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Simpsons 90th Anniversary Brush (Astor) Discussion Thread

My 'Astor' has cleared Aussie customs and should be here in the next 2 days (possibly tommorrow). I really can't wait to get my hands on this beauty. I'll be sure to post some pics when I receive it.

Pete
 
My first impressions were that I only felt so so about the faux horn
That's the deal-killer for me. If they're going to charge THAT much it had better be genuine horn IMO.

I will admit, they are beautiful though.
 
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To be honest I suspect it is the very same hair. That said, it seems to lather a bit easier, faster and in more abundance than my other two-band Simpsons. Both my T2 and CH1 brushes had a bit of a break in period where they lost a few hairs and got progressively better with each use for about 10 uses or so. The 90th Anniversary lathered up my Penhaligon's English Fern lickety-split in copious amounts and didn't lose a single hair. :cool: On first use it performed AT LEAST as well as my well broken in T2 and CH1.

Rob, I've enjoyed my Astor LE quite a bit. The handle provides a nice grip and is a good size (although I also enjoy my larger Polos). The knot is also a nice "medium" size. I'm not a big fan of tiny brushes; I tend to prefer medium to larger sizes so long as they have backbone (e.g., the Polos, CH2, Plisson 16/18, etc.). I think the new Astor LE is a superb brush, and Simpson did a good job with the handle coloration.

Mine has lost a few hairs here and there, but so far they appear to be shorter hairs that did not extend down into the cement. No big worries...

A couple of pics:

Along with Bill, I too picked up this brush (39/90) at the Austin meet up. I used it yesterday and today losing 12 and 4 hairs, respectively. :sad:

Otherwise it's a great feeling brush, real dense and it should soften up with a bit more use.

I used C&E Nomad SC yesterday, PC Old Spice scented SS today. Good lather, and really good lather! I think as the brush blooms and the tips soften with more uses it will lather creams and soaps equally well.

Yeah, yeah... I know... PICS!!!

Maybe tonight.


39/90

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Astor and "Da Boyz"

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Edit: Pics added, and actually the brush is numbered 39/90
 
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My 'Astor' has cleared Aussie customs and should be here in the next 2 days (possibly tommorrow). I really can't wait to get my hands on this beauty. I'll be sure to post some pics when I receive it.

Pete

:cool:

That's the deal-killer for me. If they're going to charge THAT much it had better be genuine horn IMO.

I will admit, they are beautiful though.

Thats what I thought as well, but then I caved. :lol:
 
Yeah, yeah... I know... PICS!!!

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Very soft and luxurious tips, enough backbone. Maybe little less dense than two-band Simpsons usually.
Performs wonderfully with all goodies, good flow-through, not lather hog.
Handle is ergonomic, especially when using "boss grip" and by far best looking faux horn I've seen.
Quality work from Vulfix, no issues here.
 
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I know the last thing I need is another brush, especially as im awaiting the (hopefully awesome) butterscotch LE, but this and the two band chubby two are calling my name - im not sure which (if any) to get though.
 
Ultimately everything shows up in the BST eventually.

I don't know. I'm still looking for some self respect.

Anyway...

I don't have any new pics, but here are some of my current ones:

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I really like this brush, except that I'm paranoid to use it. When it gets wet, I keep worrying something is going to wash off.:frown: Its a little soft compared to some, but it whips up an excellent lather and feels great on the face.
 
I don't know. I'm still looking for some self respect.

Anyway...

I don't have any new pics, but here are some of my current ones:

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I really like this brush, except that I'm paranoid to use it. When it gets wet, I keep worrying something is going to wash off.:frown: Its a little soft compared to some, but it whips up an excellent lather and feels great on the face.

Glad you added your gem to this thread! The first real B&Ber to have the Astor Anniversary Brush :cool: Use it, don't worry. If you are really concerned you could go over the engraved letters with some clear nail polish. Same would work for the label as well. I have been warned (haven't tried it yet myself) that you need to keep the quantity of nail polish over the engraving light and build it in coats as too much (wet) may cause some of the filler to rub off. I know many people do this with all of their brushes with great success.
 

Antique Hoosier

“Aircooled”
I wonder if the Astor handle in faux Simpson Ivory will be reintroduced in Best Badger since obviously the template for the hand lathe turned process is available?
 
I wonder if the Astor handle in faux Simpson Ivory will be reintroduced in Best Badger since obviously the template for the hand lathe turned process is available?

Mike - Don't know, but that would be very handsome.
Also, my Astor has still only shed one hair :biggrin1: and feels wonderful.
 
Mine arrived this morning, 5 days to ship from the US to Australia, I'm impressed. I'm even more impressed with my brush, #55, is a thing of beauty and also utility. It looks great but also feels good in the hand. I plan on using her for tonight's shave.

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Pete
 

johnniegold

"Got Shoes?"
I wonder if the Astor handle in faux Simpson Ivory will be reintroduced in Best Badger since obviously the template for the hand lathe turned process is available?


Not a bad idea since it is truly a classic, as well as classy, handle.

Let's start the write-in campaign. :thumbup1: :yesnod: :biggrin:
 

Antique Hoosier

“Aircooled”
Not a bad idea since it is truly a classic, as well as classy, handle.

Let's start the write-in campaign. :thumbup1: :yesnod: :biggrin:

I originally thought it not only odd to celebrate 90 years in light of the sale to Vulfix, and just the "number", not one that would normally be celebrated. I had doubts about the faux horn, the price, on and on. I'm convinced after so many great reports on this particular brush. I thought as well early on that the Astor handle shape (according to Gordon at SMF, a Coate's rather than Simpson design) was appropriate. It seems to be now that it is shown. Why not a rebirth of the Astor? Perhaps they might think it would devalue this special edition? I'd think (k)not.
 
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