Awhile back when I was trying out a variety of Simpson brushes, I purchased a Harvard 2. I usually research purchases first, but a fresh batch had come into TheSuperiorShave and I liked the shape as well as the rose colored handle. So, I went for it. Before it came, however, I read some less than glowing comments, mostly along the lines of: nice, but overpriced. I've now had it for awhile and as it's one that isn't mentioned often, I thought I'd share some thoughts.
Quality of hair: It's Simpson's best grade. I've not experienced any difference between the softness of the tips from one model in best to another. So, if you've tried Simpson's best, you'll know what to expect. It's a little less soft than their super grade, but not scratchy. It's got a decent scrub to it, but it's still quite soft on the face.
Density & Backbone: Given the variability that one expects with Simpson's brushes, it's a bit hard to comment on this issue. This particular model is a bit less dense than my Berkeley, but more so than my Case. It's pretty close to a Colonel. The loft on mine is such that the backbone is solid, but without it being stiff such that lather production might be more tricky.
Soap or cream brush: I've never really understood when people ask whether a brush is better for soaps or creams. Assuming one is using a quality shaving product, it seems to me that if a brush does well with soaps, it'll have no problem with creams. Whatever the case, this brush does excellently with both.
Handle: This may be my favorite handle that I've tried. Longer/skinnier handles (e.g. a Colonel or Persian Jar) seem to feel better and more controllable with painting motions, but less so with circular motions. Shorter/fatter handles (e.g. a Berkeley) seem to feel better and more controllable with circular motions, but less so with the recommended painting motions. The Harvard 2, however, does excellently in both regards, which is ideal for me as I usually do a combination of both. It's small enough to be precise and controlled, but tall enough and with a nice taper such that it fits very well in the hand.
Overall: It may be more expensive than other similarly sized Simpson brushes, but it's one that's managed to stick around where other models (a 56, Commodore X1, Colonel, PJ 1) haven't. I think there is enough variability in the knots Simpson's makes that even though some models on average may tend to be more/less dense or higher/shorter lofted than others, if one goes to TheSuperiorShave, where each brush is pictured, particular loft/density combos that one prefers can be found in different handles. In this respect, one of the most important things for me is the comfort of the handle. For me, the H2 is one of the most comfortable I've tried and although it's more expensive than some, it's worth it to me given how long it should last.
Anybody else have experiences with the Harvard line? What are your thoughts?
And of course, some photos ...
Front:
Back:
Comparison (l-r): Case, Berkeley, Harvard 2, Colonel
Quality of hair: It's Simpson's best grade. I've not experienced any difference between the softness of the tips from one model in best to another. So, if you've tried Simpson's best, you'll know what to expect. It's a little less soft than their super grade, but not scratchy. It's got a decent scrub to it, but it's still quite soft on the face.
Density & Backbone: Given the variability that one expects with Simpson's brushes, it's a bit hard to comment on this issue. This particular model is a bit less dense than my Berkeley, but more so than my Case. It's pretty close to a Colonel. The loft on mine is such that the backbone is solid, but without it being stiff such that lather production might be more tricky.
Soap or cream brush: I've never really understood when people ask whether a brush is better for soaps or creams. Assuming one is using a quality shaving product, it seems to me that if a brush does well with soaps, it'll have no problem with creams. Whatever the case, this brush does excellently with both.
Handle: This may be my favorite handle that I've tried. Longer/skinnier handles (e.g. a Colonel or Persian Jar) seem to feel better and more controllable with painting motions, but less so with circular motions. Shorter/fatter handles (e.g. a Berkeley) seem to feel better and more controllable with circular motions, but less so with the recommended painting motions. The Harvard 2, however, does excellently in both regards, which is ideal for me as I usually do a combination of both. It's small enough to be precise and controlled, but tall enough and with a nice taper such that it fits very well in the hand.
Overall: It may be more expensive than other similarly sized Simpson brushes, but it's one that's managed to stick around where other models (a 56, Commodore X1, Colonel, PJ 1) haven't. I think there is enough variability in the knots Simpson's makes that even though some models on average may tend to be more/less dense or higher/shorter lofted than others, if one goes to TheSuperiorShave, where each brush is pictured, particular loft/density combos that one prefers can be found in different handles. In this respect, one of the most important things for me is the comfort of the handle. For me, the H2 is one of the most comfortable I've tried and although it's more expensive than some, it's worth it to me given how long it should last.
Anybody else have experiences with the Harvard line? What are your thoughts?
And of course, some photos ...
Front:
Back:
Comparison (l-r): Case, Berkeley, Harvard 2, Colonel
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