Simpson Special vs. Case vs. other contenders

[frankel]

I'm a newer DE shaver (5 or 6 months in) and I'm trying to decide on a brush upgrade for the holiday season. I'm a fan of smaller brushes, and I'm not sure what to get in all honesty. I like the Simpson Special and Case brushes, but I've heard some really good things about the Duke.

Anyone have any preferences between these two or three brushes? Or pointers for something else I should consider?

 

[Marco]

The Duke is definitely denser than both the Case and the Special and I like it a lot more because of that extra density. In my opinion the Duke 2 is a great companion for both travelling and home use.

 

[Puppet Master]

I agree with Marco, although I prefer the Duke3. It might place you just inside the medium size range, but a little variety is a good thing.

 

[Chadao]

I travel with the Case and the Special (which also fits in the case), but the Duke 2 is on my Christmas list.

 

[talibeard]

I never used a Duke or Case but have a Special, like I also have a Classic 1, a Commodore X1 and a Berkeley 46 all in best. The Classic 1 is easily the most dense brush, followed by the X1.

On the other hand the Special is a lot of brush for the money and because of the short hairs the lesser density is partly counteracted. As a facelatherer it works great and the lesser density is true when compared to other Simpsons; it is still a pretty dense brush on its own.

 

[Mick]

My all time favorite face lathering brush is the Duke 2.

that said I did have a case and Duke 1 which are similar in knot size. Believe it or not I like the Case a tad better than the Duke as the loft was shorter and the handle a tad taller which seemed to work out a little better for me while face lathering

 

[frankel]

Wow, thanks a lot for the info! I knew they were similar, but not that similar. By any chance, does any one know what causes the price jump between the Case and Duke?

 

[Mick]

Brush pricing is a mystic art form. Only those who wear the pointy hats with stars and half moon on them know the real answer to that question

 

[Dave Colangelo]

I have a duke 1 and love it. My Duke 1 looks more like turtle's case knot than his duke 1 knot which is interesting. Ill offer up some suggestions that should help you find a brush.

1. Pick your price range, the fact of the mater is that brushed cost money and there is some truth to the saying "the more you spend the better brush you get"
2. Pick a size you want, you have already done this. You suggested you like smaller brushes so that puts you in the 13MM (wee scot) to about 19MM knot size in my opinion.
3. Pick a handle shape you would like. I say this generally, do you want a long handle, a short handle, much bigger than the knot, about the size of the knot etc.
4. Just buy a brush. Once you have set all these things you will find many brushes that fit your criteria. At some point you just need to get one, if the brushes are similar in price shape and size chances are they perform about the same.

Now some suggestions,
You will find praise here for anything Simpson has ever made... Chances are you will be satisfied with anything from them, case, duke, wee scot, 55, special etc. I have a Semogue owners club in super badger, its a bit bigger than you are looking for but a great brush for the price. vulfix and Edwin Jagger also make some brushes in that price range, I dont own any so I cant comment but they get good reviews here. I say get a Duke but that's just me...

Regards
Dave

 

[shaverjoe]

I have a Case, Berkley, and Dukes 1 and 2. If I had to pick just one, it would be the Duke 1. An all around great brush. I prefer it over the Duke 2 simply due to a size preference. The Duke 1 and Case both are wonderful travel options as well. All of this being said, IMO, the best bang for your buck of the brushes I listed is the Berkley. Just my 2 cents.

I'll add, all of my Simpsons are Best grade.