New Brush Help ...

[Blue-EyedSon]

I'm thinking about getting a new brush. My current every day brush is a Simpson's Case in best badger. Originally, I asked for this brush as a birthday present about a year ago to be used primarily when I traveled. However, after getting the Simpson's, it quickly replaced my other brush (Vulfix #375 Super Badger). I have an Amish style beard and I found the smaller size of the Simpsons much more amenable to my needs. Moreover, I like that it has a lot more backbone than the Vulfix, which is quite floppy in comparison, and that it is almost as soft as the Vulfix even though it is probably considered a lower grade quality of hair. The only thing I don't like about the Simpson's Case is the smaller size of the handle.

So, I'm looking for a brush with a larger size handle, but with a smaller knot size that has a good back bone to it with soft tips. In looking at the measurements on EMSPlace, it looks like an Emperor 2 or 3 or maybe the Persian Jar 2 might suit me well if I wanted to stay with Simpsons. Does anybody have any experience with these? I'm also quite open to other recommendations. Those brushes are probably a bit more money than what I was wanting to spend. So, I'm open to other recommendations as well. It seems like Rooney's get pretty high praise. Perhaps there would be a Rooney brush that would be better. Any advice?

*edit* I probably should add that I get the lather going and formed in a scuttle before going to my face. So, I'm not quite a bowl latherer/painter or a face latherer. I'm somewhere in between the two, if that matters.

 

[Nuclearbuddy]

I got a PC Woodcraft aka Pat Camara.... I would have to bet he'll make something for you... My brush in my picture is made by him... think i got it for around 55.... longer handle...

maybe something like this here

or check out his site

 

[cvac]

Might want to look at Rooney 3/1 in Super.

 

[maurerc]

You might try a small boar.

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

Thanks for the input thus far. Those custom brushes sure look great. But while I like the wooden handles, I wonder how they hold up with continued exposure to water.

I've also thought about a Rooney. Do they have a similar combo of a good back bone and soft tips like the Simpsons?

Also, I hadn't really considered a boar. My impression was that they probably would not have soft tips. But perhaps I am just biased because when I first started looking to get into wet-shaving, the only word I ever heard was "get a badger." Maybe I should consider a boar brush.

Does anybody have any experience with either the Simpson's Emperor or the Persian Jar? I found a couple reviews and they earned high marks, but I would be curious to hear the input of others.

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

Does anybody want to chime in about either the Emperor or the Persian Jar designs made by Simpsons?

 

[Kmitch]

Brian,
I recieved a Simpsons Persian Jar in size 2 with 2 band Super hair for Christmas. I was looking for somethinig with soft tips and just a little scritch to match my pre-Vulfix Tulip2 also in 2 band. The newer Simpson two bands are more of a bulb shape but it is in my opinion an excellent brush. I don't have the Emperor but I love the look of its classic handle. I also have three Rooney's and you cannot go wrong with either the super or Heritage models. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[dreadpirate]

Rooney; a very dense brush. I have a 1/2 but you might want a 3/1, based on your description.

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

Thanks for the input! I'm pretty confident that either the Simpson's Emperor or Persian Jar would suit me well. It still would be nice to hear a few more words of praise on these before committing. Anybody else?

Also, dreadpirate or others, do Rooney's have a good combo of a good back bone and really soft tips that I have experienced with the Simpsons? If I can get a brush that has the features I'm looking for at a cost less than a Simpsons, I sure would enjoy shaving the money.