Simpson Douglas

**jkh** · 10-01-2010, 04:33 PM

Well, look what arrived at my doorstep yesterday afternoon! A Simpson "Douglas"

I'd post some thoughts on the brush, but I have only used it once. More to come. For those of you who ordered one and have had a chance to you it - what do you think?

**Rivguy** · 10-01-2010, 04:41 PM

It is a beautiful brush. I received mine today and am looking forward to using it very soon. It is soaking as we speak...or I guess I should say type.

I am very fond of Super Badger.

Doug

**Darjeeling Express** · 10-01-2010, 05:46 PM

ah oh, here we go again.

**beginish** · 10-01-2010, 05:47 PM

Sweet lookin'! How do you like the handle feel? For those of you with the Tulip 2 in two band, I am very interested to hear how they compare.

**DEF** · 10-01-2010, 07:12 PM

Used once and loving it! I think it's an excellent high-quality soap/cream crossover brush.

EDIT: By "used once," I mean "used for one shave." That shave actually entailed lathering three times -- once with Klar Klassik soap, once with Taylor Rose cream, and once with Klar Kabinett soap.

Regards,
Doug

**SliceOfLife** · 10-01-2010, 07:24 PM

Those that have used it, what in your opinion justifies the cost compared to say a Grosvenor LE (appears to be back in stock now btw: so Heads up) or an Ehsan?

**DEF** · 10-01-2010, 07:57 PM

Ian,

For me, it's the appeal of having this knot on this handle. The Douglas project grew out of my discussions with Phil following my purchase earlier this year of a Simpsons 57 (best badger). I loved the handle but thought the egg-shaped knot could be improved.

The Douglas price point ($170) is very much in line with other 2-band super brushes like the Emperor 3 ($168) and Polo 8 ($170). I don't know for certain, but I suspect the relatively low price point of the Ehsan ($115) may have reflected the spot price of 2-band super bristle at the time that brush was run. I get the impression that sourcing this bristle is a challenge, which could be expected to show up in the final price. It will be interesting to see whether new-run Ehsans maintain that $115 price point or whether they will vary with the spot-market price of 2-band super.

I agree that the Grosvenor occupies a very attractive price point ($96), and if that brush appeals to you, then it could be a good way to go. Averaged over the lifetime of the brush, the extra cost is worth it to me to have this handle/knot combo, which I think is a winner.

**SliceOfLife** · 10-01-2010, 08:22 PM

Originally Posted by DEF

Ian,

For me, it's the appeal of having this knot on this handle. The Douglas project grew out of my discussions with Phil following my purchase earlier this year of a Simpsons 57 (best badger). I loved the handle but thought the egg-shaped knot could be improved.

The Douglas price point ($170) is very much in line with other 2-band super brushes like the Emperor 3 ($168) and Polo 8 ($170). I don't know for certain, but I suspect the relatively low price point of the Ehsan ($115) may have reflected the spot price of 2-band super bristle at the time that brush was run. I get the impression that sourcing this bristle is a challenge, which could be expected to show up in the final price. It will be interesting to see whether new-run Ehsans maintain that $115 price point or whether they will vary with the spot-market price of 2-band super.

I agree that the Grosvenor occupies a very attractive price point ($96), and if that brush appeals to you, then it could be a good way to go. Averaged over the lifetime of the brush, the extra cost is worth it to me to have this handle/knot combo, which I think is a winner.

Good response. I was thinking more from the point of view of Vulfix though. Is the knot denser than the Grosvenor?

**DEF** · 10-01-2010, 08:34 PM

Ian,

I don't know the answer to that one. My first thought was that I'd like to see the Douglas with 15% more bristles in the pack. But then I realized that since I've been using the 57 in best badger for so long, my perspectives might be warped; the 57 knot is incredibly sturdy and scrubby, to the point that it seems to me very much a soaps brush. With the Douglas, we wanted to back off that scrubbiness a little and get something that would work equally well with soaps and creams. I think this brush hits that sweet spot very nicely, and the bristle itself is an obvious step up from the best grade.

Regards,
Doug

**SliceOfLife** · 10-01-2010, 10:34 PM

Thanks, that picture helps.

**altshaver** · 10-02-2010, 12:04 AM

I ordered one of these as well. The handle coupled with the Two-Band hair really won me over. However, I am not sure this brush is any different from an Emperor Three Two-Band. You can find the E3 for cheaper than this brush. However, I think the handle on this brush is probably a tad bit more comfortable than the E3. I'll post a picture of my brush when I get it and some impressions after giving it a fair try.

**djh** · 10-02-2010, 12:19 AM

Originally Posted by jkh

Well, look what arrived at my doorstep yesterday afternoon! A Simpson "Douglas"

I'd post some thoughts on the brush, but I have only used it once. More to come. For those of you who ordered one and have had a chance to you it - what do you think?

Wow! That is certainly a good-looking brush.

**DEF** · 10-02-2010, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by altshaver

I ordered one of these as well. The handle coupled with the Two-Band hair really won me over. However, I am not sure this brush is any different from an Emperor Three Two-Band. You can find the E3 for cheaper than this brush. However, I think the handle on this brush is probably a tad bit more comfortable than the E3. I'll post a picture of my brush when I get and some impressions after giving a fair try.

The E3 has been a constant temptation for me, as well. With the handle aesthetics and the cool factor of being off the beaten path, I personally give a slight edge to the 57/Douglas; but you're right in pointing to the E3 as a close cousin. So many choices...

**altshaver** · 10-02-2010, 10:58 PM

I received mine yesterday (very fast shipping!). The handle is absolutely perfect. Really, this handle fits my hand like a glove. If you like the handle of a Rooney 3/1, I think you will be at home with the 57. The Two-Band hair is great as well. Very soft white tips with a black shaft that goes all the way down into the knot - no hint of a third band in this brush. I wish the brush was a little more dense. I think the brush compares well in density with the Persian Jar 2 in Two-Band that I have. Also, I think Vuflix could have done a better job with the etched inscription on the brush. I think the brush is priced high for what it is. There are comparable options in Two-Band for less money out there. I believe the price on this brush is connected with it being a custom brush from Vulfix. I have read that Vulfix will make you any brush you want - if you are willing to pay the price. That said, I don't think anyone would be unhappy with this brush; it's very nice. Personally, I think I will be using this brush by bowl lathering creams.

For those that own one of these brushes and possibly the following brushes in Two-Band: PJ2, E1-2-3, T2-3, Ehsan, and Polo 8; how do they compare?

I'll keep updating my impressions as I use the brush more, if people are interested.

Edit:

Also, mine hasn't shed a single hair yet - knock on wood.

**vitaman** · 10-02-2010, 11:13 PM

Originally Posted by DEF

Used once and loving it! I think it's an excellent high-quality soap/cream crossover brush.

EDIT: By "used once," I mean "used for one shave." That shave actually entailed lathering three times -- once with Klar Klassik soap, once with Taylor Rose cream, and once with Klar Kabinett soap.

Regards,
Doug

Doug, Congrats on a phenomenal brush!!!

**rsp1202** · 10-03-2010, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by altshaver

. . . I am not sure this brush is any different from an Emperor Three Two-Band. You can find the E3 for cheaper than this brush. However, I think the handle on this brush is probably a tad bit more comfortable than the E3. . .

The Douglas didn't fall far from the family tree, that's for sure. The Emperor's crown may be a bit more rounded, and its handle is skinnier and longer by a bit -- but the new kid's genes are evident. A stunningly good looking brush. And the price differential from what I've seen is negligible. Too bad it won't be around much longer, but the Emperor will.

**Perished** · 10-03-2010, 12:46 PM

Very good thread.
Mine has been shipped so I'll join in with this conversation in the next few days.
It'll be my first 2-band super badger brush, and seeing as it's good for creams and soaps, fits the bill.

**Rivguy** · 10-03-2010, 01:41 PM

After receiving my Douglas on Friday I gave it a break in treatment and used it for the first time this morning. First, I was impressed with the bloom after just the break in period. It is a beautiful brush and the handle has a very nice comfortable feel. For its maiden voyage I chose Castle Forbes Lavender cream. This brush, like the Ehsan and Grosvenor, is a thirsty little critter. After shaking out most of the water, I took a few quick passes over the top of the CF and it was ready to go. I mostly face lather so for the first pass, it had a wonderful feel on my skin, so much so that I lathered much more than normal. The second and third passes were just as good. A quick touch up pass (not really necessary, but I just couldn't put it down) and the first dance with this beauty was over. There was plenty of lather left which I attribute to both the C/F and the Douglas knot.

For the first use I will have to say that I am very impressed and look forward to using it in rotation this week. I will post more as I have more experience with this brush and as it continues the break in process.

I am very fond of super badger and if you are as well I would suggest that you pick one up while they are available.

Enjoy your shaves,

Doug

**altshaver** · 10-03-2010, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by rsp1202

The Douglas didn't fall far from the family tree, that's for sure. The Emperor's crown may be a bit more rounded, and its handle is skinnier and longer by a bit -- but the new kid's genes are evident. A stunningly good looking brush. And the price differential from what I've seen is negligible. Too bad it won't be around much longer, but the Emperor will.

The Superior Shave sells the E3 for $130, which is $40 less. Do you know how the brushes compare density-wise? Based on my experience with "The Douglas," I think that I would much prefer the 57's handle.

**rsp1202** · 10-03-2010, 03:37 PM

That's an incredible price for the Emperor. I was looking at dealer websites I've dealt with before, where I can "work" with them to get the right tweaks. Don't know anything about Superior. My three-band E3 had excellent flow-through and was a lathering champ with soaps and creams, and my two-band Colonel won in the firm but smooth category, though it held on to the lather a bit more. I liked the slightly longer Emperor handle; just a better fit.