Okay, for real this time...

[Dpflaum]

I'm actually ready to buy my next costlier brush. I have a Berkeley, Special, and Wee Scot. My sweet spot is the 18-20mm range. Your potential choices for me are:

Simpsons Keyhole 1

Simpsons 55

That is all. They are the right size, the right hair, and close to the same price.

 

[Bestarrkin]

I always think Keyhole is an underrated brush and it deserves better.

 

[djh]

I voted for the Keyhole, but I would be equally happy with a "55". The Keyhole has such a cool unusual handle.

 

[njpaddy]

I haven't used either but I prefer the looks of the 55 handle. But that's probably because the 56 is on my short list as a companion for my Berkeley.

 

[Dpflaum]

The worst part is that I will probably end up trying both at some point.

 

[Crixus]

With the Keyhole, you're paying a big premium for the handle.

I would never consider the 55, when for an extra five bucks you could get the 56, which is a little larger knot but still in the middle of your size criteria. Both are about double the price of the Berkeley (which I can't figure out for the life of me, but I have not personally held or used a Fifty series) for a knot that is smaller.

 

[Dpflaum]

So far this hasn't helped at all. It's split 50-50.

 

[beginish]

I voted for the 55, because I find the Fifties to be denser than the Keyholes.

 

[noahpictures]

I voted for the keyhole because I like the handle.

 

[franz]

Both fairly obscure. The Keyhole is almost never seen around here.

Voted 55. Based on what I am seeing so far with my 57, if you don't buy it, I just might buy it for you.

 

[andrew98]

I like the keyhole design. I'm not a Simpson fan, though. I'm just swayed by the handle.

-Andy

 

[joost]

Although I really like the handle of the Keyhole. I think the loft of the brush in relation to the knot is high in comparison to most other Simpsons. This might be nice for you if you want a change. I would prefer the more common knot of the 55.

If you end up choosing the Keyhole I would be curious about how you like the knot compared to those of the Simpsons you have.

 

[SliceOfLife]

I voted for the 55, because I find the Fifties to be denser than the Keyholes.

Replace the word "find" with "suspect" and +1

 

[Dpflaum]

22 votes and we are tied at 50-50 still. I will probably end up buying the 55 and selling it to fund the Keyhole.

But if I like it I will need both.

 

[andrew98]

22 votes and we are tied at 50-50 still. I will probably end up buying the 55 and selling it to fund the Keyhole.

But if I like it I will need both.

Yes. Need.

-Andy

 

[Dpflaum]

The numbers agree. 55 is the best one to start with.

 

[wimbouman]

I agree.
55 it should be (though considering a 56 is an option).

The Fifties series IMHO look way better.
Not that the key hole isn't a nice shape, but it lacks in the style department.

YMMV, as always.

 

[Crixus]

The Keyhole is almost never seen around here.

And there must be a reason for that. As absurd a price tag as the smaller Harvards.

Perhaps for "completist" collectors. From a shaving tool point of view, it seems there are much better choices for the price.

 

[franz]

And there must be a reason for that. As absurd a price tag as the smaller Harvards.

Perhaps for "completist" collectors. From a shaving tool point of view, it seems there are much better choices for the price.

I am hearing the tinny sound of the YMMV fairy whispering in my ear.

 

[Crixus]

I am hearing the tinny sound of the YMMV fairy whispering in my ear.

It's not just my mileage. Apparently it's very widespread. If the Keyholes and smaller Harvards warranted widespread use, believe me we would hear a lot more about them on here.