I’m picky…is the Duke 2 in best my brush?

[BHamTallMan]

I’ve been using a Simpson Colonel X2L in best for about 15 years. At this point, I‘ve developed some shaving preferences and the Duke 2 in best seems to be what I’m looking for, but am open to suggestions. My criteria:

1. I face lather exclusively and want a brush with backbone that has some scrubbiness to it. I‘m not going to like a super soft brush. I want a brush that feels like I’m exfoliating my skin that, while firm, will splay.
2. I want, at most, a medium size brush that‘s not a lather hog. I do a one pass shave with a Muhle R41 and don’t want to waste a lot of soap on a brush that’s too big and dense. For these reasons, I’ve excluded the Chubby 2 and 3. I don’t want a brush that’s so large it’s difficult to load in a tub, or makes it difficult to accurately face lather without getting soap on my ears and everywhere else.
3. I’m interested in a badger brush, not a synthetic.
4. I use both hard soaps and creams which come in tubs.

I’m looking to replace my Colonel because it’s rather floppy at this point and for face lathering, I think an upgrade is justified. The size of my Colonel is just about right. My concern with the Duke 2 is the handle seems rather small and people complain about soapy fingers while using it. Another contender would be the Chubby 1 in best, but people seem to prefer the Duke in 2 or 3 over the Chubby 1.

The Duke 2 in best can be had right now for $99 which isn’t too bad…

Any insight, or other suggestions, would be much appreciated.

 

[Marco]

Sir, if your heart is telling you to get a Duke 2 Best then go for it. It's a legendary brush and responds to all of your requirements.

 

[EclipseRedRing]

You are right to exclude the Chubby 2 as it is much, much larger than the Chubby 1 or any of the Duke series. I have a Duke 3 and Chubby 1 and the knots are very similar indeed, I think choosing between them is down to which handle shape you prefer, the Chubby 1 handle is too short for some people to hold comfortably and would be much shorter than your Colonel. For me, right now, the Chubby 1 takes the win, but next week it could be the Duke 3. If you like a smaller, dense brush, then consider also the Classic 1 or 2 in Best, or even the Major, these may be more similar in knot size to your Colonel.

 

[nemo]

I've got both those and prefer the Duke 2 for face lathering.
And for less than $100 I'd say go for it ... I saw it for $91 at Pasteur, just sayin'

 

[Ravenonrock]

I only have a few badgers, but I really like my Berkeley in best. It is similar in size to the Duke 2 I believe. The handle is smaller than many of my brushes but never presents a problem. I am also a face latherer and it is a champion. Good luck with your decision. On deck to tomorrow will be my Berkeley, thank you!

 

[Virgil Sollozzo]

I just ordered one from Pa

I've got both those and prefer the Duke 2 for face lathering.
And for less than $100 I'd say go for it ... I saw it for $91 at Pasteur, just sayin'

I've been debating for a while, so, I just ordered one from Pasteur and got 10% more off, too. There may be only one left.

I used this discount code to get 10% off: DAVID_FERNICOLA

They gave me this link, if anyone uses it they said you'll get 10% off with this, too.

You got 10% off!

Congratulations! A friend has sent you a reward for your next purchase at Pasteur Pharmacy (discount applied at the checkout).

judge.me

 

[nemo]

I really like my Berkeley in best. It is similar in size to the Duke 2 I believe

It's a Duke 1.5

 

[DesertIguana]

Sir, if your heart is telling you to get a Duke 2 Best then go for it. It's a legendary brush and responds to all of your requirements.

Good reply.

 

[Ravenonrock]

It's a Duke 1.5

1.5 seems about right

 

[awk_m4]

1.5 seems about right

Today's shave will feature the Berkeley. It's a fantastic brush. I've never owned a Duke but I'm sure it's great!

 

[Mustard Seed]

This is my Duke 3. I feel the Duke 2 or 3 would meet your specifications. I agree, however, the Berkeley 46 in Best should be a consideration. I love mine.

 

[BigJ]

You are right to exclude the Chubby 2 as it is much, much larger than the Chubby 1 or any of the Duke series. I have a Duke 3 and Chubby 1 and the knots are very similar indeed, I think choosing between them is down to which handle shape you prefer, the Chubby 1 handle is too short for some people to hold comfortably and would be much shorter than your Colonel. For me, right now, the Chubby 1 takes the win, but next week it could be the Duke 3. If you like a smaller, dense brush, then consider also the Classic 1 or 2 in Best, or even the Major, these may be more similar in knot size to your Colonel.

View attachment 1937403

Lovely line-up!!

 

[BigJ]

The duke 2 in best is a favorite around here!!

I face lather exclusively and prefer soaps, so our tastes appear similar.

 

[helicopter]

Duke 2 Best is fantastic. Go for it.

 

[Cannon Cocker]

I have all 3 of the Dukes in best and love them all. I also have the Colonel in both Best and Manchurian. Simpson shows the Colonel in Manchurian on their web site for £125 in Nebular. I think Manchurian would meet and exceed all you are looking for along with keeping you in a Colonel handle.

 

[Merchant Seaman Z]

I’ve been using a Simpson Colonel X2L in best for about 15 years. At this point, I‘ve developed some shaving preferences and the Duke 2 in best seems to be what I’m looking for, but am open to suggestions. My criteria:

1. I face lather exclusively and want a brush with backbone that has some scrubbiness to it. I‘m not going to like a super soft brush. I want a brush that feels like I’m exfoliating my skin that, while firm, will splay.
2. I want, at most, a medium size brush that‘s not a lather hog. I do a one pass shave with a Muhle R41 and don’t want to waste a lot of soap on a brush that’s too big and dense. For these reasons, I’ve excluded the Chubby 2 and 3. I don’t want a brush that’s so large it’s difficult to load in a tub, or makes it difficult to accurately face lather without getting soap on my ears and everywhere else.
3. I’m interested in a badger brush, not a synthetic.
4. I use both hard soaps and creams which come in tubs.

I’m looking to replace my Colonel because it’s rather floppy at this point and for face lathering, I think an upgrade is justified. The size of my Colonel is just about right. My concern with the Duke 2 is the handle seems rather small and people complain about soapy fingers while using it. Another contender would be the Chubby 1 in best, but people seem to prefer the Duke in 2 or 3 over the Chubby 1.

The Duke 2 in best can be had right now for $99 which isn’t too bad…

Any insight, or other suggestions, would be much appreciated.

We have pretty much the same taste in face lather, load soap or creams from the tub and 1 pass. The Duke 2 in best was the first Simpson brush I bought in ‘11. It still works good. It is a good all a round brush.

 

[Virgil Sollozzo]

I just ordered one from Pa

I've been debating for a while, so, I just ordered one from Pasteur and got 10% more off, too. There may be only one left.

I used this discount code to get 10% off: DAVID_FERNICOLA

They gave me this link, if anyone uses it they said you'll get 10% off with this, too.

You got 10% off!

Congratulations! A friend has sent you a reward for your next purchase at Pasteur Pharmacy (discount applied at the checkout).

judge.me

I am loving the Duke 2 Best Badger. Really very little breaking in to be done - not funky when I received it but I still did some initial conditioning. Fantastic.

I did NOT get it from Pasteur. After I ordered, they said they ran out. Had to get it elsewhere.

 

[Jut]

Duke to in pure if you want some scritch.