Revisiting a Duke 3 in Best

[desmoface]

So I dug out my old Duke 3 in Best that's been sitting unused for what seems like the better part 5-6 years, maybe more, can't remember the last time I used it. I remember trying to gel with it but it just seemed a bit scritchy/scratchy compared to the other brushes I routinely reached for (Thater (can't remember the model #) and my trusty old Saville Row 3824).

I think I'm going to give it another go though, as I feel like I didn't give it a chance. I face lather and I guess I'm used to soft brushes; my Thater and Savile Row are both really soft, like rubbing a marshmallow on your face. The Duke, while really densely packed, was just a bit more scratchy on my face and I remember it putting me off as I guess I'm used to soft. Anyway, it's a beautifully made brush and I certainly see why they are so popular. Thinking the Duke in Silvertip would be more to my liking. My Thater is on the left:

 

[nav]

My Commodore X2 Best is perfect for me.
I wouldn't say it's scritchy, but it does have some scrub and face feel.
I love it due to this.
Badger brushes that feel like a cotton ball are not to my liking. And slimy gel tips are even worse...gross!

If you prefer the softer feel, the super or silvertip should suit you better.

 

[Trollky]

I experienced something similar with my Chubby 1 in Super. I was expecting zero scratchyness so was a little disappointed when I first used it. It was superb in all other respects though and after a few shaves that scratchyness all but disappeared.

This leads me to believe there is definitely a break in period with ultra dense knots but that is a small price to pay for all the billowing goodness

 

[desmoface]

It's got some use on it, I would use it in a rotation with the Savile Row and the Thater, but just found myself preferring the softer feel of the other two. I'm going to start using it again, though, and maybe; 1. I'll get used to it. or; 2. It will soften up with use. It is a nice brush, otherwise.

 

[BigJ]

Hope the Duke works out! Some of my favorites are Simpsons best, but I like just a bit of ‘scritch.’

 

[Owen Bawn]

Love the Duke 3 in general, and the Best in particular!

 

[Owen Bawn]

...although the D3 in two band isn't bad, either!

 

[desmoface]

Wow, that sure is party. Love the handle!

 

[Owen Bawn]

...why not try on in synthetic while you're at it?

 

[desmoface]

Nice, do you find one is softer than the other?

...although the D3 in two band isn't bad, either!

View attachment 1600899

 

[brucered]

...although the D3 in two band isn't bad, either!

View attachment 1600899

Or thr D4 as I call it, aka 'The Grosvenor" in 2B Super

 

[Owen Bawn]

Nice, do you find one is softer than the other?

No. Both are perfect. Nicest brushes I've ever used. But I reach for the Best more frequently. It has more "presence".

 

[TonyN]

I have a Duke 3 Best and Chubby 2 Best. Both were scratchy when I first got then, but they get better with use. I don't mind a little scritch. Also like the Shavemac D01 3-Band.

 

[GR5233]

I really enjoy the Duke 3 in best. Though I think I slightly prefer the softness of Simpson’s platinum synthetic more

 

[HiPowerRon]

Simpsons best has never disappointed me, but everyone has their preference. Brushes can be too soft, I I really like the Persian Jar 2 in 3-band super. Love the handle most of all

 

[CJB3]

I have the Duke 3 in Best, Manchurian, and SiLVERTiP. The Best is an awesome brush, IMO, and holds its own against brushes costing several times as much.

 

[GR5233]

Simpsons best has never disappointed me, but everyone has their preference. Brushes can be too soft, I I really like the Persian Jar 2 in 3-band super. Love the handle most of all

I’ve heard that some people were having issues (excessive shedding and/or uncomfortable feeling) with Simpson brushes in best a few years ago but like you I have never been disappointed with them. I have both a Duke 3 and Chubby CH1 in best and both are great. And between the two of them I think I’ve had one hair shed

 

[BigJ]

...although the D3 in two band isn't bad, either!

View attachment 1600899

LOVELY!!

 

[desmoface]

Ok, just finished up a shave with the Duke, and it was uneventful (I mean that in a good way). This thing is really dense, which I mean as a compliment to the brush. It is more scratchy than my Thater and my Savile Row's but it's not bad. I'm going to use it exclusively for a bit and see how it goes. I was going to use either Tabac or MWF, but I'm trying to conserve the Tabac as I love it and they changed the formula ; MWF is ok, but I do prefer Tabac.

So, I went with a cream that I was recently introduced to by @Steve56 (thanks again, this stuff is awesome). But I can see why the Duke is so lauded for it's performance with hard soaps.

Anyway, just wanted to post an update and thank everyone for the excellent advice.

 

[Steve56]

The Duke 3 is also known as the Chubby 0 !