Help choosing a small/short Simpsons 2-band for face lathering

[mrmotley]

I'm after a smaller Simpson 2-band knot for face lathering.

I'm a big fan of the Simpson's 2-band brushes. I currently own a CH3, CH2, and Polo 10 in 2-band (among others), and have owned but sold a PJ3 and CH1 in 2-band. I love the larger knots because the loft is longer, which makes the stiff 2-band hair more comfortable. I sold the CH1 some months ago because I found the knot/loft to be too stiff to be comfortable. That said, it whipped up a bit of lather quickly and efficiently when I didn't have time for more than a 1 - 1.5 pass shave.

Any recommendations? I tend to like density. I've considered re-buying the CH1 in 2-band, but am also considering the T2 and Emperor 2. With the exception of my Polo, I tend to prefer shorter, squat and cheerful handles so the Emperor series is less appealing. I loved the knot on my PJ3 in 2-band, but sold it b/c I could never get a comfortable grip on the handle.

Comparison pics would be very useful. Thanks in advance.

 

[Isaac]

I really have to say that the Emperor 2 is a great fit. I love the handle, and use it often for face lathering.

 

[life2short1971]

I have an Emperor3 in Super Badger and though the handle is longer than you want I got rid of all my other brushes with the exception of a Chubby2 I love it so much.

 

[Isaac]

I have an Emperor3 in Super Badger and though the handle is longer than you want I got rid of all my other brushes with the exception of a Chubby2 I love it so much.

Sounds like you found a winner. The Emperor platform is definitely my favorite line from Simpsons

 

[xraygun]

I think what you want is a Duke 2 in two band. Shaving.ie has them.

 

[mrmotley]

So folks seems to be fans of the emperor. The E3 is more than I want to spend, and judging from the posts I've read about it failing to live up to specs I'm hesitant to pay up. I'm really after a smaller, "faster" knot anyway.

So E1 or E2? Seems like the E2 would more closely approximate a CH1 in 2-band with added loft...

 

[xraygun]

I love my Emperor, but consider it a bowl lathering brush.
From your descriptions of likes so far, I'd think you'd be happier with a Berkeley, Classic or Duke.
Personally, I prefer Best Badger for face lathering, but if you want the 2 band, this really does seem ideal http://www.shaving.ie/products/Simpsons-Duke-2-Two-Band.html

 

[Triad]

Im voting duke 2

 

[superbleu]

Not a Simpson, but if the ch1 is too scrubby, how about the rooney xl1.

 

[mrmotley]

Not a Simpson, but if the ch1 is too scrubby, how about the rooney xl1.

I've never owned a Rooney. Only a bunch of Simpsons, a couple of Thaters, a Shavemac, and a boar at one time. I consider myself a Simpsons guy.

What's the rooney like?

 

[superbleu]

similar to the CH1 two band, but softer tips, and a little less stiff.
I like more scritch and stiffer knot so I sold my xl1 but have been using the CH1 two band pretty much exclusively.
you sound like you'd like the xl1 a lot so that's why I brought it up.

 

[Isaac]

i completely forgot about the Rooney XL line. I think the 1xl would probably fit you nicely. I think the 2 band Thaters that are offered at SRD are quite nice as well.

 

[mhdena]

A M&F chubby 1 would be ideal, IMO!

I know where one is too

 

[jepeck]

Duke 2 from Shaving.ie.

 

[DMT]

Duke 2 from Shaving.ie.

+1
I got mine in best badger from shaving.ie I got it because I heard it was a good one for face lathering, I've only used it once but going by first impressions it's perfect for the job.

 

[insomniac]

The Rooney Stubby XL would be an excellent choice. I've used mine for face lathering exclusively, and it feels very different on my face than any other badger brush I have. (I have the 2XL but I'm sure the 1XL is also excellent.)

 

[ltjaw]

I like my little Classic 1 in 2-band. Fits in the Simpsons travel tube, too. Great brush at home or on the road.

 

[CHSeifert]

Duke 3 in 2-Band is calling your name from www.shaving.ie

I bought it and it's the best face lather brush so far I've tested / owned - fantastic brush !

 

[bobfarvour]

What's the rooney like?

Heaven.

 

[xraygun]

I want to put my mouth on that Astor. (paraphrasing Liz Lemon)