Just got this Duke 3 in 2 band silvertip (pic is just before I took its virginity). Took three days to get here via FedEx direct from Simpson. It is the softest feeling brush in my den and very different from Super grade hair. It still has the usual 2 band backbone but having experienced 2 band shavemac knots, it feels like finest hair with no scritch at all and good backbone. I've said it before- if my Duke 3 in Best had a tiny bit more backbone I'd be heaven and this is probably about as close as I'm going to get. Doesn't get much better if you're a face latherer. Ive yet to try Simpsons Manchirian but after using this brush not sure that i want to.