I just received my Classic 1 yesterday. The following are the knot measurements, width/loft, provided by Westcoastshaving for the Classic 1 and Duke 2. We all know that these numbers vary.
Classic 1 22/44
Duke 2 21/46
These dimensions do not look that different; a "mm" is not very large, ~ 1/25th of an inch. Yet in my hands, the Duke 2 feels and acts as if it were larger than the Classic 1, although the Classic 1 is more dense. The Classic 1 seems to need more loading time in order to get enough lather for two passes and touch ups. Even with creams it requires digging into the product to get enough with the Classic 1 in order to get a good amount of lather going. Whereas the Duke 2 does not give the impression of a small brush, the Classic 1 seems to fall into the "small" category. I think that given the broad continuum of brush sizes, I would make the cut-off for "small brushes" in the Simpson line anything smaller than the Duke 2.
I may be jumping to conclusions, so I will continue to exclusively use this brush for awhile, so as to give it a chance. However, I am somewhat disappointed because I really, really thought I would love this brush. I am still holding out some hope as some BBers refer to it as the Chubby 0, which is quite a recommendation. I would probably modify this to the "Wee Chubby." For those who love smaller brushes, this can be an excellent choice for you.
Classic 1 22/44
Duke 2 21/46
These dimensions do not look that different; a "mm" is not very large, ~ 1/25th of an inch. Yet in my hands, the Duke 2 feels and acts as if it were larger than the Classic 1, although the Classic 1 is more dense. The Classic 1 seems to need more loading time in order to get enough lather for two passes and touch ups. Even with creams it requires digging into the product to get enough with the Classic 1 in order to get a good amount of lather going. Whereas the Duke 2 does not give the impression of a small brush, the Classic 1 seems to fall into the "small" category. I think that given the broad continuum of brush sizes, I would make the cut-off for "small brushes" in the Simpson line anything smaller than the Duke 2.
I may be jumping to conclusions, so I will continue to exclusively use this brush for awhile, so as to give it a chance. However, I am somewhat disappointed because I really, really thought I would love this brush. I am still holding out some hope as some BBers refer to it as the Chubby 0, which is quite a recommendation. I would probably modify this to the "Wee Chubby." For those who love smaller brushes, this can be an excellent choice for you.