadline and it has been in the works since January.

DEF (Douglas) and I were chatting around the holidays and he suggested a Simpson 57 with a flat crown would be appealing. Thus, the Douglas was born. It will have the handle of a Simpson 57 and will be stuffed with Two Band Super Badger hair. The approximate dimensions will be a 22mm knot and a 50mm loft with a flat crown.

I expect to receive shipment in 2 to 3 weeks. :w00t:

Perished

08-06-2010, 01:40 PM

OK.... So...... How do i pre-order?????

BullGoose

08-06-2010, 01:47 PM

OK.... So...... How do i pre-order?????

I still do not know my cost basis so have not set a price. It will likely be priced in the neighborhood of the Polo 8. If you would like to be put on the waiting list, please send me an email. I think it will be a fantastic brush.

kooshman7

08-08-2010, 01:15 AM

Could you further explain this recent change of policy with Simpson from making additional custom brushes? Does that mean they will only stick exclusively with their line as it is? So like they wouldn't do a custom Beaufort in a higher grade since all they make it in is Pure?

BullGoose

08-08-2010, 08:28 AM

So like they wouldn't do a custom Beaufort in a higher grade since all they make it in is Pure?

Yes, this is the new policy in a nutshell. If a brush comes in super badger they will make it in two band if you ask (if they have a supply of two band hair). However, if a brush only comes in Pure or Best, they will no longer make a custom version in Super or Two Band Super.

Vulfix/Simpson does not have a steady supply of two band hair (it is hard to source) so availability of two band brushes in general may be a bit sporadic.

Perished

08-08-2010, 09:39 AM

Well I want one, I'll PM you later m8.
I missed out on the Grosvenor LE because I slept on it...

Any chance of putting up a few pics to wet one's appetite?

kooshman7

08-08-2010, 01:43 PM

I meant to ask you about it when you said the Douglas has a flat crown. Is it like this?

BullGoose

08-08-2010, 02:25 PM

I meant to ask you about it when you said the Douglas has a flat crown. Is it like this?

Yes...without the large bloom (it is two band hair). I do not yet have the finished brush so it is hard to say for sure but, this is what Doug and I are after. I will post pictures as soon as the brush is available.

Loric

08-08-2010, 03:16 PM

This sounds promising. I dont have a Simpson yet. I cant wait to see it.

Uncle Erik

08-08-2010, 07:13 PM

Just when I said I was done buying brushes....

I don't have a brush with a flat crown, so I might have to slip in an order for one of these.

kooshman7

08-08-2010, 07:23 PM

Tempting huh Uncle Erik? I think to myself, "I don't have a flat crown/extreme flat top however one wants to call it in 2-band..." :lol:

huntmol

08-09-2010, 12:48 PM

Darn you Phil! I had resisted buying any shave gear for the past three months, and then you come out with this amazing new two-band custom Simpson?!?!!

Sigh... Check your inbox :lol:

PS please be sure to post pictures ASAP :drool:

kooshman7

08-09-2010, 02:12 PM

The allure of a 2-band D01 is holding me back, but I really do look forward to seeing pics! :drool:

ambrose

08-09-2010, 02:15 PM

im interested

WPD111

08-09-2010, 02:26 PM

Me also.... I wanted to try the 50 series and this brush sounds like the best of both worlds with the 2 band :thumbup: email sent..

thanks

08-09-2010, 03:36 PM

im interested

Surprise, surprise! :001_tt2:

I am also fairly interested. My relatively flat topped Duke 2 is my favorite brush.

Harvitz81

08-09-2010, 03:48 PM

I'm very tempted, but am now suspect of simpson's. Picked up a grosvenor 2-band awhile back from a member and have used it over a dozen times with no issues.

Used it today for the first time in awhile and it literally shed 15+ hairs :crying:

Not sure what to think, but will give it some more uses and see how it goes. After hearing all the stories of how simpsons would be fine for awhile and then just start to shed has me very concerned.

I truly hope that this was a one time event as I really love the grosvenor.

scoopster

08-09-2010, 06:51 PM

Given the fact that the Simfix 2-band knots have been very "bulby" this seems like a pretty cool offering.

ambrose

08-09-2010, 07:31 PM

Surprise, surprise! :001_tt2:

I am also fairly interested. My relatively flat topped Duke 2 is my favorite brush.

:biggrin1: cant wait for the pics :thumbup:

JaDo

08-09-2010, 07:37 PM

im interested

The 57 handle has an excellent feel to it. Phil hooked me up with one a while back, in Best Badger, and it's very enjoyable to use. With two-band Super Badger, I bet it will be a great brush!

huracan

08-10-2010, 07:31 PM

Given the fact that the Simfix 2-band knots have been very "bulby" this seems like a pretty cool offering.

No doubt. I may just throw my name in this hat.

huntmol

08-10-2010, 07:39 PM

I was reading this thread:
Calling all Simpson 56 or 57 owners (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?p=2304230#post2304230)
And I saw that the 57 had around a 48mm loft.

So I was wondering...
Why is this custom flat top Simpsons brush going to have a higher loft (50mm) than the standard spec 57?
I would think that it would be better to lower the knot a few millimeters rather than raise it, due to the propensity of flat tops to splay outward and feel larger on the face when lathering.

Hope this question is not out of line, I was just curious.

BullGoose

08-10-2010, 07:54 PM

Hope this question is not out of line, I was just curious.

Not out of line at all. Our reasoning was that the two band hair has better backbone so it should not splay much and the loft of 50mm should make for an excellent all around brush (as opposed to a soap only brush).

azmark

08-10-2010, 09:28 PM

Oh wow, it looks like a buzz cut for brushes. Looks great!

Perished

08-13-2010, 03:53 AM

Any new News on the brush yet? I cannae wait mun...:blink:

tachi1247

08-16-2010, 06:12 PM

Any new News on the brush yet? I cannae wait mun...:blink:

Wondering the same thing. Hope we get some more info soon.

DHshark

08-23-2010, 04:07 PM

Any updates?:thumbup1:

BullGoose

08-23-2010, 04:26 PM

Any updates?:thumbup1:

Not yet. I sent an email to Vulfix on Friday but have not yet heard back. They should be on their way any day now.

Perished

08-24-2010, 08:34 AM

Good to know.
Can't wait to see a pic of the brush. Just had a Rudy Vey 'Tulip' in finest delivered, this 'Douglas' is going to make up the other part of my dream team.

tachi1247

08-25-2010, 07:13 PM

Eagerly awaiting the pics & price. This brush sounds like it's going to be great.

Hopefully Vulfix responds to you soon.

Perished

08-26-2010, 02:34 AM

Eagerly awaiting the pics & price. This brush sounds like it's going to be great.

Hopefully Vulfix responds to you soon.

Defo something to get excited about :tongue_sm

tachi1247

08-31-2010, 07:30 PM

Any news?

Rowsdower

08-31-2010, 08:09 PM

Any news?

Phil posted an update in the BullGoose summer update thread earlier today.

There was an unexpected delay with the Simpson Douglas. I received an email from Simpson/Vulfix this morning and they now expect to ship them late next week.

huntmol

09-10-2010, 11:35 PM

Still patiently waiting... :rolleyes:

Perished

09-11-2010, 01:18 AM

Still patiently waiting... :rolleyes:

:c17:... same

BullGoose

09-11-2010, 08:08 AM

Still patiently waiting... :rolleyes:

I need to follow-up with Simpson/Vulfix. The last estimate was that the brushes were to ship yesterday although I do not know if they actually did. I should have more information on Monday. Thank you for your patience.

jkh

09-12-2010, 10:34 PM

I need to follow-up with Simpson/Vulfix. The last estimate was that the brushes were to ship yesterday although I do not know if they actually did. I should have more information on Monday. Thank you for your patience.

Thanks for the update, Phil. I can't wait to see these brushes :thumbup1:

kooshman7

09-13-2010, 01:31 AM

This makes me think of a Lunchables commercial where each day the kid excitedly looks in his bag after boarding the bus to see what his mom packed him for lunch hoping it is a Lunchables, and day after day he is disappointed, while I can't recall the name of the song but just the first few bits of the lyrics, "Just hopin', and dreamin'..." are playing until that magical day he finally gets it. :thumbup:

Antique Hoosier

09-13-2010, 02:08 AM

johnniegold

09-13-2010, 12:33 PM

There are so many experienced wet-shavers that are keeping an eye on this thread, anxiously awaiting the arrival of this brush.

Please exercise your due diligence and do what any self-respecting member would do while awaiting the arrival of a new brush.

BUY ANOTHER BRUSH! :whistling:

Klarion

09-13-2010, 01:08 PM

Yep. Bought 2 Shavemacs....

Harvitz81

09-13-2010, 01:13 PM

Yep. Bought 2 Shavemacs....

2!

What did you end up with? I'm really trying to decide on if I want this brush as I already have the Grosvenor and just shelled out big bucks on a custom shavemac 2-band D01 myself (in addition to picking up an Eagle recently :blush:)

Perished

09-13-2010, 01:14 PM

I bought 3 Rudy Vey brushes since the Douglas was announced, and Simpsons are making a brush to my specs... I hope it's worth the wait.

BullGoose

09-14-2010, 08:07 AM

I just received a reply from Vulfix. The latest update is that the brushes should ship tomorrow (9/15) and I hope to have them by the end of next week. We are getting closer.

DHshark

09-14-2010, 08:38 AM

I just received a reply from Vulfix. The latest update is that the brushes should ship tomorrow (9/15) and I hope to have them by the end of next week. We are getting closer.

Good news. Woo Hoo, can't wait! :thumbup:

Dennis

huracan

09-14-2010, 11:18 AM

I just received a reply from Vulfix. The latest update is that the brushes should ship tomorrow (9/15) and I hope to have them by the end of next week. We are getting closer.

Here's a Hopin' and a Wishing! :lol::lol: ( I haven't been able to get that song out of my head since yesterday)

Perished

09-14-2010, 11:19 AM

I just received a reply from Vulfix. The latest update is that the brushes should ship tomorrow (9/15) and I hope to have them by the end of next week. We are getting closer.

30th of September, pay day, would be fantastic. C'mon shaving Gods.

Granaura

09-14-2010, 06:19 PM

Put me down for one of these... argh.. another Bullgoose order to hide from the Mrs...
:tongue_sm

Rivguy

09-16-2010, 01:42 PM

The anticipation is excruciating, I am looking forward to seeing a picture or...should I say holding it in my hand.

Doug

ridgerunner

09-16-2010, 07:02 PM

:
I just received a reply from Vulfix. The latest update is that the brushes should ship tomorrow (9/15) and I hope to have them by the end of next week. We are getting closer.

Yeah, the brushes are coming:badger:

The brushes are coming:badger:

The brushes are coming:badger:

e d o

09-17-2010, 02:54 PM

I certainly don't need another brush but I do like a good fan-shaped knot. Looking forward to seeing a pic. Shame they didn't send one prior to shipping.

hoslerd

09-17-2010, 03:14 PM

I would like to deposit/pre-order one of these beauties if possible. If not could you at least let me know when they will be available before everyon else?:tongue_sm

BullGoose

09-17-2010, 03:53 PM

I certainly don't need another brush but I do like a good fan-shaped knot. Looking forward to seeing a pic. Shame they didn't send one prior to shipping.

I am very anxious to see how they turned out. UPS called today for my Fish and Wildlife Import/Export license number to release the shipment. Progress is being made! They should be here sometime next week. :w00t:

ridgerunner

09-17-2010, 04:05 PM

Thanks for the update.

kooshman7

09-17-2010, 04:12 PM

I knew I should've purchased that safe! I need to lock my credit card up! :scared:

john parker

09-17-2010, 05:06 PM

And the Grosvenour LE?

BullGoose

09-17-2010, 05:10 PM

And the Grosvenour LE?

Yes, they should be in the same shipment. I have not mentioned much about the Grosvenor because they have all been accounted for. You are one of the lucky ones who has a Grosvenor reserved.

john parker

09-17-2010, 06:22 PM

Looking forward to it!

Perished

09-18-2010, 02:15 AM

Can't wait to see a pic.

Antique Hoosier

09-18-2010, 03:13 AM

......... I have not mentioned much about the Grosvenor because they have all been accounted for.....

Amazing! So glad I got mine the first run. Unless Vulfix/Simpson changes their minds, this will truly be a scare brush. If Vulfix/Simpson were less stodgy about their brushlines, they could have seasonal custom brushes with limited run such as 75 pieces that would sell out to the assembled here and other forums with no problem whatsoever. Their own idea of a 90th Anniversary brush in faux horn was less than totally successful but the Ehsan and Grosvenor projects ARE successful as I'm sure the Douglas will be. The Eagle 3 in Best was a HUGE success and I just don't understand why Vulfix wouldn't encourage more ideas like this?!?

I had mentioned to Phil months ago to convince Vulfix to do a "Christmas Brush" every year much like Dunhill Pipes and other high end Pipemakers have done in the past. Another idea was to have Simpson search for discontinued handle styles and bring back a true retro styled brush with either densely pack creamy Best or that White tipped Charcoal based 2 band that is in my Grosvenor.

The marketing people on the Isle of Man have to be pleased that shavegeeks promote Simpson in a better fashion than they do themselves.

Perished

09-18-2010, 03:15 AM

Amazing! So glad I got mine the first run. Unless Vulfix/Simpson changes their minds, this will truly be a scare brush. If Vulfix/Simpson were less stodgy about their brushlines, they could have seasonal custom brushes with limited run such as 75 pieces that would sell out to the assembled here and other forums with no problem whatsoever. Their own idea of a 90th Anniversary brush in faux horn was less than totally successful but the Ehsan and Grosvenor projects ARE successful as I'm sure the Douglas will be. The Eagle 3 in Best was a HUGE success and I just don't understand why Vulfix wouldn't encourage more ideas like this?!?

I had mentioned to Phil months ago to convince Vulfix to do a "Christmas Brush" every year much like Dunhill Pipes and other high end Pipemakers have done in the past. Another idea was to have Simpson search for discontinued handle styles and bring back a true retro styled brush with either densely pack creamy Best or that White tipped Charcoal based 2 band that is in my Grosvenor.

The marketing people on the Isle of Man have to be pleased that shavegeeks promote Simpson in a better fashion than they do themselves.

I just ordered a custom Simpson's brush last Tuesday. Hoping to have a pic if not the actual brush next week. They will do any brush you want, just depends how much you want to spend...

And i spent quite a bit :behead:

johnniegold

09-18-2010, 04:40 AM

Progress is being made!

How is the shipment sent by Progess progressing? :huh:

BullGoose

09-18-2010, 08:52 AM

How is the shipment sent by Progess progressing? :huh:

It is in Kentucky (UPS Hub) right now waiting to be cleared by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. :thumbup1:

johnniegold

09-18-2010, 09:02 AM

It is in Kentucky (UPS Hub) right now waiting to be cleared by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. :thumbup1:

Now that's... well, er... Progress! :biggrin:

KCviper

09-18-2010, 09:18 PM

I'm on the Grosvenor LE waiting list (should be!!) and can't wait! Also going with the Feather All Stainless for my first DE. Hopefully this will be a great combo........

Goodknightbri

09-18-2010, 10:11 PM

Douglas is my middle name...

IT'S FATE :001_wub:

Perished

09-19-2010, 03:04 AM

Douglas is my middle name...

IT'S FATE :001_wub:

Written in the stars mate, written in the stars :thumbup1:

johnmrson

09-19-2010, 05:05 AM

It is in Kentucky (UPS Hub) right now waiting to be cleared by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. :thumbup1:

I don't think a badger brush qualifies as either a fish or wildlife. Long departed wildlife perhaps. :lol:

Antique Hoosier

09-19-2010, 05:10 AM

I'm on the Grosvenor LE waiting list (should be!!) and can't wait! Also going with the Feather All Stainless for my first DE. Hopefully this will be a great combo........

The Grosvenor 2 Band is a superb tool! I hope you are truly one of the fortunate few to receive this next batch!

Rivguy

09-20-2010, 12:55 PM

Douglas is my first name...does that move me up the list? :001_rolle

Doug

55dougie

09-20-2010, 01:00 PM

Hey, I'm a Douglas too, if he (Rivguy) moves up so do I.....:thumbup:

Can't wait to see what the Douglas will look like!

Perished

09-20-2010, 01:07 PM

Hey, I'm a Douglas too, if he (Rivguy) moves up so do I.....:thumbup:

Can't wait to see what the Douglas will look like!

Well my full name is Douglas Simpson, and I've named my newborn daughter 'Bullgoose'.
If that doesn't bump me to the top of the list...

jkh

09-20-2010, 02:01 PM

Well my full name is Douglas Simpson, and I've named my newborn daughter 'Bullgoose'.
If that doesn't bump me to the top of the list...

Winner, winner, chicken dinner :lol:

Rivguy

09-20-2010, 04:10 PM

Well my full name is Douglas Simpson, and I've named my newborn daughter 'Bullgoose'.
If that doesn't bump me to the top of the list...

Oh yea, she will love you for that! :lol: But it will be worth it.

Doug

htownmmm

09-20-2010, 05:59 PM

Here's a Hopin' and a Wishing! :lol::lol: ( I haven't been able to get that song out of my head since yesterday)

Enjoy the earworm!(and the brush).

marty

huracan

09-24-2010, 10:43 AM

Oh yea, she will love you for that! :lol: ...

Specially tragic if he ends up flipping the brush a week later on the BST :tongue_sm

BullGoose

09-27-2010, 02:52 PM

I received shipment of the Douglas (Two band Simpson 57) brushes this afternoon. The actual dimensions are:

Loft: 52mm

Knot Diameter: 22mm

Handle Height: 52mm

Overall height: 104mm

I had envisioned a flatter crown but still think the Douglas turned out well. I am in the process of contacting those on the waiting list. Once I have heard back, the remaining brushes will be available on my website for $170.00. Please give me a couple of days.

jkh

09-27-2010, 03:00 PM

Nice looking brush. I thought the crown would be flatter also. I don't understand why Vulfix can make a fan/flat brush!?!?!?!?! That looks to be flatter than the typical current (Vulfix) Simpson offering, but it is still more domed than the (Somerset) Simpson brushes of yore. Weird, just weird.

Thanks for the update, Phil! I hope my post didn't come across as negative. I am more just scratching my head in confusion :confused1

How is the heft of handle? I have heard that the 50 series brushes have nice heavy handles.

BullGoose

09-27-2010, 03:05 PM

How is the heft of handle? I have heard that the 50 series brushes have nice heavy handles.

The handle has a very nice feel to it and is very solid feeling. It weighs in at 65g

altshaver

09-27-2010, 03:46 PM

This looks great Phil!

The Two-Band looks great as well.

How dense is this brush compared to the Best version? Have you had a chance to try it? Let us know how it performs.

:001_smile

Churchill

09-27-2010, 04:02 PM

After seeing th knot it I'm glad I waited. Not that it wouldn't be a terrific brush but it looks very similar to the Grosvenor I already enjoy using.

beginish

09-27-2010, 05:50 PM

I can vouch for the 57 having a very solid, substantial handle.

AJMiami

09-27-2010, 05:52 PM

awesome looking brush.

kooshman7

09-27-2010, 05:57 PM

Good looking brush! :thumbup1:

ridgerunner

09-27-2010, 06:51 PM

Fantastic looking brush!

huracan

09-27-2010, 08:38 PM

The knot is very similar to the knot on the 90th anniversary Astor

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/6483/thumbnailaspj.jpg (http://img709.imageshack.us/i/thumbnailaspj.jpg/)

Loric

09-27-2010, 08:43 PM

The knot is very similar to the knot on the 90th anniversary Astor

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/6483/thumbnailaspj.jpg (http://img709.imageshack.us/i/thumbnailaspj.jpg/)

That is an uncanny resemblance, both in appearance and in measure....

It might not be exactly a flat top, but it just might be the Semogue Owners Club of the Simpson line???

Perished

09-28-2010, 10:19 AM

Mines ordered... amongst other goodies from Phill.

My first 2 band super. "Woo hoo", as they say.

Goodies are:
Klar Seifen Klassik Shaving Soap in Tin
The Simpson Douglas LE
Taylor Avocado Shaving Cream
Coates Tea Tree Shaving Cream
Ogallala Bay Rum Campfire Style Mug
Ogallala Shaving Soap Sweet Orange

beginish

09-28-2010, 11:40 AM

Phil-How does the density of the Douglas compare to the Tulip 2 in two band Super?

JaDo

09-28-2010, 07:14 PM

I can vouch for the 57 having a very solid, substantial handle.

Indeed!

BullGoose

09-28-2010, 10:16 PM

Phil-How does the density of the Douglas compare to the Tulip 2 in two band Super?

It has been awhile since I have handled a Tulip 2 in two band so I cannot fairly make a comparison. :blushing: I have an inquiry in to a customer who will soon have both. I will report back when I hear his take.

DEF

09-29-2010, 09:05 AM

jkh

09-29-2010, 09:38 AM

Hi, Gents. I haven't posted here in a long while, but I wanted to jump on this thread and thank Phil and Simpson for their work in issuing this brush. I bought a 57 from Phil earlier this year and loved the handle, but not so much the egg-shaped knot (though let me say, it blasts up the lather). Although this new Douglas has a bit of a shoulder to the knot, it does have much more of a flat crown to work with -- and in 2 band!

My new Douglas is on the way, and I hope my fellow 29 users will find it to be just the ticket. We weren't able to prototype it, but we took our best educated shot at what we hope is THE sweet spot.

Happy shaving!

Doug "DEF"

Doug, you need to post more :thumbup1: This brush is going to be awesome. I do wish the crown was flatter, but as I said before it does appear from the pictures to be flatter than than the current offerings from Vulfix/Simpson. I am exceptionally excited about the 52mm(ish) loft height, which I think will really work well with the bristle pack and 2-band hair.

beginish

09-29-2010, 09:43 AM

Hi, Gents. I haven't posted here in a long while, but I wanted to jump on this thread and thank Phil and Simpson for their work in issuing this brush. I bought a 57 from Phil earlier this year and loved the handle, but not so much the egg-shaped knot (though let me say, it blasts up the lather). Although this new Douglas has a bit of a shoulder to the knot, it does have much more of a flat crown to work with -- and in 2 band!

My new Douglas is on the way, and I hope my fellow 29 users will find it to be just the ticket. We weren't able to prototype it, but we took our best educated shot at what we hope is THE sweet spot.

Happy shaving!

Doug "DEF"

Thanks, Doug. Your detailed review of the 57 over on SMF inspired my purchase of it, and I couldn't be happier with it. Thanks to you and Phil for working with Simpson to make the Douglas a reality. :thumbup:

DEF

09-29-2010, 10:32 AM

Thanks, guys. Jeremy, the loft was the trickiest part of the equation. Knowing that the 2-band has a bit more backbone, we wanted to increase the loft just a bit for a brush that is "sturdy" enough to be a soap scrubber, but "whippy" enough to work equally well with creams. (That is the "sweet spot" I referred to above.) Seeing the knot in the photo, I'm pretty stoked.

Doug

herman_gill

09-30-2010, 08:28 PM

quick bump for the great service at bullgoose, I got my shaving stuff in 4 days shipped (to canada might I add), and thanks very much for the generous samples! =D

poonjaji

09-30-2010, 09:14 PM

Slightly off topic, but since we are talking about Phil's custom brushes I wanted to express my thanks for him taking on a project that was masterminded by my good friend, Texbilly. Following is a custom Duke 2 in 2-band "best badger" that crossed the pond with the Douglas batch. (Bill, I hope I am not spoiling the surprise!)

Thanks for the quick shipment, Phil, and the extras. :thumbup1:

125700
125703
125706

fisherbln

10-27-2010, 08:26 AM

Okay, I couldn't resist this one. Looks to be the perfect companion for my 56. Ordered the Douglas and a puck of Tabac, can't wait to try them out!

bbarton713

10-27-2010, 01:39 PM

Has anyone received and used this new brush yet? It looks really nice but I'd love to have some of those comparison questions asked by others answered. :thumbup::thumbup:

jkh

10-27-2010, 01:44 PM

Has anyone received and used this new brush yet? It looks really nice but I'd love to have some of those comparison questions asked by others answered. :thumbup::thumbup:

Here is a thread about the Douglas. Quite a bit of the discussion is about the price. Having used this brush for several weeks now it is fast become one of my favorites - damn near perfect.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=170449