Recommendation for Simpsons Brush

[Mus]

I am pondering splashing out on a Simpson brush. I am a relative newbie (9 months in or so). Still trying out different styles, and have general acquisition disease.

I have a silver tip from royal shave (store brand) with a beautiful and heavy chrome handle -- i love the modern look and material. It lathers creams amazingly and does well with soaps but it seems a bit floppy and is a tad to splayed out and big. It shed a lot in the first couple months and now has settled down. I also recently aquired a Semogue 620 boar that I am still breaking in--got it for face lathering experimentation and for soaps and to try a boar. I love it as well, super stiff, more scrubby, etc. I love it too, though ironically due to my inexperienced technique and the fact that its not broken in I get better results with a bowl than face lathering. So two very different brushes that I like.

Anyhow.....interested in a brush that might have some of the qualities of both: a denser badger with more backbone, bulb shaped more than fan, and scrubby.

The Simpsons in Best seems to fit those parameters. But in terms of models, I get confused and could use some help.

The Chubby 1 or 2 seem the right size and everyone says its super dense, and it seems to fit the description above perfectly but I wonder if the handle means its pretty much as face latherer only? Is the density too much for creams?

The Duke 2 or 3 therefore seem like a possibility. Is the knot dense with backbone (same as the Chubby? I have read conflicting reports)

To be honest I prefer the simple geometry of the Persian Jar handle. But I cannot figure out beyond geometry how it compare in terms of stiffness, density and backbone to the Duke. I worry that is less dense, too floppy; too close to the badger I already have.

Are there other options I should consider in Simpsons? or other top brand brushes that would match these parameters but, how shall I say it, slightly more modern aesthetic? I would aesthetically prefer a metal or at least black handle with simple geometries.

[Roefisher]

Hello Mus,

For sheer density I would say you're on the money with a Chubby. The Duke (size 3 maybe) is certainly up there in the range, but not to the same degree as the Chubby. The lower loft height in relation to knot diameter on the Chubby adds to the feeling of firmness and density while lathering too. The handle shape is not exclusively for face lathering, of course, but like me, you could find a longer handled one handier in the bowl for both mixing and resting between passes. I wouldn't let that feature alone decide the brush for me though, I would go with the knot character every time in combination with a comfortable handle.

The Persian Jar is a superb brush which is sadly overlooked in favour of several others and I am happy to see it mentioned here. If I had to choose, I would go for the PJ in size 2 or 3 and try 2-Band Super which will give you those desired features. Also, don't overlook the Emperor which would generally be that bit firmer than the Best fan shaped Colonel or 2-Band bulb shaped PJ, especially so if you find one with a low loft.

Based on what you're saying, I would go with either the Persian Jar 2 or 3 or the Emperor 3 with a 2-Band Super knot where you won't have your unwanted floppiness, even if the hair has less density.

Mark

[captp]

I think the Duke3 is one of the best brushes available, not as dense as the Chubby, but that's not a negative; the PJ is another superb brush often overlooked; not super dense, but plenty of backbone.

[mistervee123]

Ahh, a brush purist in the making. My humble recommendation is to jump on a web site with a good Simpson inventory (The Superior Shave comes to mind). Look at the brushes to see which one LOOKS GOOD to you. Then read the reviews on B&B. In the end, go with the handle that you really like that comes in the type of badger you want.

I prefer to face lather with a Wee Scott in best, but I also use a soft, floppy, Omega 599 silvertip. When I'm in the mood though, I'll pick up my Thater 4292 in 3-band silvertip, or my Simpson Commodore in best, and give 'em a whirl face lathering too. Sometimes I'll use the Wee Scott for bowl lathering. Sometimes I paint lather on, sometimes I swirl it on. I can't even begin tell you the many different ways I've used products--face, bowl, scuttle, cup....dog dish! I love the variety and trying something new. I really like rum and Coke. But heck I'll drink Coke alone or have a sip a glass of rum neat sometimes. I might even throw some Jack in a glass with Gingerale. I like red and white wine, and I'll drink it with whatever food I please! Low life? High life? Social faux pas or social rebel? It's my palate...and it's my shave.

Do what you want, use what you want, change it up, and enjoy each shave! Who knows, you might just discover the next brush fad to announce to the B&B crowd. Hey, you're a rebel already if you've joined B&B instead of the M3&SG (Mach 3 and Shave Gel) Forum. Take the enjoyment to the max, dude!

[Face&Head]

Ahh, a brush purist in the making. My humble recommendation is to jump on a web site with a good Simpson inventory (The Superior Shave comes to mind). Look at the brushes to see which one LOOKS GOOD to you. Then read the reviews on B&B. In the end, go with the handle that you really like that comes in the type of badger you want. Take the enjoyment to the max, dude!

+1 if you check out Superior don't hesitate to ask Jerrod any questions you have. He really knows these brushes and gives very honest valuable advice.

[Scritchnscrub]

I'd get a Rover LE from WCS before they're sold out. Simple, ergonomic handle. Best hair that's as soft as their Super. As dense a knot as I've used without hogging lather (careful with the Chubbies for this reason). Simply my favourite 3-band brush bar none. And with the discount from WCS you can get one for $100 which is the best value out there right now in my opinion. I have two - they're that good.

[jva59]

I'm a newbie as well, even more so than Mus, and like him am thinking about a Simpson's brush. It would be hard for me to justify a PJ--probably the model I most covet--since I have a terrific Shavemac 25, which I am extremely happy with, but a travel brush is another matter entirely. .I'd be grateful if some of the experts who gave such good advice above, or others still to be heard from, could weigh in on the Major, which I have my eyes on??

[Mus]

THanks every one for the amazingly useful information! Very helpful. Curious if anyone has tried the Simfix Limited edition with the pearlescent handle that is listed on the Simpsons website? Wonder what the density/backbone/etc is like on that thing? The website says "densely filled with rare High Mountain Manchurian badger hair." but that does not help much in ways of comparison Emailed Simpsons to ask about it.

The one thing about Simpsons I do not like very much is the handle and sticker. etc. I'd prefer something more modern/cleaner. so if the Simfix something like the duke 2 or PJ2 it might be enticing (though its a much more expensive than the Duke 2) 2-band super mentioned above. Its measurements are: Knot diameter 21mm; Loft 50mm.

[Mus]

btw, to be clear the semogue 620 is really great..enjoying it greatly so far.

[celestino]

Mus,
i have the Chubby 1 in best and it is a very nice brush. You may find it a bit small for bowl lathering, but it does work. i would highly suggest the Semogue 830 for what you are looking for. Probably the best overall boar brush, in my opinion. You could pick up quite a few for the price of the Simpson's that you are looking at. However, you should pick up a Simpson just to try them out as they are very nice brushes.
Good luck with your buy.

[Mus]

jva59: lots of people seem to love the simpsons wee scot, using it daily rather than a just a travel razor. never tried it of course.

celestino: i just recently got the Semogue 620 and am breaking it in and as I say, like it very much. I looked at the 830 but wanted the shorter loft.