No1Up
Beet her to it!
I’m looking for a smaller synthetic. The classic seems to fit the bill. Anyone here have experience with this brush? I like it a bit scratchy.. think Simpson Best. And I like to scrub!
Classic 1 Synthetic Shaving Brush
- Thread starter No1Up
- Start date
EclipseRedRing
I smell like a Christmas pudding
I had an early Classic 1 synthetic and in my opinion it is vital to get one with a knot which has some natural splay to the shape. Mine unfortunately had a knot which tapered to a point and it was by far the worst brush I have ever used. It was impossible to splay and was like trying to lather with my elbow, I sold it on the bay and was embarrassed to do so as it was unusable. That said knots with a better shape must offer a very different experience as I see them used here by respected members. My advice is to only purchase a Classic 1 synthetic if you can see your exact knot shape. I suggest one more like this:
and less like this:
and less like this:
I would avoid Simpsons. Quality seems to have gone downhill, too much variation among their brushes and shedding remains a potential major problem. I would check out AP Shave Co. Andrew (the owner) is fantastic and has plenty of synthetic knots to choose from. You're bound to find at least one that suits your needs.
I completely agree with posts 2 and 3. The synthetic Classic 1 was the worst brush I have ever owned, bar none. It did not splay and did not produce a good lather.
I have an AP Shave Co Blue Lagoon with 22 mm Synbad knot. It is the least expensive brush I have bought in the last 10 years (my return to wet shaving). It is quite serviceable and keeps the quick drying easy to travel with synthetic benefits. I also have a Muhle STF Turnback travel brush which has become my go to brush when travelling.
Assuming you are looking for a travel brush or synthetic, the two above are good brushes for me. If you just want a great small brush, I would contact Rudy Vey and have him make one for you with your chosen handle style and material and your chosen knot in the size you like best.
Simpson to me is a hope you get lucky brush. I have had shedders, uneven knot qualities (Some Best closer to pure, some closer to Super). I was not happy with their customer service whe a $150 brush became unusable after approximately 30 shaves. Rudy on the other hand stands behind his brushes.
I have an AP Shave Co Blue Lagoon with 22 mm Synbad knot. It is the least expensive brush I have bought in the last 10 years (my return to wet shaving). It is quite serviceable and keeps the quick drying easy to travel with synthetic benefits. I also have a Muhle STF Turnback travel brush which has become my go to brush when travelling.
Assuming you are looking for a travel brush or synthetic, the two above are good brushes for me. If you just want a great small brush, I would contact Rudy Vey and have him make one for you with your chosen handle style and material and your chosen knot in the size you like best.
Simpson to me is a hope you get lucky brush. I have had shedders, uneven knot qualities (Some Best closer to pure, some closer to Super). I was not happy with their customer service whe a $150 brush became unusable after approximately 30 shaves. Rudy on the other hand stands behind his brushes.
Maybe the Trafalgar size 1 (Trafalgar T1 Sovereign Fibre faux Ivory - https://www.simpsonshavingbrushes.com/store/brushes/synthetic-fibre-brushes/trafalgar-T1-synthetic-fibre-faux-ivory/ ) would match your requirements?
I have size 2 and like it, it does not seem to have the deficiencies other members mention in this thread.
LOL
I only have experience with their Silvertip Classic 1, but what I can say is that I think the knot would be too small for their Platinum fiber. Perhaps if you can find one with their Sovereign fiber it would be better, but again I don't have experience with those particular knots in this handle. A bit more scrub with the Sovereign fiber and easier to splay, at least with my Trafalgar versus my Platinum brushes.
I recently purchased a Classic 1 Platinum. I used to own its bigger sibling (CH2) and that one took about 40 shaves before I started to feel it splay the way I like.
It’s early days (less than 10 uses) but I do like how it feels when I use it.
It’s early days (less than 10 uses) but I do like how it feels when I use it.
