Your favorite budget Simpson

[Nxspam]

Finally used it. The colonel is only the third brush I own, so I can't make any meaningfull comparisons. However, it was a very dense brush compared to the other two. Feels good in the hand and loads soap easily from a TOBS puck of sandalwood. Gave me a nice rich lather in a bowl. I like it.

 

[ChiefBroom]

Congrats!

 

[john parker]

On the other hand, I picked up a Berkeley in Best for my son as a stocking stuffer this past Christmas. It looked good in the photos, but the quality of the hair was disappointing to me -- low density and felt very coarse. I think the Chubby 2 and the 58 must be examples of the best of the Best and the Berkeley is at the other end of the quality spectrum within the Simpson Best grade. I obviously can't draw general conclusions with any confidence based on a sample size of one, but what I'd be wary of is the possibility that the quality of Best in lower end (price-wise) Simpsons might tend not to be on a par with that in higher end brush styles. In any case, mileage varies notoriously with Simpsons. That said, I own several, like them all, and some of them are among my very favorites.

I am surprised to hear that. I have a Berkeley, and consider it to be one of my better brushes in terms of face-feel, lathering, and release. Unfortunately I have never used a Chubby or 50 Series to compare it to; only my short-lofted Colonel in the Simpson line. The Berkeley is definitely less dense, to its advantage I believe. The Berkeley feels "softer" but mostly because it is less dense. I can certainly accept variability in quality of hair based on cost from the manufacturer, but am equally certain that the Berkeley is a very nice brush.

 

[ChiefBroom]

I am surprised to hear that. I have a Berkeley, and consider it to be one of my better brushes in terms of face-feel, lathering, and release. Unfortunately I have never used a Chubby or 50 Series to compare it to; only my short-lofted Colonel in the Simpson line. The Berkeley is definitely less dense, to its advantage I believe. The Berkeley feels "softer" but mostly because it is less dense. I can certainly accept variability in quality of hair based on cost from the manufacturer, but am equally certain that the Berkeley is a very nice brush.

My son is completely happy with it. And I might have judged it a bit harshly. I didn't try lathering it. In any case, I do believe there is variability in quality. The other two brushes I have in best are barely distinguishable from a Simpson Super 3-band I have.

 

[john parker]

My son is completely happy with it. And I might have judged it a bit harshly. I didn't try lathering it. In any case, I do believe there is variability in quality. The other two brushes I have in best are barely distinguishable from a Simpson Super 3-band I have.

I very much appreciate your observations on variability in hair quality. That makes as much, if not more, sense to me than the idea that density determines the difference in prices between Simpson brushes; at least within the "best" category.

 

[ChiefBroom]

I very much appreciate your observations on variability in hair quality. That makes as much, if not more, sense to me than the idea that density determines the difference in prices between Simpson brushes; at least within the "best" category.

I probably wouldn't have made the statement with as much confidence if others here with more experience hadn't offered similar observations. I don't doubt your brush is a great one.

 

[Macfrommichigan]

Old, dated thread, but noted OP was buying a new brush because his old one was molting a bit. It is a good idea to wash out badger brushes with a gentle dish soap from time to time, and, obviously always allow a brush to air dry after use; never put a wet brush in a closed medicine cabinet. I have it on good authority the proper dry time is at least 72 hours, hence the need for at least three brushes in one's arsenal. That may be an alternate fact, as they say in Washington DC, but heck, life is too short for just one shave brush.