I am disappointed with Simpson model line up

[RNQubain]

Guys,
I regret to inform you that I am officially fed up looking for my next simpson.

there are so many models, sizes and hair types and no clear differentiation between those models. I am so confused and had spent so much time deciding on my next model, that I have given up completely.

Take BMW for instance, a beginner might start with a 3 series and then move up to 5 and then up to a 7 series. If you want a convertible you buy a six series. If you want utility, you buy the x3 or x5. If you want a faster version you buy the M. One know the differences between all the lineups and the price reflects the differences.

As for the simpson, I can't tell the difference between the polo, the emperor and the Persian. Nor can I tell the difference between the fifty series, the duke or the chubby. Adding to this you have the different sizes and similarities. And above all that you have all the different hairs such as pure, best, super, super in 2 band and manchurian.


seriously now why can't they just have a well defined line up with clear target markets, and missions. The Art of Shaving has done it. The name of the game is not to sell everything but to decide what to sell and what not to sell.

pi rest my case

 

[u2u]

You missed a very competent lineup of motorcycles, MINIs, and the 1 series for BMW .

Many choices for a range of tastes, needs, and ability to pay. Presently I have nine Simpsons in rotation ranging from a Wee Scot and Special in best through to a Chubby 2 Manchurian. Some are close in spec on paper but each is unique in use. They know their market and seem to sell well. My Rooneys and rebranded brushes all work fine as well. I like the competition and variety that results. Be a bland life and little use for these forums if there were few choices.

Not to steal the thread but can anyone recommend a good horse brush....

 

[cernel_joson]

Interesting analogy. When you figure out what you want you have to consider that there are two variables: handle and hair (which has sub variables: density and knot size and shape). First, nail down what handle style you like, then move on from there.

For what it's worth, I'd consider the Berkeley in Best to be equivalent to the "3 series" (a great entry, all arounder classic that you'd be happy to keep as your daily driver).

 

[NSmalls]

If you made shaving brushes since 1919 you'd probably incorporate some variety. Without the variety they would get bored, and so would I!!! I'm 28 I plan on wet shaving for a lot longer so hopefully I'll have enough time to try all of them. As far as looking for a place to start I understand your frustration. You may just have to bite the bullet! I recommend the Classic. I don't think it gets enough love around here and it's a damn fine brush. Good luck!!!

 

[Mark1966]

Go to the Superior Shave website where you can see pics of the stock and line up with all the specs. It will give you a good sense of where things fit

 

[mftoms59]

Go to the Superior Shave website where you can see pics of the stock and line up with all the specs. It will give you a good sense of where things fit

+1, you get to pick the knot of your choice, I bought my one and only Simpsons Milk Churn from here knowing the exact loft & knot size.

 

[RobW]

If someone is feeling overwhelmed about the choices and variety of brushes to choose from, I'd think that going to Superior Shave would be about the last thing I'd recommend doing. Understanding the differences between one type of brush and another is hard enough, let alone trying to pick between variations within ONE particular brush.

 

[Mick]

Oh just contact them directly and have them make you a custom brush to your specifications.

Don't specify details, just tell them what you want or how you intend on using it and they will make it for you.

Case closed

 

[franz]

Plenty of other fish in the sea. Try (in no particular order): Thater, Rooney, Shavemac......

 

[redrako]

My guess is that Simpson's marketing strategy is to offer a luxury brush for everyone ranging from the entry level 46, Berkley up to brushes in the multiple hundred's of dollars. Certainly one doesn't need an expensive brush to make a fine lather, but Simpsons is marketing a degree of quality, tradition and luxury which like luxury cars are appeal to more to our emotions.

I own one Simpson brush, a 58 in best that I purchased from a fine gentleman here on BST. Even though it turned out to be wonderful brush for me, it was an emotional purchase. For some reason, it along with the Emperor and M7 handles just do it for me. There are other handles that are okay for me, and still others that I would have no interest in.

I suspect that the wide variety of Simpson brushes has to do with appealing to collectors who would over time buy multiple Simpson brushes.

 

[ins0ma]

I think the BMW analogy might work the other way around. Like the options packages available on a Bimmer, the diverse Simpsons range can be perplexing to the newcomer. Many people, myself included, didn't come to realize the significance of all the various configurations available from BMW until after I'd owned one. Within the 5 series range, for example, it's possible to go from a 520 diesel wagon all the way up to the monster 500hp+ M5, a difference in scale perhaps comparable to the difference between a Wee Scott and a Chubby 3. I think as you come to better understand the differences between models, of either cars or shaving brushes, you become better able to differentiate between what's "you" and what's "not." If nothing is jumping out at you, maybe it's not the right time to buy?

 

[csd3]

Take gradual steps. Or take a leap to a Chubby super

 

[Greyzer]

As with buying a car, you've got to prepare before entering the dealership(webshop).

How to choose a new brush:

Step 1: Set a budget. Seriously, if you don't do this first you're going to get into big trouble.

Step 2: Determine how you are going to use the brush, bowl vs. face lathering (or both), soaps vs creams (or both).

Step 3: From the way you're going to use it, try to make a list of specs: Hair type, Density, Loft, Knot size, Handle Length etc. Check against the budget set in Step 1 if you're realistically going to be able to get one. If not, modify the specs accordingly.

Step 4: Using the specs from step 3, pick a brush that appeals to you.

 

[alias]

As with buying a car, you've got to prepare before entering the dealership(webshop).

How to choose a new brush:

Step 1: Set a budget. Seriously, if you don't do this first you're going to get into big trouble.

Step 2: Determine how you are going to use the brush, bowl vs. face lathering (or both), soaps vs creams (or both).

Step 3: From the way you're going to use it, try to make a list of specs: Hair type, Density, Loft, Knot size, Handle Length etc. Check against the budget set in Step 1 if you're realistically going to be able to get one. If not, modify the specs accordingly.

Step 4: Using the specs from step 3, pick a brush that appeals to you.

+1

And if you post that information here (bowl vs. face, soaps vs. creams etc) I'm sure you'll get suggestions as to which models might suit you best.

 

[edgerunner]

I agree with the above to a certain degree. Prioritizing and putting together a list with your expectations from your next brush helps making an easy decision not only when selecting a Simpson but any brush.

At the same time, I think bowl vs face, and soaps vs. creams is an overrated classification. Most brushes don't have problems with those except some extreme handle designs uncomfortable to use with a bowl, or brushes with complete lack of backbone not capable of loading soap.

I also don't think that the budget should be a top priority to start with. It is a constraint that should be considered last, when you've narrowed down your selection to a very few models to choose from.

From the experience with my brushes, I've figured out that the following list of priorities put in order of importance, helps me decide if I want to buy a certain brush, or when hunting for a new brush:

- softness;
- flowthrough and lather release;
- backbone;
- knot size and shape;
- handle aesthetics and comfort;
- budget;
- brand.

There's only one exception in the list - brand selection can go to the top, if I'm curious to try a brush from a particular manufacturer, like in OP's case, he wants a Simpsons.

Here's an example how my selection of brush would be, if I were the OP.

I'm curious about Simpsons brand, so I focus on their models.

First comes the softness. Their 2-band is soft and feels great but I already have two of those. I've tried a few in Best, and they are too scritchy for me. I know their Super is in between, so I want a Simpsons in Super.

Next is the flow. I like brushes which release lather easily. Dukes and Chubbies are not for me in this respect. And they are not available in Super anyway unless are LE.

Then comes the backbone. Simpsons Super knots have plenty of it.

Size and shape - I like fan shape. Super knots are fans. My favorite size knot is about 24 mm, with 50 mm loft.

This means I have only two choices - PJ3 and T3. I have T2 and I love the handle. So, I want a T3 in Super.

Now about the price. If my memory serves me well, T3 is $220. The price is too high for me. There are competing brands which can give me the same knot properties for less.

Finally, I decide I won't have a Simpsons brush in Super.

This was easy!

 

[Indigo3]

You're disappointed that you can't differentiate easily between Simpson models and with that I'd agree but the BMW analogy isn't appropriate because not everybody likes a large brush and there's the crux...what you end up liking is completely subjective.

 

[k2clones29]

How to choose a Simpson's:

Step 1: Order a Colonel
Step 2: Wait for the mailman to deliver
Step 3: Enjoy

 

[brucered]

I agree with the above to a certain degree. Prioritizing and putting together a list with your expectations from your next brush helps making an easy decision not only when selecting a Simpson but any brush.

At the same time, I think bowl vs face, and soaps vs. creams is an overrated classification. Most brushes don't have problems with those except some extreme handle designs uncomfortable to use with a bowl, or brushes with complete lack of backbone not capable of loading soap.

I also don't think that the budget should be a top priority to start with. It is a constraint that should be considered last, when you've narrowed down your selection to a very few models to choose from.

From the experience with my brushes, I've figured out that the following list of priorities put in order of importance, helps me decide if I want to buy a certain brush, or when hunting for a new brush:

- softness;
- flowthrough and lather release;
- backbone;
- knot size and shape;
- handle aesthetics and comfort;
- budget;
- brand.

There's only one exception in the list - brand selection can go to the top, if I'm curious to try a brush from a particular manufacturer, like in OP's case, he wants a Simpsons.

Here's an example how my selection of brush would be, if I were the OP.

I'm curious about Simpsons brand, so I focus on their models.

First comes the softness. Their 2-band is soft and feels great but I already have two of those. I've tried a few in Best, and they are too scritchy for me. I know their Super is in between, so I want a Simpsons in Super.

Next is the flow. I like brushes which release lather easily. Dukes and Chubbies are not for me in this respect. And they are not available in Super anyway unless are LE.

Then comes the backbone. Simpsons Super knots have plenty of it.

Size and shape - I like fan shape. Super knots are fans. My favorite size knot is about 24 mm, with 50 mm loft.

This means I have only two choices - PJ3 and T3. I have T2 and I love the handle. So, I want a T3 in Super.

Now about the price. If my memory serves me well, T3 is $220. The price is too high for me. There are competing brands which can give me the same knot properties for less.

Finally, I decide I won't have a Simpsons brush in Super.

This was easy!

Awesome post Edgerunner.

You are spot on with your decision making and direction here.

 

[Absolute Mustard]

Take BMW for instance, a beginner might start with a 3 series and then move up to 5 and then up to a 7 series. If you want a convertible you buy a six series. If you want utility, you buy the x3 or x5. If you want a faster version you buy the M. One know the differences between all the lineups and the price reflects the differences.

I'd say there are more BMW options than brush options, and not all who drive 3 series are beginners

 

[brooks_bro]

I pretty much disagree completely - those handles you mention all have completely different characteristics. The difference between the Emperor and Persian Jar is night and day!