Hey folks- does it matter that I will only be able to get a post-Vulfix merger Simpsons Duke?
I've read a number of accounts of the loft having been raised post merger (and possibly lowered again). Is there a specific vendor that you guys would suggest purchasing from?
I would check out thesuperiorshave. You can pick out your specific brush you want. Granted, they don't offer discounts like some vendors do on Simpsons brushes but it's the only way to know exactly what you're getting.
You could check out thesuperiorshave.com. Jarrod posts all the pictures and loft sizes of the brushes he has in stock. You can take a look and pick the one you fancy. John from WCS and Phil from Bullgoose are also top notch!
I vote Duke 2, I absolutely love mine and it has completely changed my soaps, I actually rarely use creams now. I don't have a Rooney super silvertip but it seems like it would be too soft for soaps IMO.
I know, I know the Duke is the sweetheart brush of the moment. They are just too bulbous for face lathering. If you can score a fanish shape Duke, more power to you. Not too long ago everyone was singing the praises of the 1/1 as the ideal face lathering brush, which IMO, it still is.
I don't think you can go wring with either one. My Duke 2 works really well for soaps, and I've got a Rooney 1/2 that I use as well which is fantastic.
I'm going to be the lone man out, but I say Rooney. For me, the Simpson Best is too prickly. I have no doubt that the D3 would have more backbone, but having used the 1/2, I think the Rooney will have enough.