Simpsons Brush Care Instructions!!

**Izzy** · 12-08-2007, 05:54 AM

Hi Guys

I had some brush care instructions with my Simpsons PL8 brush which I didnt get with my PJ2.

The instructions state that when applying lather to te face, use the tips of the brush in a painting type motion, not in a circular motion as this may damage the brush, also when finished rinse the brush, shake out water, wipe with towel and stand?

Why would circular motion when lathering damage the brush? With all my other brushes I use a circular motion and none of the other brush care instructions say this, is it just Simpsons brushes?

Kind regards
NIGEL

**Barbelus maximus** · 12-08-2007, 06:54 AM

As far as I'm aware, Simpsons are the only manufacturer who supply these instructions. I didn't receive any sort of instructions with any of my Rooneys, kent or Jaggers. I did however get them with my Simpsons. Actually, when I took my Duke 2 back recently the lady in the shop tried to lecture me about correct lathering technique, it's actually a small chemists shop who have Simpson brushes with their own name on, I stood and listened patiently for a minute or so and then asked her why none of my other makes of brushes came with this advice, she then began to realise that she was in way too deep as I gave her chapter and verse about different makes of brushes and different sizes, hair grades and their merits, by this time two other ladies in the shop had started to listen in with interest, and then the questions started about soaps, razors and brushes. After my brush had been exchanged the two ladies in the shop asked me to recommend a suitable brush and soap/cream for their respective partners and both made purchases. I did try to convince one of them to buy the straight they had in stock but she was too terrified to handle it, so I showed her how it was done - God, I was impressive! I did manage to get across the importance of razor choice and quizzed them about their partners razors etc. They could not believe there was so much too it. I believe the seeds were sown.

**Slant-Fan** · 12-08-2007, 07:03 AM

Here is another example of the same from Kent This under "Wet Shaving Tips". The section (# 3 ) on loading the brush is ridiculous IMHO. I turned my brush in circles to load and to lather for 30 + years with no ill effects. Does anyone have any experience where the bristles twisted tighter and tighter and finally broke off ? It sounds to me like they are trying to build a case for voiding a warranty in advance.

**Barbelus maximus** · 12-08-2007, 07:58 AM

Perhaps they are aware of Simpsons problems and are covering their arses. I can actually see how a scrubbing circular action may cause a twisting action which may cause the shaft to break, doesn't stop me doing it though. Incidentally, I've never had any hair loss from my Kent although it doesn't get much use.

**Thebigspendur** · 12-08-2007, 10:32 AM

I think they are just covering themselves in case someone really abuses a brush then they can say see, we told you so. I've been doing circular brushing with all my brushes for years and I've never had any problems.

**evil.monkey.in.my.closet** · 12-08-2007, 11:22 AM

Paul, was that Horton's in Cirencester that you were in? I was in there the other day - waaaaaaayyyyyy too much choice. I found the Swedish Gillettes but didn't see the brushes. Where do they keep them?
On the plus side, wife has plenty of ideas for Xmas pressies for me now!

**TOB9595** · 12-08-2007, 11:47 AM

Is it possible that the manufacturers have come upon some new info?
Or is it just CYA???
Kent says not to lather with a concistent circular motion. Simpson says don't lather on your face with a consistent circular motion.
It's difficult to believe that after all these MANY years that a circular motion is detrimental.
Tho it's possible that folk paying so much more for their brushes want them top last a lifetime. As I understand it a brush has a lifespan of ~ 5 years.
I don't have that many years with brush to have a benchmark.
Tom

**letterk** · 12-08-2007, 11:58 AM

Simpson has been including these instructions for quite a while, well before the shedding issues. I think it's a CYA type of thing, as I know they've rejected brushes for replacement due to improper use.

**JCMH** · 12-08-2007, 12:19 PM

Maybe I'm missing something here, but if they want you to apply lather to your face by painting it on that's fine if you make your lather in a bowl. But if you create lather on your face & not use a bowl and you use a paint stroke wouldn't that take an eternity to get a decent lather created? I apologize in advance if this is a stupid question.

Regards,

**letterk** · 12-08-2007, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by JCMH

Maybe I'm missing something here, but if they want you to apply lather to your face by painting it on that's fine if you make your lather in a bowl. But if you create lather on your face & not use a bowl and you use a paint stroke wouldn't that take an eternity to get a decent lather created? I apologize in advance if this is a stupid question.

Regards,

Yes, it would take an eternity.

**Slant-Fan** · 12-08-2007, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by JCMH

Maybe I'm missing something here, but if they want you to apply lather to your face by painting it on that's fine if you make your lather in a bowl. But if you create lather on your face & not use a bowl and you use a paint stroke wouldn't that take an eternity to get a decent lather created? I apologize in advance if this is a stupid question.

Regards,

Not only that but I enjoy lathering in circles on my face whether I have generated the lather in a bowl or on my face. I would get no pleasure out of painting the lather on nor would it be as effective IMHO.

**OldSaw** · 12-08-2007, 02:04 PM

I have never had instructions on brush use. I just did what felt and worked the best, which happens to be a circular motion. After 15 years of using the same brush this way I did lose some hairs in the middle, but I was and am still happy with that brush. I now have an AOS pure badger that I use the same way and almost never lose a hair.

**JCMH** · 12-08-2007, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by Slant-Fan

Not only that but I enjoy lathering in circles on my face whether I have generated the lather in a bowl or on my face. I would get no pleasure out of painting the lather on nor would it be as effective IMHO.

+1...I feel that when making a circular motion it really does a much better job lifting and softening your whiskers. I only use a paint stoke when evening out my lather.

Regards,

**jochums** · 05-31-2011, 05:58 PM

i wouldn't wet shave if i had to paint

**rearviewmirror** · 05-31-2011, 06:07 PM

another necro?

**Ron991** · 05-31-2011, 06:11 PM

If a brush can't stand up to a swirling, circular motion or any other kind of motion, as long as It's not flat out abuse it goes right in the trash can!

**texaninkc** · 05-31-2011, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by jochums

i wouldn't wet shave if i had to paint

man.. you've brought back 3 threads from the dead. all more than 4 years old. that search feature must be busted on the new site

**GarageBoy** · 06-04-2011, 07:39 PM

$100 and if it lasts 5 years, i'd be THRILLED

My $10 POS Boar Proraso lasted me 4 already, before I chucked it (lost 3-4 hairs per shave) so it was kinda bald

**malocchio** · 06-04-2011, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by letterk

Simpson has been including these instructions for quite a while, well before the shedding issues. I think it's a CYA type of thing, as I know they've rejected brushes for replacement due to improper use.

so......is simpsons still battling the shedding issue ,or have they improved it...scary...I just bought a duke 3

**mblakele** · 06-04-2011, 08:17 PM

It's tough to get good data: all I can say for sure is that my Classic 2 isn't shedding. If you buy from a vendor who stands behind their sales, then there is nothing to worry about.