Need help with the Simpsons Duke, which has been looking interesting to me lately. Should I get a Duke 2 or 3? In pure or best? Here's the deal on lathering style, price, and experience. Because of my lathering ADD, I like to do a little of all kinds: bowl, face, and hand lather. Ditto for product. I like all creams and soaps. I want this to be *relatively* inexpensive - but I know I'll have to spend some dough. Now the only real experience I have in badgers is a Simpsons Wee Scot and a Rooney 1/1 in super, the latter which I did not care for (do like the Scot). So what should I pull the trigger on here?
Simpsons Brush Advice Needed
- Thread starter Pioneer
- Start date
In the best decison-making traditions of B&B, may I suggest the Simpson Classic 2?
I was in the same boat as you and bought the Simpson Colonel X2L in Best. I love this brush and cheaper than the Duke.
My advice if you want a Duke is a No.2 in best - in my personal set, and my father's, was in my grandfather's and my Great Uncle Alex's. Hope that sways you...!
Gary
Gary
Just received a Duke 3 in the mail today. It's my first Simpson. It has a smaller profile tha the brush that I am using (Savile Row 3824). I will be looking forward to trying it out in the next few days. I must say it is very well constructed and is quite a looker. Not a bad price either.
I own a Duke 2 and it is an excellent brush. First off let me say that I primarily use soaps and face lather. But I have lathered both soap and cream with the Duke 2 and it works well with both. I normally face lather but I have lathered in a bowl with the Duke 2 and it did well at that as well, though I think it is an excellent face lathering brush.
My hands are average, neither large or small, so the handle size is excellent for my hand. The knot in the Duke 2 is great, lots of hair and not floppy at all. I personally find the Duke 2 to be on the soft side (I liked the scratchiness of my first brush, an Tweezerman pure badger) but it is not too soft.
I don't have a Duke 3 but many others do and it is also a great brush. I think it just breaks down to the size you want. The Duke 2 was closer to my Tweezerman so that is why I got the Duke 2 instead of the Duke 3. Either brush is going to be excellent, just figure out which one is a better size for you.
Best of luck
My hands are average, neither large or small, so the handle size is excellent for my hand. The knot in the Duke 2 is great, lots of hair and not floppy at all. I personally find the Duke 2 to be on the soft side (I liked the scratchiness of my first brush, an Tweezerman pure badger) but it is not too soft.
I don't have a Duke 3 but many others do and it is also a great brush. I think it just breaks down to the size you want. The Duke 2 was closer to my Tweezerman so that is why I got the Duke 2 instead of the Duke 3. Either brush is going to be excellent, just figure out which one is a better size for you.
Best of luck
I would like to order a brush this week and I am on the fence between the Duke 2 and the Colonel xl 2. Tough Choice !!
Whether you get the D2 or D3, definitely get it in best grade. It's worth it. FWIW, I have a D3 in best and find it to be a great brush.
Check out the Berkeley 46 in Best. I tried the Duke 2 and it was a little too dense for me, I know I'll get flamed for this, but it seemed to hog lather. Nice brush, don't get me wrong. Just not for me. Anyway I'm really happy with the Berkelely. Creams, soaps, bowl, face: no problem.
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+1 My Col. is the best brush I own (not the most expensive) In fact I just bought a second one for my ski cabin.
I was dithering between a Duke 2 and 3, and, on advice, ended up ordering a PJ2 instead.
I'm just waiting for it to arrive now, and I fear this could be the start of many brush purchases!
I'm just waiting for it to arrive now, and I fear this could be the start of many brush purchases!
I have a Duke 2 in best grade and I hate it. I've only used it 3-4 times. My #1 brush is my ShaveMac D01 then a Colonel 2XL. Need another ShaveMac.
I have a Duke 3 Best and wholeheartedly love it. It has excellent backbone, soft tips and a nice, comfortable handle. It is just slightly scrubby and produces an amazing lather from any of my soaps or creams, using both face or bowl lathering technique. It is a perfect "all around" brush". 
I have a Duke 3 Best and wholeheartedly love it. It has excellent backbone, soft tips and a nice, comfortable handle. It is just slightly scrubby and produces an amazing lather from any of my soaps or creams, using both face or bowl lathering technique. It is a perfect "all around" brush".
Only had my Duke 3 since Christmas and concur with everything Marco has said. I am a totally committed face latherer, and with both soaps and creams, it works very well. Slightly scratchier than my Colonel X2L which I also adore.
David
Gary, I was about to take a plunge on a Duke 3 and saw your recommendation. what is it about the Duke 2 that you prefer over the 3 or why do you recommend the Duke 2 so highly. I admit that it's difficult to disagree with three generations of Simpsons but I thought I'd ask anyway.
Had my maiden shave with the Duke 3 this morning using TOBS Sandlewood soap. The brush performed flawlessly with plenty of lather for as many passes as I wanted. Compared to my Savile Row 3824 Silvertip it is a firmer brush but still with relatively soft tips. I have to tell you that I was initially surprised at how much smaller the Duke 3 is than my Savile Row but after using it to make lather in the scuttle and lathering for 3 passes I see that this will not be an issue. Very pleased with the performance in terms of lathering ability and face feel. It did shed a couple of hairs on this first use but I understand this is quite normal for a knot this dense. I would not hesitate to highly recommend this brush.
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