Help with Duke 2 or 3?

[Kraken]

I have been debating the Simpsons Duke 2 and/or 3 but I can't get a good idea of how the size difference may be. Can anyone help?

I want a dense brush that does not spread on my face too much. I have a Rooney 1/2 and love it. It will stay in the rotation but I am looking for something to expand my horizons. If anyone can give some size comparisons it would help me greatly!

Photos with objects like a soda can or something would be a great help too. Thanks in advance!

 

[tchmango]

I was about to pull the trigger on a Chubby but went with the Duke 3. The vendor I bought from had a nice set of pictures with the brushes standing against a soda can. Good luck with your choice.

 

[Kraken]

Thanks for the info. I am pretty sure it will be the Duke (not John Wayne) but I am debating between the 2 and 3 size. I like bigger handles but don't want to have the brush cover half of my face.

 

[tchmango]

know what you mean about covering your face. I have a AOS Badger I bought on a whim several years ago and it is a fine brush. Yeah, I guess we think of the Duke as John Wayne. Pretty sure the British are thinking about royalty and such. My "John Wayne 3" should be here by Friday so will try and give you an update.

 

[Fozz7769]

I would go with the 3. This is based on knot size.

 

[Antique Hoosier]

The Duke 3 will serve you well.

 

[djh]

This might help- a pic of my Duke2 alongside my Rooney 1/2

The Duke2 is obviously smaller than the Rooney, but I think that it is a perfect size for both soap and cream lathering. I don't bother using my Rooney on soap any more but still use it regularly when I lather with shaving cream.

 

[Kraken]

Thanks David, that does help. I imagine the 3 must be pretty close in size to the Rooney then...

 

[huntmol]

I don't know if it helps, but I purchased a Duke 3 and sold it because I found the loft too tall and the handle awkwardly proportioned. I returned it and bought a Duke 2 and it is one of the best brushes I have ever used.

 

[altshaver]

How does the Duke's [2 & 3] handle compare to the handle of the Chubby 1? I get the impression that the Duke 2 is a short handle.

 

[huntmol]

How does the Duke's [2 & 3] handle compare to the handle of the Chubby 1? I get the impression that the Duke 2 is a short handle.

The Chubby 1 is about 2-3mm shorter than the Duke 2.

I find the Duke 2 handle to be perfectly sized, while I find the Chubby 1 to be just a bit too small.

 

[tchmango]

My Duke 3 arrived today. Compared to my AOS Badger is like comparing apples and oranges. Understand the AOL brush did the job and I was happy. Had nothing to compare it to though. The Duke handle is great. Tomorrow morning it will get wet for the first time and I will give you an update. By it's appearance and feeling the bristles against my face I say it is a winner already.

 

[djh]

My Duke 3 arrived today. Compared to my AOS Badger is like comparing apples and oranges. Understand the AOL brush did the job and I was happy. Had nothing to compare it to though. The Duke handle is great. Tomorrow morning it will get wet for the first time and I will give you an update. By it's appearance and feeling the bristles against my face I say it is a winner already.

Congratulations on the new brush. If it is indeed new, I would suggest giving it a good wash before you put it down for the evening. New badger brushes tend to be quite funky when they become wet and it might take a few washes to get rid of the smell.

 

[tchmango]

Thank you for the advice. I will run some hot water and soap and "air" it out. I am amazed at how well the brush is trimmed. Really quite an upshot compared to my AOS brush. Now I can understand why people collect the brushes.

 

[Antique Hoosier]

You chose wisely. My first "real" shaving brush was a Simpson Chubby 1 in Best Badger. I will never forget the sensory overload when I first used it... As a former Duke 3 owner as well I can truthfully say that no doubt you will be satisfied with the investment you made in that particular brush. Save all items pertaining to the sale in case anything unforeseen occurs and you have to utilize your vendor or Vulfix/Simpson themselves. (It also is a good idea if you ever sold it on the BST here once you qualify to do so... Original box and paperwork etc are what buyers like.) Hopefully you will simply enjoy it for years.

 

[tchmango]

Appreciate the advice. The brush really made me feel like things were stepped up a level from my current fare. Now I can enjoy the experience a little more!

 

[Marco]

I have the Duke 3 Best and, having tested at least one hundred brushes during my fifteen years of wet shaving, I can say that it is my absolute favourite shaving brush. Of them all. Soft tips, excellent backbone, densely filled knot and a large, comfortable, nice looking handle. The Duke is a clear winner under every aspect.

 

[tchmango]

Thanks Marco. Your musings on Italian soaps and creams kept me up late last night reading. Very nice. I like the way you evaluate and then put it into words. Like taking a trip to Italy. Well I got my face wet with the Duke this morning and it was everything you guys described it as. No let down. Just a great experience. The brush really makes a huge difference in the shaving experience. Cannot think of a better more satisfying way to start Friday morning and go into the weekend. Smile on my face!! Soft and smooth.

 

[johsa]

Crap, I though I did not need another brush and now I have just put an order on a Duke 3

 

[Kraken]

Crap, I though I did not need another brush and now I have just put an order on a Duke 3

I think I am leaning toward the 3 myself. Just have to figure out the timing to avoid any undue scrutiny from swmbo.