Simpson Emperor 2 vs Emperor 3, input needed

[Alex Jr]

Gentlemen,

I’ve been eyeing the emperor line for some time since I like longer handles and I’d like to try a super knot.

Also, it’s the only super besides the chubby line that I can buy from rasoigoodfellas at the moment.

So to the point, the 2 being 19x45 and the 3 20x48 my question is this:

Does anyone know why the huge price jump from 2 to 3? It’s the same 1mm from 1 to 2 and the price difference is not absurd. Is it density?

From the owners or anyone that tried both, is the difference noticeable to justify? Is there a hidden quality to the 3 that is not obvious by looking at the numbers?

Does the 3 feels so much bigger on the face than the 2?

I’d love some inputs and comparisons before pulling any trigger.

Thank you in advance for your kind help.

 

[Darth Scandalous]

I only have the 3 so I can't compare it to the smaller sizes, sorry. But the 3 doesn't feel large, nor is it particularly dense. It is a bit floppy (which I happen to like) but that may not be everyone's cup of tea. I got mine on the BST at a very good price--I don't quite fathom the retail pricing on the 3 sizes either.

 

[willk93]

I've noticed the pricing of Simpson brushes varies widely by vendor. Pasteur Pharmacy has a $2 price difference between the 1 ($130) and 2 ($132). They do not have the size 3, though. I see West Coast Shaving has it for $175.

I've never tried the Emperor line, but at this price increase for such a small size difference, I'd choose the size 2.

 

[Kyle89]

I can only speak for the 2- Very nice brush and I like it a lot. I can't imagine the 3 being worth the extra jump in price. I can't compare though.

It's not a big knot, and it's not dense (especially regarding Simpson standards). That is what I like about it, however. It's not exactly best value, and scored mine for a lot less than retail.

 

[electrum]

I've seen posts about the Simpsons Emperor and Tulip jumping quite high in price from a 2 to 3 size, but never saw a good reason why.

I purchased an Emperor 3 in Manchurian a few years ago and it is one of my favorites, if not my favorite brush. It's also the smallest knot size I have, so that may be the key consideration. If happy with a 23/24-ish brush I wouldn't go smaller. Hard to save costs when you end up flipping later.

 

[Alex Jr]

It is a bit floppy (which I happen to like)

Me too. One of the reasons I’m considering the emperor.

Pasteur Pharmacy has a $2 price difference between the 1 ($130) and 2 ($132)

wow, 2?? I really can’t understand thoses prices, both from Simpson and retailers. Doesn’t make any sense for 1mm difference.

It's not a big knot, and it's not dense (especially regarding Simpson standards). That is what I like about it, however. It's not exactly best value, and scored mine for a lot less than retail.

I like that too. Do you happen to have a Berkeley or chubby 1?

Does it feel bigger? I already have a Berkeley so maybe the 2 is around that same ballpark. The 3 would be a little more luxurious. Just a guess.

If happy with a 23/24-ish brush I wouldn't go smaller. Hard to save costs when you end up flipping later.

Yes I’m trying not to end up with 2 emperors in the future because initially I chose the “wrong” size. The 3 is not a large brush to begin with.

It would be so easier if one could see them at a store. Oh well…

 

[Kyle89]

I like that too. Do you happen to have a Berkeley or chubby 1?

I have a Chubby 1. Can post comparison shots later if you want haha.

 

[Alex Jr]

I have a Chubby 1. Can post comparison shots later if you want haha.

That would be very helpful!

 

[Darth Scandalous]

Where are you located, @Alex Jr ?

 

[Alex Jr]

Where are you located, @Alex Jr ?

Bergamo, Italy.

 

[Darth Scandalous]

Bergamo, Italy.

Darn. Postage would be a little prohibitive, or I'd send you mine to try out.

 

[Alex Jr]

Darn. Postage would be a little prohibitive, or I'd send you mine to try out.

Oh don’t worry my friend. Too kind of you to offer that. Either way, I immensely appreciate but indeed the cost would be too much.

I’m just trying to get a general opinion but I’m sure both brushes are awesome.

Maybe other folks will chime in until the thread naturally dies, so I’ll give it some time.

Not much though, cart checkout button is staring at me

 

[ShmittyTheLoverboy]

I have the Emperor 3 and out of all my brushes it is the most floppy/moppy and not very dense at all. I use it only for soft creams.

 

[electrum]

It has a bit higher loft (48mm) for the knot size (20mm) than usually seen, but the reasonably dense Manchurian in my E3 keeps it from being floppy - just a little play, that I like. I'm not familiar with the different knots, like Super, so can't offer much advice over what else may work best for you. I am surprised that Simpsons doesn't make the Emperor in Manchurian as a standard offering. It's pretty near perfect to me. I think Rudy Vey has one as well, so maybe he'll chime in about how the different knots perform.

 

[Kyle89]

About to shave- will soak both actually and post an after shot.

 

[Darth Scandalous]

The other thing about my E3 (super) besides not having a ton of backbone, which i like, it's a little quirky in that it holds more water than you expect, and it doesn't load as much soap as you think. Once I figured out to give it a couple extra shakes, and load about half again as long, it became one of my favorite badgers.

 

[garyg]

To the OP, I have only tried the Emperor 2. Way too floppy for my tastes as compared to the other Simpson's that remain in rotation. The Colonel 2 was I recall measurably stiffer, though approximately sized the same.

 

[Kyle89]

Both after a soak. The chubby was used for my shave. Can see difference in density.

 

[Alex Jr]

@ShmittyTheLoverboy thank you, that’s actually a plus in my book, call me crazy

@electrum yes I’ve seen a lot of older threads here with the emperor in Manchurian. Doesn’t seem that common anymore.

@Darth Scandalous that’s tricky with badgers, I’ve also made that “mistake”

@garyg the emperor being floppy seems like a well established fact from what I’ve been reading. For me, the usual Simpson has too much backbone and paired with the best hair it feels to harsh on my skin.

@Kyle89 thank you! Just a question, one thing that bothers me about the chubby is the handle. It feels awkward and small, I always end up with lather on my fingers and it just doesn’t feel ergonomic.

The 2 handle is around 57mm, does it feel good in the hand? I would like to lather my face and not my fingers. Do you feel it is enough handle for that?

Thank you all for your kind help.

 

[Kyle89]

@ShmittyTheLoverboy thank you, that’s actually a plus in my book, call me crazy

@electrum yes I’ve seen a lot of older threads here with the emperor in Manchurian. Doesn’t seem that common anymore.

@Darth Scandalous that’s tricky with badgers, I’ve also made that “mistake”

@garyg the emperor being floppy seems like a well established fact from what I’ve been reading. For me, the usual Simpson has too much backbone and paired with the best hair it feels to harsh on my skin.

@Kyle89 thank you! Just a question, one thing that bothers me about the chubby is the handle. It feels awkward and small, I always end up with lather on my fingers and it just doesn’t feel ergonomic.

The 2 handle is around 57mm, does it feel good in the hand? I would like to lather my face and not my fingers. Do you feel it is enough handle for that?

Thank you all for your kind help.

The handle on the Emperor 2 feels great. I have the same problem with the chubby handle. I prefer longer handles.