Item Description
Disclaimer: As I have only a handful of brushes to compare the Major with, none of them travel brushes, I feel I am not quite qualified to give a real compare/contrast-type review. I'll do the best I can with the experience I do have.
Price: At $130 for Best and $150 for Super this is a relatively expensive travel brush. The Vulfix turnback is about half that price, but the equivalent Plisson travel brushes are more, if I'm not mistaken. It's not the most expensive travel brush out there by any means, but pennypinchers and valuehounds may want to look elsewhere.
Quality: Aside from my B&B Finest Horn (which makes everything else I have ever seen in person look and feel like cheap, plasticky toys) the quality and aesthetics of the Major appears to be easily above and beyond that of the few brushes I own, as well as any of those I have personally fondled and/or coveted at the local Mario's, Nordstrom's, knife shops, etc. The rounded shoulders of the Major are far more appealing to me than the sharp, squared-off angles of the T&H, AOS, or Vulfix turnbacks. The thick, sturdy walls of the Major are definitely built to stand up to just about any abuse you can imagine dishing out during your travels. Like others have noted, the little gold Simpson's label fell off my Major almost immediately upon taking the brush out of the box revealing a Simpson's stamp underneath. This was disappointing at first, but now I think the stamp alone gives the brush a handsome vintage appeal I have come to prefer anyway.
Density: The first thing that surprised me was how small the knot is (19mm = 0.75in) and how the bristles are are shorter than I expected (40mm = 1.5in). The bristles are very densely packed, however, especially for a smaller brush and the bloom is quite impressive (57mm = 2.25in).
Stiffness/Softness of Tips: Springy and firm and great feeling...often compared to the Chubby 2 by those with more brush experience than I. Though I travel quite a bit, the Major feels so good it has become one of my top two brushes for home use as well.
Ergonomics: Though the brush appears very small at first, when assembled for use the Major is actually about 115mm or 4.5 inches tall and the handle is over 38mm or 1.5in wide. That's taller and wider than the biggest brush I have, the B&B Finest. I have no problems using any of my brushes, large or small...but the relatively long, thick handle of the Major makes it more comfortable to use than any of my other brushes. It's extremely compact when assembled for storage (88mm = 3.5in) and doesn't take up much room at all in my already overstuffed travel bag.
Latherability: The Major builds great lather in the mug, in my hand, or directly on my face. I always have plenty of lather left over after 3-4 passes.
Summary: I did a lot of research on turnbacks before buying this brush, and the consistently excellent reviews by others pushed me over the edge. The Simpson's Major really is a fantastic little travel brush. Great looking, built to last, it's easy to use and even easier to store. The dense and springy bristles work up plenty of lather and feel wonderful. It has quickly become my favorite brush not just for travel but for home use and display as well, right along side my B&B Finest. Though expensive, sometimes these things are about more than just finding the best value for the dollar. Highly Recommended!!!
Price: At $130 for Best and $150 for Super this is a relatively expensive travel brush. The Vulfix turnback is about half that price, but the equivalent Plisson travel brushes are more, if I'm not mistaken. It's not the most expensive travel brush out there by any means, but pennypinchers and valuehounds may want to look elsewhere.
Quality: Aside from my B&B Finest Horn (which makes everything else I have ever seen in person look and feel like cheap, plasticky toys) the quality and aesthetics of the Major appears to be easily above and beyond that of the few brushes I own, as well as any of those I have personally fondled and/or coveted at the local Mario's, Nordstrom's, knife shops, etc. The rounded shoulders of the Major are far more appealing to me than the sharp, squared-off angles of the T&H, AOS, or Vulfix turnbacks. The thick, sturdy walls of the Major are definitely built to stand up to just about any abuse you can imagine dishing out during your travels. Like others have noted, the little gold Simpson's label fell off my Major almost immediately upon taking the brush out of the box revealing a Simpson's stamp underneath. This was disappointing at first, but now I think the stamp alone gives the brush a handsome vintage appeal I have come to prefer anyway.
Density: The first thing that surprised me was how small the knot is (19mm = 0.75in) and how the bristles are are shorter than I expected (40mm = 1.5in). The bristles are very densely packed, however, especially for a smaller brush and the bloom is quite impressive (57mm = 2.25in).
Stiffness/Softness of Tips: Springy and firm and great feeling...often compared to the Chubby 2 by those with more brush experience than I. Though I travel quite a bit, the Major feels so good it has become one of my top two brushes for home use as well.
Ergonomics: Though the brush appears very small at first, when assembled for use the Major is actually about 115mm or 4.5 inches tall and the handle is over 38mm or 1.5in wide. That's taller and wider than the biggest brush I have, the B&B Finest. I have no problems using any of my brushes, large or small...but the relatively long, thick handle of the Major makes it more comfortable to use than any of my other brushes. It's extremely compact when assembled for storage (88mm = 3.5in) and doesn't take up much room at all in my already overstuffed travel bag.
Latherability: The Major builds great lather in the mug, in my hand, or directly on my face. I always have plenty of lather left over after 3-4 passes.
Summary: I did a lot of research on turnbacks before buying this brush, and the consistently excellent reviews by others pushed me over the edge. The Simpson's Major really is a fantastic little travel brush. Great looking, built to last, it's easy to use and even easier to store. The dense and springy bristles work up plenty of lather and feel wonderful. It has quickly become my favorite brush not just for travel but for home use and display as well, right along side my B&B Finest. Though expensive, sometimes these things are about more than just finding the best value for the dollar. Highly Recommended!!!
) I am a soap user and face latherer, this brush suits this perfectly. It can take a small amount of soap and build a mountain of lather very quickly, which is great when some of my soaps are now unobtainium (Tallow Blenheim Bouquet 
) If I need a relaxing shave or a shave in a hurry it is well suited to either, making the lather quickly and in great gobs.
