A few Simpsons questions for the experts!

**Mike_P** · 08-18-2012, 08:12 AM

A few questions, that's all. I promise!

I've only owned one Simpson brush before, a Duke 2 in Best. It was too harsh on my skin and I let it go after just a few uses. Since then I've had my fair share of good experiences with M&F blondes and Shavemacs. But for some reason I keep wanting to buy a few Simpsons. (Damn SBAD!)

So, I'll jump right in with the questions.

I'm a bowl latherer primarilly but I dabble in face lathering when I'm in a hurry or just feel the need. That alone is why I ditched the Duke. This time around, I've been looking at the larger handle Simpsons, so that I can have a switch hitter of sorts that'll fit both types of use. Top of my list are the Emperor 3, Persian Jar 2 and the Fifty series, 58 and 59. Obviously all of these have a larger handle, and a bit higher loft. Now, with all of that said, my goal is a 3 band super in regards to the knot. Hopefully that would make it softer than my experience with the Best hair, and the lofts being higher assist in just being a little less scrubby.

-How are these choices in regards to using them in the way I'm wanting to? Too short? To long? I know ymmv but what are everyones experiences?
-How will the super 3's perform? The 2 bands LOOK awesome, but my other brushes I mentioned earlier are 2 bands, so I'm wanting to change it up. Plus I don't think I want them with as much back bone.
-Any other suggestions for models? Again, price doesn't matter, just quality. I really want to like Simpsons brushes and I think I just started with the wrong one last time. I listened to everyone else before researching more along the lines of what I had been looking for.

I'm aware some aren't typically available in the Super variety, so price isn't a factor. (And sure, I'll purchase more than 1 if I can find them! In typical SBAD fashion) I'm willing to special order if possible. Unless someone knows where I can find any of these in stock at reasonable prices?

And the final question that I am dying to find an answer to. I've been attempting to contact Simpsons directly at the e-mail listed on their site ([email protected]) and they keep getting kicked back. Does anyone have some contact information for that that they know is working?

Thanks to everyone in advance for their help and opinions!

**h22o999** · 08-18-2012, 08:21 AM

[email protected]

This is for Mark Watterson, he is the Managing Director of Progress Shaving Brush Ltd., he will be more than able to answer your questions.

Regards,

Justin

**German** · 08-18-2012, 08:28 AM

I really favor the 2 bands as at least the current batch is softer than the 3 band Supers I own. Also the 2 band is less dense giving more flow through. Below a picture of the E3 and 58. Both are great brushes with longer handles (I still face lather with them though). The 58 is about a s dense as a Duke. The E3 has less density. I like them both very much.
You may also consider a T3 that also has a good size handle. I also added a picture of that... That T3 has a 26/52mm knot and is about as scrubby (with soft tips) as a Chubby 2 in 2 band. The last picture shows them side by side with a Duke 3 2-band for reference.
Enjoy either way!!

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**Face&Head** · 08-18-2012, 08:31 AM

The 3-band supers are generally excellent. I've has 2-band supers that we fantastic and others that were too scritchy. I think the PJ would be a superb choice and I'd add the Tulip as well. These are great for bowl lathering and I use them all the time for face lathering as well. The Emperor is also very good but I prefer the handles on the PJ & T, which is just a personal choice.

**Intrigued** · 08-18-2012, 08:44 AM

Just a heads up. Mark tweeted that he was going to be on leave from Aug 21 to Sept 4, and out of email range.

I love the Emperor 3 handle and think it would work great for how you intend to use it. If you hadn't already said that you were planning on trying the 3 Banded Super, it would have been the hair grade that I suggested you try. As for the 58, 59 and Persian Jar, I haven't tried those. Hopefully some of the guys that have will be along shortly.

**Triad** · 08-18-2012, 03:12 PM

I have the Emperor 3 in super 3 band and you will be happy its the softest and best bowl lathering brush i,ve tried

**djh** · 08-19-2012, 02:55 AM

I would recommend the PJ3 or Tulip3 if your budget will swing to that.

**Mike_P** · 08-19-2012, 03:56 AM

Thank you all very much for the information. I've gone ahead and e-mailed Mark, hopefully I catch him before he leaves.

At this point I'm thinking of picking up an E3 and a PJ3. I was going to skip the PJ, however I saw that The Superior Shave has some Somerset PJ3's that look quite appealing.

I decided on those 2 because their lofts seem dead on, have the larger handles I'm looking for, but knot diameters differ and are a good thick size, 21 & 26.5 which means I won't feel like I'm buying the same knot in a different handle.

I've almost been tempted to add in a 2 band or wait for Mark to reply and see about a nice Manchurian but I really don't know how necessary that is since I've got 2 Bands already, despite them being other brands.

**Intrigued** · 08-19-2012, 09:23 AM

Originally Posted by Mike_P

Thank you all very much for the information. I've gone ahead and e-mailed Mark, hopefully I catch him before he leaves.

At this point I'm thinking of picking up an E3 and a PJ3. I was going to skip the PJ, however I saw that The Superior Shave has some Somerset PJ3's that look quite appealing.

I decided on those 2 because their lofts seem dead on, have the larger handles I'm looking for, but knot diameters differ and are a good thick size, 21 & 26.5 which means I won't feel like I'm buying the same knot in a different handle.

I've almost been tempted to add in a 2 band or wait for Mark to reply and see about a nice Manchurian but I really don't know how necessary that is since I've got 2 Bands already, despite them being other brands.

He has/had some earlier this month.

**Mike_P** · 08-19-2012, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by Intrigued

He has/had some earlier this month.

This is going to end up an expensive purchase, lol.

Kind of liking the butterscotch 3 band M7's they have too!

**Teddyboy** · 08-20-2012, 05:50 AM

58 is a great brush. I use it for face lathering only. If you find it in 2-band, please let me know b/c I couldn't find one.

**Mike_P** · 08-20-2012, 06:30 AM

Teddy,

I actually have been unable to find the 58 in 2 band. Have found 59's though.

Since they weren't readily available, I just put in a custom order with Mark for a 58 with a Manchurian Knot. I'm extremely excited to receive it but it might be a few weeks.

Intrigued, that T3 was so awesome looking I am working on them sending me one of those too. Prior to that picture I had never seen a Tulip in butterscotch.

**BigBull** · 08-20-2012, 06:58 AM

Hope you find what you're looking for! I'm thrilled you didn't like your Duke 2

**Mike_P** · 08-20-2012, 07:06 AM

Originally Posted by BigBull

Hope you find what you're looking for! I'm thrilled you didn't like your Duke 2

I'm very glad you like it. I'm guessing if I let it break in a bit more I probably would have had better luck, but the 2 uses it had, were just uncomfortable. =(

**German** · 08-20-2012, 07:44 AM

Jarrod had a few earlier this month... There is still one 59 available... Or was at least still yesterday... I got my 2 band 58 from him...

Originally Posted by Teddyboy

58 is a great brush. I use it for face lathering only. If you find it in 2-band, please let me know b/c I couldn't find one.

**Intrigued** · 08-20-2012, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by Mike_P

Teddy,

I actually have been unable to find the 58 in 2 band. Have found 59's though.

Since they weren't readily available, I just put in a custom order with Mark for a 58 with a Manchurian Knot. I'm extremely excited to receive it but it might be a few weeks.

Intrigued, that T3 was so awesome looking I am working on them sending me one of those too. Prior to that picture I had never seen a Tulip in butterscotch.

Please post your impressions when you get your brush(es) and let us know what you think of it/them after you get a chance to use it/them.

**BigBull** · 08-20-2012, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by German

Jarrod had a few earlier this month... There is still one 59 available... Or was at least still yesterday... I got my 2 band 58 from him...

It's still on his site. However, that doesn't mean it's still in his inventory.

**Mike_P** · 08-20-2012, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by Intrigued

Please post your impressions when you get your brush(es) and let us know what you think of it/them after you get a chance to use it/them.

Absolutely! Mark said it'll be a few weeks, but I ended up ordering the custom 58 and a butterscotch tulip. Both manchurians with different knot stats.

I've got a Super 2 band Milk Churn coming as well, and the Emporer 3 in 3-band on order.

I suppose I sort of over did it, but it'll be worth it! ;)

**Intrigued** · 08-20-2012, 08:45 AM

Originally Posted by Mike_P

Absolutely! Mark said it'll be a few weeks, but I ended up ordering the custom 58 and a butterscotch tulip. Both manchurians with different knot stats.

I've got a Super 2 band Milk Churn coming as well, and the Emporer 3 in 3-band on order.

I suppose I sort of over did it, but it'll be worth it! ;)

Ooooh.. You've got an acute case of SBAD.

Actually, that is a great sounding assortment pack! I can see lovin' each and everyone of those. Now, I really want to hear how you get on with that selection.

**Mike_P** · 08-20-2012, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by Intrigued

Ooooh.. You've got an acute case of SBAD.

Actually, that is a great sounding assortment pack! I can see lovin' each and everyone of those. Now, I really want to hear how you get on with that selection.

Yeah it's pretty bad. I think I'm mostly looking forward to seeing my collection of brushes all together at once, lol.