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Simpsons Classic 1 is a surprisingly small brush.

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.
 

ChiefBroom

No tattoo mistakes!
I'm just beginning to "get into" brushes. You've obviously been around for a long while, so I'm a little reticent to ask. But is it possible the Classic with its greater density is just hogging the lather? I recently picked up a Chubby 1 in 3-band Super, and although I seem to have to work at getting enough lather made to finish my regular shave, when I wash the brush out what it gives up is amazing.
 
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I'm just beginning to "get into" brushes. You've obviously seen around for a long while, so I'm a little reticent to ask. But is it possible the Classic with its greater density is just hogging the lather? I recently picked up a Chubby 1 in 3-band Super, and although I seem to have to work at getting enough lather made to finish my regulary shave, when I wash the brush out what it gives up is amazing.

It's a good question, but I don't think that's the problem. It just doesn't seem to whip up enough lather, even when I test by palm lathering. A squeeze gives up a little lather, but not as much as you're experiencing. I just think that I entered Small Brush World.
 

ChiefBroom

No tattoo mistakes!
It's a good question, but I don't think that's the problem. It just doesn't seem to whip up enough lather, even when I test by palm lathering. A squeeze gives up a little lather, but not as much as you're experiencing. I just think that I entered Small Brush World.

I'm getting very bad about typos. My Chubby 1 doesn't seem to produce much lather either -- it doesn't build up in the bowl as with other brushes. I've concluded it's just eating the lather as it goes, no chewing before it swallows. At least that's my hypothesis.
 
I'm getting very bad about typos. My Chubby 1 doesn't seem to produce much lather either -- it doesn't build up in the bowl as with other brushes. I've concluded it's just eating the lather as it goes, no chewing before it swallows. At least that's my hypothesis.

Chubby 1 should work for you, although it is mainly (I believe) a face lathering brush due to it being short. That being said, I would test it in a bowl or mug with an overload of cream. I mean more cream than you would normally think is enough. Start with a well-shaken brush and add water slowly, e.g., 1/4 teaspoon at a time. The Chubby 1 should get the job done.

Another approach would be to use a shave stick by applying the soap against the grain. When your beard looks like white dots, you've added enough soap. Then, watch the chubby go to work. Should be a piece of cake.

I think we both need to hang in there and be patient until we get the results we want.
 

ChiefBroom

No tattoo mistakes!
Chubby 1 should work for you, although it is mainly (I believe) a face lathering brush due to it being short. That being said, I would test it in a bowl or mug with an overload of cream. I mean more cream than you would normally think is enough. Start with a well-shaken brush and add water slowly, e.g., 1/4 teaspoon at a time. The Chubby 1 should get the job done.

Another approach would be to use a shave stick by applying the soap against the grain. When your beard looks like white dots, you've added enough soap. Then, watch the chubby go to work. Should be a piece of cake.

I think we both need to hang in there and be patient until we get the results we want.

Thanks. Will do. And I agree.
 
The Classic 1 is too small and not well designed. Handle is too small and loft too thin. The Chubby 1 is much better, I always liked it. I highly recommend synthetic bristle. The Trafalgar 1 is outstanding.
 

Rudy Vey

Shaving baby skin and turkey necks
The Classic 1 is too small and not well designed. Handle is too small and loft too thin. The Chubby 1 is much better, I always liked it. I highly recommend synthetic bristle. The Trafalgar 1 is outstanding.
Is there a specific reason for you to dig up all these old threads about these brushes??
This one was buried for some 11 years???

Necromancy.jpg
 

linty1

My wallet cries.
I'm just beginning to "get into" brushes. You've obviously been around for a long while, so I'm a little reticent to ask. But is it possible the Classic with its greater density is just hogging the lather? I recently picked up a Chubby 1 in 3-band Super, and although I seem to have to work at getting enough lather made to finish my regular shave, when I wash the brush out what it gives up is amazing.
Something about this particular post made me smile, knowing the "now person".
 
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