A little help picking a 2nd brush

**catherix** · 07-09-2012, 09:53 PM

Alright I know this is another one of these kind of threads so I'm sorry for that. But I was hoping that you all might take a minute to give me a little help. I'm looking into a new brush and would like a few opinions in which one to buy.

I'll quickly note that I have been looking at the Simpson best badger Duke 2. But it is a little pricey so I wanted to check with you all first. My current brush is an AoS fine badger with what I think is a 58mm loft and a 106 mm total height approximately. Its a little floppy at times so I'm looking a around 50mm loft with roughly around the same total height. I'd like best badger if possible but essentially a soft badger with a little scritch to it. And something with a 22ish mm knot but I'm not set on that. Could be a few mm either way.

Thanks for reading! Looking forward to hearing what you might have to say!

**Marco** · 07-09-2012, 10:01 PM

Tyler if you want a Duke 2, then get a Duke 2. It's one of my favourite brushes and worth every single penny.

**Triad** · 07-09-2012, 10:06 PM

Im with Marco Duke 2 is fantastic!!

**catherix** · 07-09-2012, 10:08 PM

Oh boy, I was afraid this might happen! Haha am I gonna have to find a way to sneak this past SWMBO??

**dieselfuel79** · 07-09-2012, 10:49 PM

You won't go wrong with a Simpson's brush. I have a Colonel myself, and was in your shoes at one point. I upgraded from a Vulfix 1000a in pure (itchy) to the Colonel. Great brush and I love it. If you're thinking boar, Semogue has won my vote. I bought a 1250. Inexpensive and works like a charm.

**taco8slo** · 07-09-2012, 10:51 PM

Honesty is always the best IMO. I found my Duke 2 on the BST at a great discount. Or do a reknot with TGN finest (bulb shape) good stuff (cheap too), or find a reknot on the BST or Marketplace. I have a feeling you are a 2-band badger hair lover (I am), great scrub with tiny scritch.

**Blue-EyedSon** · 07-10-2012, 02:36 AM

I haven't tried a Duke series brush, but if funds are tight, you might consider a Simpson's Berkeley.

**StuMcB** · 07-10-2012, 03:28 AM

Duke 2, my first top range brush. You know you want one, go get one, enjoy it.

**catherix** · 07-10-2012, 11:44 AM

Well I expected a much different response when I posted this. Looks like the duke 2 is quite favored around these parts. I guess that's what I'm gonna get in the end. Now just have to wait till the right moment to order it when SWMBO isn't looking...

**shaverjoe** · 07-10-2012, 02:21 PM

I would also recommend a Duke 2. A very versatile brush which can easily be used as a face or bowl latherer. Plenty enough backbone and density to load soaps and creams with ease, but has great flow through- never a real lather hog, IMO. I think it is a wonderful place to start. And if you don't like it, easily moved on the BST with minimal loss of your initial investment.