Plisson European Grey?

[beginish]

I'm fighting SBAD, but have given myself one brush purchase during the 2010 Shave Purchase Sabbatical. I am a huge fan of the small Rooney Beehive (21 mm knot), as it is an outstanding brush on soaps in particular. The European Grey Plissons seem to be a nice balance between good brush and something more economical than the HMW brushes. I would go with either the size 10 or 12 brush, and am wondering how the European Grey versions perform.

Thanks!

 

[Antique Hoosier]

I have owned that grade Plisson and I believe you would not find it acceptable. I would save the cash.

 

[Rudy Vey]

I have owned that grade Plisson and I believe you would not find it acceptable. I would save the cash.

Is it more like a "pure" badger brush, so is it more "exfoliating" on your skin ??

 

[Hawkeye5]

Yes, more 'skritchy'. I owned a #14. Unlike Mike, I quite enjoyed it, but found I could live without. The EG is the economy Plisson, and frankly Plisson is not about economy but luxury. There are better brushes.

 

[Antique Hoosier]

Since Bob mentioned his spending sabbatical, I felt it best to suggest that this might not be prudent to spring for as his sole SBAD purchase during such a self imposed time. I did suggest the Black Badger Plisson to a member recently who described what he was looking for and felt it would fit the bill in his case. You pay extra dollars for that Plisson name cache Im afraid.

If pressed to suggest a unique quality value in shaving brushes, I would steer Bob toward one of the more seldom seen Simpson models such as the Keyhole, Milk Churn, "57", Harvard, or even a small Tulip or Emperor. These are all more special than the lower grade Plisson brushes.

 

[beginish]

Thanks. That is the candid feedback I was hoping for. Have the irregularities/uniformity issues of the Simfix brushes been ironed out? Also, assume they have good density?

 

[Antique Hoosier]

Thanks. That is the candid feedback I was hoping for. Have the irregularities/uniformity issues of the Simfix brushes been ironed out? Also, assume they have good density?

Bob,
I was one of the more anti Vulfix people when the takeover was in process. Pretty much nothing but good has come of it minus the beloved lampblack being replaced with a sort of diecast lettering/numbering and slightly different faux ivory handle material. The quirky nature of a handmade Somerset era Simpson was what I was perhaps sorry to let go of. I'd have no reservations trying a "Simfix" now and personally find the models I mentioned earlier to be quite nice. I would add the "Colonel" to that list. A member on SMF (Doug) has a nice pictorial review of the "57" you might find interesting.

 

[beginish]

Mike,

Thanks very much for the advice and suggestions. The review of the 57 was very good. I like the idea of a dense brush that is not a lather hog. As the ones you suggested are only available in Pure and Best, they become real bargains for brushes of that quality, so much so that with what I budgeted for the Plisson, two might be an option . I am very partial to the Keyhole style handle. I was also very happy to find that Shoebox Shave Shop carries the entire Simpsons line. I will give this some thought, but very much like the idea of picking up something uncommon.