Simpson: Increased Cost, Increased Performance?

[Groat]

So I'm looking to get a new brush within the next couple weeks, and I've been looking around at some different brushes. Simpson brushes seem quite popular around here, and their reputation appears great as well. I've seen a couple posts about Vie-Long, but really there hasn't been much chatter.

Simpson brushes all have handles that look very similar. Different designs, but all the same material. I find some of the Vie-Long handles to be much more aesthetically pleasing. Looks are really secondary when considering a brush, though. I'm simply wondering if the increased cost on a Simpson is reflective of a gain in lathering performance over other brands. I've read that Simpson knots are extremely dense, and perhaps that plays a role in all of this.

 

[raserman]

I just purchased a Simpsons Milk Churn 2 and I can say that IMO this brush gives a lot of lather and the best badger hairs are really dense. Very soothing to the face while lathering.

 

[Joe Edson]

I own Simpsons in Best, Super and Two band. They are all really dense brushes and very different from each other, but I like them all. Their best hair is really good and they have some brushes in the $50-$60 range (special, colonel X2l, etc.) to get an entry level brush.

I also own a Vie-Long two band (16726) that I recently got and am enjoying immensely. It definitely isn't as dense as the simpson's, but it makes up for it in it's ability to release lather. Definitely a very different brush than my 2-band simpsons and I think I like it slightly better.

Can't really go wrong with either.

 

[ssultan]

All good brushes, honestly. Omegas and Vie-longs are developing quite a following here...so are Thater and the various custom brushes (Rudy Vey e.g.). I've found my Rooney's to be more dense than my Simpsons...but over time I've ended up favoring the Simpson line more...it's absolutely an individual choice.

If you're not fixated on a brand... why not get a custom brush made in a shape you like, you can contact Rudy (e.g.) and just give him the specs (a picture, style or shape) that attracts you and have him make you a brush...

If staying with Simpson, I'd argue with you on the style similarity between the different models...to my eyes, they're all different and very unique when you compare them to anything being offered out there...the chubbies are one of the most copied styles...I have yet to find anything like the milk-churn or the keyhole...or how about my favorite these days, the sexy tulip...

 

[Eclectic]

Simpson brushes all have handles that look very similar.

I can't believe you posted this. Simpson's have more variety in handles, over 20 different models, than anyone else.

You think a Polo looks like a Milk Churn? That a Persian Vase looks like a Chubby? That a Tulip looks like a Keyhole?

Amazing.

 

[beginish]

You can make any brush lather, regardless of price, and agree with others who think it comes down to personal preference. As far as Simpsons go, I am a recent convert, and am very happy with them. They are excellent quality, with a brush for most price points. Some are dense, and others not so. Their Best grade knots are outstanding. Equally important, the company stands behind it's brushes and is very accessible and responsive (they responded to a PM I sent within 90 mins). Try one. If you don't like it, it won't sit on the BST long.

 

[Jobie1128]

I can't believe you posted this. Simpson's have more variety in handles, over 20 different models, than anyone else.

You think a Polo looks like a Milk Churn? That a Persian Vase looks like a Chubby? That a Tulip looks like a Keyhole?

Amazing.

I think the OP meant that they are all faux ivory and there are no other colors or materials....

 

[Groat]

I can't believe you posted this. Simpson's have more variety in handles, over 20 different models, than anyone else.

You think a Polo looks like a Milk Churn? That a Persian Vase looks like a Chubby? That a Tulip looks like a Keyhole?

Amazing.

You seem to take this personally. As another person noted, they're all faux ivory. While the material doesn't look bad, there isn't any other variety beyond the shape. Other manufacturers have lots of different colors and materials to choose from. However, like I stated, the look of a brush is really secondary to the way it performs.

 

[my19]

It's true, you can spend quite a bit of money on a Simpson. But you can also get several of them in Simpson's wonderful best badger for less than $50. If you face lather, one of those small Simpson brushes might be perfect for your needs.

I bought a Berkeley in best a month or so ago and it has become my favorite brush -- perfect size, good backbone, soft tips. I pulled out my older 24mm silvertip from Penworks yesterday to bowl lather some Proraso and while it was soft and luxurious, I really missed the Berkeley and the feeling of working that lather into my beard. For me, it works, and it was around $45 delivered. Great value for money.

I'm also guessing that some of the higher-price, longer lofted Simpson brushes wouldn't fit my needs nearly as well. In that case, great brush, maybe, but not such great value for me.

 

[solar]

I think the OP meant that they are all faux ivory and there are no other colors or materials....

To be fair, I think the faux ivory "sameness" was the point the OP was referring to as well. That aside, I have a whole bunch of Simpson's, as well as other brands of brushes. I'm not necessarily wedded to Simpson's only, but to be honest, they just seem to be such a great brush in all respects. I have personally found that the more I spend on a Simpson's brush going for higher quality badger, the nicer the brush feels on the face. Just me.

I have an Emperor, Keyhole, Chubby, Polo and others. The Polo 8 in silver tip is the best brush in the world for me. If I had to have only one, it would be my Polo 8 (PL 8). Perfect heft, knot density, everything. Everything.

Chris

 

[Groat]

Thanks for all the replies, everybody. I think I'll probably end up with a Simpson brush based on their overwhelming reputation and also the fact that their customer support seems second to none. Just have to wait to get paid first.

 

[solar]

Thanks for all the replies, everybody. I think I'll probably end up with a Simpson brush based on their overwhelming reputation and also the fact that their customer support seems second to none. Just have to wait to get paid first.

I really don't think you'll be disappointed, but be certain to check measurements before buying if you buy through the 'net. Sometimes, the brushes can be a fair bit smaller (Chubby 1) or larger than you bargained for. A lot of sites will provide an overall height of the brush, and a measurement for the handle. I use these measurements as much as possible, and for example, I will generally eschew brushes under the 100 mm height, Chubby 1 and a few others being the exceptions.

Best,

C

 

[Lando]

I think the aesthetics of the Simpson brushes are under rated and not appreciated until one has the brush in hand. There is a nice heft to the handle and a beautiful matte polish that really surprised me when I first got mine. And their two band hair is awesome for face lathering. The tulip is also my favorite brush design.

 

[bran]

If you are considering a Simpson look at the selection over at Vintage Blades. I do not know how long his sale is going on but I just bought a Polo 8 for $60 less than I have seen anywhere. He may have what you are looking for at a decent discount.

The Vie-Longs are great brushes as well. I have an El Toro Ganso that I got from Bullgoose. It is a really nice brush. I have used it on soaps and creams. It performs a little better with the creams. It is probably the softest tipped brush I have and still has decent backbone to it. If you are looking for luxury that is the way I would go. They have the luxury everyone assumes with Plisson and Kent for a fraction of the price.

My favorite brush right now is my Simpson Ehsan from Bullgoose. It is spectacular with creams or soaps. It is two-band super which is almost as soft as my Vie-Long but better on soap. It is probably my best all around brush.

Good luck with your purchase. I don't think you would go wrong with a Vie-Long or Simpson. I couldn't make up my mind between the ETG and Ehsan so I just jumped in with both feet and bought both. Just don't tell my wife.

 

[MaxJ]

The quality is worth the cost. Aside from my now three Simpson's brushes I've owned a C&E, a Rooney, and a New Forest. I liked all three, but the performance and feel of the Simpson's brushes are superior to my mind.