need help selecting new Simpson in best

[benvh]

I currently have a Duke 1 and 2. Love the best grade of hair but I'm looking for something new. I 100% face lather, mainly soaps.

The Duke 1 knot size is pretty good for me but I could handle it being a bit bigger. The Duke 2 is a bit big. It actually starts off fine but just gets too big when lathering. Too much bloom/splay - whatever you want to call it. It's a dense brush so I assume that's part of it. I do prefer the Duke 2 handle to the Duke 1, but I'd still like something bigger as I have large hands and both brushes are somewhat uncomfortable to use.

So far I'm looking at the Keyhole 2 and PJ 1. Can anyone comment on knot density, size, and handle ergonomics in comparison to the Dukes? If you have any other brush suggestions I'd love to hear them. Some dimensions listed below (borrowed from The Superior Shave).

Ben

	Weight	Handle Diameter	Height	Knot Diameter	Loft
Duke #1	46g	34mm	84mm	19mm	45mm
Duke #2	59g	36mm	91mm	22mm	49mm

Keyhole KH2

61g

37mm

99mm

20mm

46mm

Persian Jar PJ1

46g

32mm

93mm

20mm

44mm

 

[Krona Kruiser]

Having used and enjoyed my Colonel I'd recommend that but based on the dimensions you've compared and what you're looking for in a brush it seems that the Persion Jar would be your best bet.

 

[benvh]

I've seen a few comments regarding the new Keyhole LE's ergonomics which is why I'm considering it.

Ben

 

[Monkeyboy]

I'm kinda in the same boat. I like the duke 2 a lot but the handle is on the small side for my hands. I thought the eagle handle was more comfortable.

I haven't owned a keyhole or pj but from what I read they aren't quite as densely packed as the dukes.

 

[beginish]

The Keyhole 2 has great ergonomics, but I found the knot to be less dense than other Simpson Bests (57, Classic 1, Berkeley, Duke 3, B&B Eagle 3, Rover LE). It was most comparable to the Milk Churn.

 

[harmoni]

I haven't got a Keyhole 2, but the Keyhole 1 I have is a good fit in my hand, whereas the Duke 1 is far less comfortable. To me it seems the lower half of the handle (below the ridge) is too short. I'll +1 on the lack of density in the Keyhole too.

 

[tbress]

I used to have a Duke 3 that was just too big for me. I switched to a Classic 1 and am glad that I did. It is very dense, it has been described here as a "Chubby 0". The Classic 2 has been described as a "Chubby 1.5". The Classics don't get much press, but I like them better than the Dukes. The Classic 1 also fits in the Simpsons travel tube.

Both the Classic and the Duke are face-lathering machines, but they favor different strokes. In my experience, the Dukes favor a paintbrush stroke while the Classic favors a swirling stroke. I like the swirling stroke better.

 

[xraygun]

I have a KH3 and really enjoy it's ergonomics as well. The KH2 just appeared too small for me. I have quite a few Simpsons that are larger than my KH3 but I go to it quite often.

 

[benvh]

I cast my lot with the PJ1 from The Superior Shave (so nice seeing the exact brush you're going to get). Spec-wise it seems to be the closest to my Duke 1 with a larger handle. If it doesn't work out I guess I'll have to keep buying more...

Ben