Help me choose my next one.

[IMightBeWrong]

I am currently attempting to clear out some kit to fund the next brush that will fuel my SBAD. It will specifically be a high end badger.

Right now I am considering the following:

1. Simpson's Chubby 1 Super (Marco's recommendation)
2. M&F in Blonde Badger
3. Wiborg White Badger

I am looking for something dense that still has decent flow. The softer the tips the better but I still like to have some scrub. Does anybody have experience with 2 or more of these that can compare them? And what else should I consider?

 

[Mike H]

I have only tried the Chubby 1 in Super, it was a very nice brush, but usurped by Shavemac. Good luck in your search.

 

[AngryGreek]

The M&F blonde or finest would fit the bill very nicely. I have the finest and it has nice density, great flow, and a nice light scrub to it without any scritch.

 

[buffalo]

I don't have experience with any on the list. But I want a simpson to see what all the fuss is about.

 

[Space_Cadet]

I would go with M&F.

 

[IMightBeWrong]

Appreciate the info! Can you M&F owners chime in on what I should expect to spend on something 24-26mm in Blonde? Since Lee doesn't have an online shop I'm not sure what to expect to spend.

 

[IMightBeWrong]

Oh, and does anybody have both a Wiborg and an M&F that they could compare? They seem like they could be very similar...

 

[joel]

Oh, and does anybody have both a Wiborg and an M&F that they could compare? They seem like they could be very similar...

I've got 2 M&F's in hand, Four Wiborgs and about a dozen Simpson brushes, including three chubbies (with a fourth in route).

Of the three brands, I find the finest handle ergonomics to to be the M&F. The Chief in particular is an absolute delight. The best QUALITY handle though is from Simpsons - the density of the material, polish, etc all lead the pack. The Wiborg handles are sub-optimal and much too large and cumbersome. The lines and grip rings are far too over exaggerated, such that it detracts from the comfort and appearance. They look "supersized" compared to the knots, and lack proper proportions.

The Simpson in super is going to be the firmest knot with the thickest and most robust bristle. It will also be the most densely packed knot. If you like hard soaps and/or face lathering, it's the clear choice. This is an absolute monster for triple milled soaps, and will cause them to instantly submit. It's also superb for soft soaps (but be careful or you'll burn through them quickly). While it works, and works fine for creams, the options below offer superior cream performance (but this changes with other simpson models in best and super - IE: a Persian Jar in Super). Simpsons are pretty easy to get a hold of and are a "classic" wetshaving marquee. This brush is really a finely tuned specialist - the sniper rifle of shaving brushes.

The M&F knot is going to be "in-between" a Wiborg finest and Simpson super in terms of backbone and lateral/vertical firmness. M&F's also are the least densely packed of the three (not that it's a bad thing) which combined with the mid range flex of the bristle makes for a strong choice for bowl lathering creams and soft (or semi-soft) soaps. In this scenario, the M&F's really come alive, by offering wonderful tactile experiences at both end of the brush, and solid performance. These are not easy to get a hold, of - and while they are fine brushes, at least what i've experienced in the two I have is that the brushes aren't good enough to warrant the effort required to get one, relative to the offerings from competitors like Simpson, Shavemac, etc. M&F is really in the class of Shavemacs and such - which are really solid "all around" brushes - these brushes are really the "M16" or infantry rifle of shaving brushes.

The Wiborg is a bit of an oddity, especially the white hair. I think they're incredibly promising, but still have some teething pains. The knot is noticeably denser than a M&F, but certainly not on the level of the Chubby... even their "Stocky" chubby knock off isn't up to snuff in the density department. The hair on these white knots is also the softest, and less rigid throughout the shaft, so it has the least amount of backbone of the three. These make for lovely bowl lathering brushes for creams, and possibly a face lathering brush with creams as well - but don't seem to load soaps as well as the other two options, especially hard triple milled soaps. This is akin to a standard issue sidearm... it's neat and a lot of soldiers have them, but I doubt they get fired much. It's a nice "extra" brush, but I wouldn't consider one of these as a "one and only" brush.

If you have a vast collection the Wiborg will definitely be the most different, and while you likely won't use it much, it will give you a unique experience. If I could personally have only one though, it would be the chubby in super or best - but it fits my lathering/shaving style best. Unless i'm testing product, I never (and I mean NEVER) have a hankering to use shaving cream - so for mastering soaps.... any kind of soaps - there's no better weapon than the chubby. If I used creams as much as I used soaps, i'd be looking at a shavemac, thater, or M&F... in that order.

Hope this helps,

 

[CtrlAltElite]

I've got 2 M&F's in hand, Four Wiborgs and about a dozen Simpson brushes, including three chubbies (with a fourth in route).

Of the three brands, I find the finest handle ergonomics to to be the M&F. The Chief in particular is an absolute delight. The best QUALITY handle though is from Simpsons - the density of the material, polish, etc all lead the pack. The Wiborg handles are sub-optimal and much too large and cumbersome. The lines and grip rings are far too over exaggerated, such that it detracts from the comfort and appearance. They look "supersized" compared to the knots, and lack proper proportions.

The Simpson in super is going to be the firmest knot with the thickest and most robust bristle. It will also be the most densely packed knot. If you like hard soaps and/or face lathering, it's the clear choice. This is an absolute monster for triple milled soaps, and will cause them to instantly submit. It's also superb for soft soaps (but be careful or you'll burn through them quickly). While it works, and works fine for creams, the options below offer superior cream performance (but this changes with other simpson models in best and super - IE: a Persian Jar in Super). Simpsons are pretty easy to get a hold of and are a "classic" wetshaving marquee. This brush is really a finely tuned specialist - the sniper rifle of shaving brushes.

The M&F knot is going to be "in-between" a Wiborg finest and Simpson super in terms of backbone and lateral/vertical firmness. M&F's also are the least densely packed of the three (not that it's a bad thing) which combined with the mid range flex of the bristle makes for a strong choice for bowl lathering creams and soft (or semi-soft) soaps. In this scenario, the M&F's really come alive, by offering wonderful tactile experiences at both end of the brush, and solid performance. These are not easy to get a hold, of - and while they are fine brushes, at least what i've experienced in the two I have is that the brushes aren't good enough to warrant the effort required to get one, relative to the offerings from competitors like Simpson, Shavemac, etc. M&F is really in the class of Shavemacs and such - which are really solid "all around" brushes - these brushes are really the "M16" or infantry rifle of shaving brushes.

The Wiborg is a bit of an oddity, especially the white hair. I think they're incredibly promising, but still have some teething pains. The knot is noticeably denser than a M&F, but certainly not on the level of the Chubby... even their "Stocky" chubby knock off isn't up to snuff in the density department. The hair on these white knots is also the softest, and less rigid throughout the shaft, so it has the least amount of backbone of the three. These make for lovely bowl lathering brushes for creams, and possibly a face lathering brush with creams as well - but don't seem to load soaps as well as the other two options, especially hard triple milled soaps. This is akin to a standard issue sidearm... it's neat and a lot of soldiers have them, but I doubt they get fired much. It's a nice "extra" brush, but I wouldn't consider one of these as a "one and only" brush.

If you have a vast collection the Wiborg will definitely be the most different, and while you likely won't use it much, it will give you a unique experience. If I could personally have only one though, it would be the chubby in super or best - but it fits my lathering/shaving style best. Unless i'm testing product, I never (and I mean NEVER) have a hankering to use shaving cream - so for mastering soaps.... any kind of soaps - there's no better weapon than the chubby. If I used creams as much as I used soaps, i'd be looking at a shavemac, thater, or M&F... in that order.

Hope this helps,

Great and informative read. I think you have your first face off article for "Brush wars"

 

[joel]

Great and informative read. I think you have your first face off article for "Brush wars"

No way my friend. This is just some of my opinion. Brush wars (now the Shaving Brush Buyers Guide) will have tests, measurements, visuals, VERY detailed descriptions and commentary, etc - and isn't my opinion, but fact. This is just my .02

 

[MrSmith]

While I certainly don't have the extensive knowledge that Joel has, I would recommend that you look into Shavemac. I prefer my Shavemac to my M&F, although my M&F is a great face lather brush. I use hard soaps almost exclusively.

 

[IMightBeWrong]

I really appreciate all that info, Joel. I already have a Shavemac 2 Band (non-D01) that I find excellent and a Thater 4125/2 3 Band that's very, very soft. Both of these have amazing flow-through. I think your comparison has me sold on my first Simpson. Would you stick with the Super or try to find a Manchurian? (Personally I feel like 2 Band is likely a gimmick but I trust your taste on this one)

 

[joel]

I really appreciate all that info, Joel. I already have a Shavemac 2 Band (non-D01) that I find excellent and a Thater 4125/2 3 Band that's very, very soft. Both of these have amazing flow-through. I think your comparison has me sold on my first Simpson. Would you stick with the Super or try to find a Manchurian? (Personally I feel like 2 Band is likely a gimmick but I trust your taste on this one)

It depends on how you'll be using it - but the bigger choice is between 3 band super and best, more so than super vs manchurian.

 

[IMightBeWrong]

It depends on how you'll be using it - but the bigger choice is between 3 band super and best, more so than super vs manchurian.

Pure face lathering, 95% of the time with soaps (both hard and soft). I like softness at the tips of the brush so scritch will be a deal-breaker.

 

[IMightBeWrong]

Well, I am not patient. I ordered the Chubby 1 Super. It was recommended to me by Marco and it sounds like it's what I'm looking for based on Joel's comparison.

Thanks for the info, all!

 

[macintoshBR]

Well, I am not patient. I ordered the Chubby 1 Super. It was recommended to me by Marco and it sounds like it's what I'm looking for based on Joel's comparison.

Thanks for the info, all!

You've made a great choice! I also have a Chubby 1 Super on order

 

[joel]

Well, I am not patient. I ordered the Chubby 1 Super. It was recommended to me by Marco and it sounds like it's what I'm looking for based on Joel's comparison.

Thanks for the info, all!

My experience has been that Simpson's Best hair is softer than their super - BUT I don't think you can go wrong either way. Give it some time though - as these Chubby supers get better and softer with use. Pull out your nastiest, most difficult triple milled soap and watch the chubby bend it into submission.

 

[Marco]

It's a huge pleasure to see you Mr. Joel so passionate about shaving brushes! And thank you kindly for all the informative posts and detailed descriptions. My hat is off, Sir.

 

[shevek]

I've got 2 M&F's in hand, Four Wiborgs and about a dozen Simpson brushes, including three chubbies (with a fourth in route).

Of the three brands, I find the finest handle ergonomics to to be the M&F. The Chief in particular is an absolute delight. The best QUALITY handle though is from Simpsons - the density of the material, polish, etc all lead the pack. The Wiborg handles are sub-optimal and much too large and cumbersome. The lines and grip rings are far too over exaggerated, such that it detracts from the comfort and appearance. They look "supersized" compared to the knots, and lack proper proportions.

The Simpson in super is going to be the firmest knot with the thickest and most robust bristle. It will also be the most densely packed knot. If you like hard soaps and/or face lathering, it's the clear choice. This is an absolute monster for triple milled soaps, and will cause them to instantly submit. It's also superb for soft soaps (but be careful or you'll burn through them quickly). While it works, and works fine for creams, the options below offer superior cream performance (but this changes with other simpson models in best and super - IE: a Persian Jar in Super). Simpsons are pretty easy to get a hold of and are a "classic" wetshaving marquee. This brush is really a finely tuned specialist - the sniper rifle of shaving brushes.

The M&F knot is going to be "in-between" a Wiborg finest and Simpson super in terms of backbone and lateral/vertical firmness. M&F's also are the least densely packed of the three (not that it's a bad thing) which combined with the mid range flex of the bristle makes for a strong choice for bowl lathering creams and soft (or semi-soft) soaps. In this scenario, the M&F's really come alive, by offering wonderful tactile experiences at both end of the brush, and solid performance. These are not easy to get a hold, of - and while they are fine brushes, at least what i've experienced in the two I have is that the brushes aren't good enough to warrant the effort required to get one, relative to the offerings from competitors like Simpson, Shavemac, etc. M&F is really in the class of Shavemacs and such - which are really solid "all around" brushes - these brushes are really the "M16" or infantry rifle of shaving brushes.

The Wiborg is a bit of an oddity, especially the white hair. I think they're incredibly promising, but still have some teething pains. The knot is noticeably denser than a M&F, but certainly not on the level of the Chubby... even their "Stocky" chubby knock off isn't up to snuff in the density department. The hair on these white knots is also the softest, and less rigid throughout the shaft, so it has the least amount of backbone of the three. These make for lovely bowl lathering brushes for creams, and possibly a face lathering brush with creams as well - but don't seem to load soaps as well as the other two options, especially hard triple milled soaps. This is akin to a standard issue sidearm... it's neat and a lot of soldiers have them, but I doubt they get fired much. It's a nice "extra" brush, but I wouldn't consider one of these as a "one and only" brush.

If you have a vast collection the Wiborg will definitely be the most different, and while you likely won't use it much, it will give you a unique experience. If I could personally have only one though, it would be the chubby in super or best - but it fits my lathering/shaving style best. Unless i'm testing product, I never (and I mean NEVER) have a hankering to use shaving cream - so for mastering soaps.... any kind of soaps - there's no better weapon than the chubby. If I used creams as much as I used soaps, i'd be looking at a shavemac, thater, or M&F... in that order.

Hope this helps,

Very informative post! One thing I would point out is that M&F does currently have 3 knot grades - Finest, Blonde and Heritage. I'm not experienced with them but I've read they have different characteristics regarding softness, density, etc.

 

[forrestgump]

^ive tried to find info on M&F hair grades as well. i guess i had asked lee to many questions because after two of them he quit returning emails to me(ive learned you already need to know exactly what you want when communicating with lee, lol) but i just wanted to know which is the premium, or the softest of them? is it the heritage?