First Simpson: where and what to buy?

[GrandeVT]

Greetings,

I've owned and used many brushes after 45 yrs. of wet shaving. Interestingly, none of them have ever been a Simpson. It's time to gain knowledge.

Are there any vendors that offer a "better deal?" Are there B&B discount codes? And where to start...

I like a mid to large versitile brush for scuttle and face lathering. I don't like floppy and I do like a hint of scritch. I love backbone.

I'm thinking: a 57-58?, a Keyhole?, Chubby 2? Duke 3? Polo?

Any advice greatly appreciated,

Jon

Current rotation:

2 M&F Blondes
4 TGN Finest 2 band restorations
2 TGN Silvertip restorations
2 Semogues 1305, SOC boar
20 yr. old Kent T-4
TGN Rudy Vey Tulip

 

[Foyle]

I don't know that you'll get a significantly better deal at one vendor over another. If you choose any of the B&B vendors you'll get good service and that's what counts IMO. Simpson's best hair is usually not scritchy. My Duke 2 started out scritchy and turned really soft after a couple of weeks. It still has plenty of backbone. I have no experience with it their two band super hair but others may chime in on that.

I don't think you'll have trouble with backbone. I've never heard of any one describing any Simpson as floppy. They tend to really stuff their knots. If you want the most backbone I think the Chubby series is your best bet.

 

[jpakstis]

West Coast Shaving offers 10% off for B&B members. Just use the "BANDB" code. Superior Shave also is a good site to look at for Simpson's brushes. Although I think you have a formidable collection already!

 

[Pgg365247]

Vendor: West Coast Shaving (Use code: BANDB)
Brush: Chubby 2 2-band http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Simpson-Chubby-2-Super-2-Band-Badger-Shaving-Brush-CH2_p_293.html

I have an all star brush rotation (Rooney, M&F, Simpson, Thater etc) and my CH2 is in my top 2. I exclusively face lather and this brush is an absolute pleasure to use. You will not find a new CH2 at a better price than WCS (when it is in stock). I seriously doubt you will regret buying this brush! If you do... you shouldn't have any issue recouping a large portion of your investment in the BST forum.

 

[shave~extacy]

duke 2/3 if your into soft soaps and like a medium-large brush, chubby 1/2 if you like a nice face lather from soap, polo if you would like an all around larger handled brush great for bowl lathering. Imo these all represent the best of the best knots there are also some limited run brushes with different grade hair offerings.

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

I think you'd be fine sticking with the "best" grade of hair for whatever brush you choose. "Super" is a noticeable, but not huge, step up in softness and worth it if you like that. But if soft with a bit of scrub to it is okay, then you'll be fine with Best and save some money.

I'd recommend TheSuperiorShave because photos of each individual brush are included and you can choose the specific one you want. There is a fair amount of variation in the measurements and characteristics of each knot even within the same model for Simpson's. Thus, I think it's best to shop at TheSuperiorShave to ensure that one gets a brush with the desired specifications.

 

[TheLegalRazor]

Try The Superior Shave. The owner, Jarrod, is extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and has a good inventory of Simpson brushes. Their customer service is great - same day shipping if you order by 2:00 p.m. Shipping is free and there's always helpful advice available by phone or email. There is no B&B discount, but this vendor does something no other vendor does. Simpson brushes are hand made, and there is a wide variation in the loft and knot diameter, as well as the cosmetic appearance, of each individual brush even though they are the same model. The listed factory dimensions are almost irrelevant. Jarrod photographs each actual brush in inventory, measures each brush photographed, and gives the dimensions for each one. When you see the variations among brushes of the same model. you'll appreciate the ability to pick your actual brush.

 

[TheLegalRazor]

I have a 58 and Chubby 2. Both great but very different brushes. The 58 is softer, but with enough backbone. The Chubby series are the most densely packed brushes in the world. The stiffness of the Chubbies is legendary. I've read some posts from the past where some users feel the Chubbies are so densely packed that it can be difficult to work up a lather. If you do work up a good lather with a Chubby, plan on having to use a lot of soap or cream.

 

[GrandeVT]

Thanks, excellent advice re: vendors and brushes. I have an M&F Blonde Chubby style (28 mm) so I do get the idea. The 58 has my attention at the moment...
I think the Polo 8 might be a little too much of a fist full.

 

[Face&Head]

Tulip 3 in 2-band Super. Great handle shape for face or bowl. West Coast has them & with their discount they're pretty reasonable.

 

[Marco]

For both face and bowl lathering my vote goes to the Duke 3. It's easily one the most versatile Simpsons of them all.

 

[Krona Kruiser]

+1 to what they've all said.

 

[CHSeifert]

Vendor: West Coast Shaving (Use code: BANDB)
Brush: Chubby 2 2-band http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Simpson-Chubby-2-Super-2-Band-Badger-Shaving-Brush-CH2_p_293.html

I have an all star brush rotation (Rooney, M&F, Simpson, Thater etc) and my CH2 is in my top 2. I exclusively face lather and this brush is an absolute pleasure to use. You will not find a new CH2 at a better price than WCS (when it is in stock). I seriously doubt you will regret buying this brush! If you do... you shouldn't have any issue recouping a large portion of your investment in the BST forum.

So what brush is in your Top 1 then

 

[CHSeifert]

For both face and bowl lathering my vote goes to the Duke 3. It's easily one the most versatile Simpsons of them all.

Agreed +1

Duke 3, but I would try and find one in Super 2-Band, very versatile brush and my favorite of the 4 I have for facelathering...

 

[Pgg365247]

Agreed +1

Duke 3, but I would try and find one in Super 2-Band, very versatile brush and my favorite of the 4 I have for facelathering...

http://www.shaving.ie/products/Simpsons-Duke-3-Two-Band.html

 

[Pgg365247]

So what brush is in your Top 1 then

It is a real hard call for me but I have to say my GYLE. Second is either my Rooney Heritage 2XL or the CH2 2-band. I also have a Simpson Somerset CH2 in 3-band that is right up there.

 

[bobfarvour]

For both face and bowl lathering my vote goes to the Duke 3. It's easily one the most versatile Simpsons of them all.

+1 to this and +3 or 4 to West Coast Shaving.

 

[CHSeifert]

http://www.shaving.ie/products/Simpsons-Duke-3-Two-Band.html

Precisely, that's where I bought mine too !