Which best Simpons brush?

[Ufgoodies]

This is my first posting on this forum, but I have been lurking for a few months. I appreciate all of your help with determining which straight razor to acquire, and what kind of strop to look for. My limited knowledge tells me that it is individual prefrence and i may create an amazing debate with this simple question, but I'm looking for a good best badger brush and it seems that Simpsons is the brand that is sticking out to me. I know "they look good" isn't a great reason to buy a brush, but they look like they would do the best job.
This will be my first best badger brush but I don't know exactly what I'm looking for. Simpson Colonel X2L in Best and the Commodore x2 in best have both gotten good reviews, and then there is the duke 2 for a little extra money. I want to go all out and buy a chubby 2(oh, I actually have to be able to afford it in the first place?), but I'm going to college, so this will pretty much be a one shot deal...I'll get what I get. Keeping this in mind I wanted to get your input on which brush I should lean towards.
I bowl lather, but am not opposed to face lathering in the future so would like to keep that option open if possible. Anyways, any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.
(if this is the wrong forum, please feel free to move as necessary. This is my first post, and i'm learning. Thank you.)

 

[AABCDS]

The Duke 2 or 3 would be a good first choice. The Colonel X2L is a good choice too but it's not as dense as the Duke.

 

[Cochese2323]

If you prefer to bowl lather the colonel is a solid choice. I debated my first Simpson brush a few weeks ago and ended up getting a classic off the BST. You can't really loose with any of the brushes you mentioned though and if it doesn't work out, you should be able to unload it on the BST for a minimal loss.

 

[Loric]

I say the Duke is worth the extra couple of dollars as its a touch denser, but not overwhelmingly so. Its a good all around brush. However all three knots/brushes very similar. I would choose the one that looks most comfortable to you. It's silly but you could make mock ups out of clay (or whatnot) and see if one feels most comfortable to you.

As for a straight and strop, I'd look on BST for someone selling both. There are plenty of low cost entry level straight razors there, and as often or not someone has a strop to go along with them.

 

[Marco]

A Duke would be a great choice and a wonderful all-rounder. Size 2 or 3, as you prefer.

 

[colnagoglyn]

Which ever Simpsons brush you end up getting you will not be dissappointed. If it were me I'd go for a Chubby 2 in best. The Chubby isn't an Iconic brush for no reason.

 

[Isaac]

Since the budget is the issue, so to speak, I would go with a Duke 3. Really the major difference is how well stuffed it is. The chubby line will always be there in the future. You really can't go wrong with The Duke.

 

[Ufgoodies]

Thank you everyone very much for the quick replies! I am thinking that i might pony up the extra cash and try to buy a Duke 2 or 3. I know that I read somewhere "the brush can be as important to shaving as the razor", but it's strange that my Brush will cost more than my Razor.

 

[jaguar]

Another endorsement for the Duke 3 in Best. It will provide you with a great introduction to Simpson brushes.

 

[FlyingCostello]

Another Duke 3 fanboy checking in

 

[JaggerDragger]

I have a Duke 2 and I think that it is a touch short for bowl lathering. I would recommend that you get a bit taller handled brush if you only bowl lather.

If you already have a brush try face lathering for a bit before you make a final decision.

 

[BigBull]

A Duke would be a great choice and a wonderful all-rounder. Size 2 or 3, as you prefer.

As a headshaver, I prefer a little larger brush so I tend to enjoy the 50-55mm lofts w/ some backbone. I had seen this same recommendation from Marco numerous times, and hesitated based on the Duke's size. Having the desire for lazy days and face shaving only, I picked up a Duke 2 in Best. I have thesuperiorshave.com in my backyard, so I've seen them all in person. If you haven't looked at this website, I encourage you to do so. He takes pictures of each and every brush, showing the variance with each, so you know exactly what you are getting. This is important with Simpson brushes..and largely a part of their character. My point, listen to this guy. The Duke series in Best is the PERFECT intro into Simpson line. If for some reason you don't like what you've purchased, you can be 100% confident someone will pick it up from you from the BST.

If you're strictly a face shaver, I'd encourage you to try face lathering before you purchase your next brush. You may find it to be easier/better than bowl lathering (especially leaving for college...no need to carry 1 more item to the dorm shower). I know I did. However, when I shave the dome I still bowl lather simply because of the volume of lather I need.

Now, the most important comment I will make imho: If you think you want a Chubby 2, and can afford it - and this is a one time shot, then do it. You'll never be totally satisified with what you have if this is what's in the back of your mind. If you get it, and it doesn't stand up to your expecatations then once again, you can sell it, go cheaper and at least you've satisfied that desire. I'd encourage you to save $5/$10 month until you can get it if that's what you want.

Most importantly, good luck in school! Is your Username indicative of where you are going?

 

[Samjax]

I agree with BigBull in regards to a Chubby (at least in the future). I recently received my Chubby 3 Super and I have to say, it is simply an amazing brush; I don't think you would be disappointed with any of the Simpsons though; their quality is about as good as you're likely to get.

 

[jazzguy]

Welcome to B&B! I have a Duke 3 and a Colonel. The Colonel is the better value of the two IMHO but I've only got about 7 shaves in with the Duke. If you think you really want the Chubby than save up and get it because you're going to do it eventually. Otherwise you'll get Chubby envy every time you read about them on the forum.

 

[BigBull]

...you'll get Chubby envy every time

Insert inappropriate joke here.

 

[jtb]

I've got a Duke 2 which I love for face lathering!

 

[Paddy Pucks]

I have a Duke 3 and love it. It is a great all around brush, feels great on the face, handles soaps and creams really well, and can face and bowl lather. I believe this one brush will cover all your bases and give you a great introduction to Simpson brushes.

 

[Ufgoodies]

I have never tried to face lather, but i'll play around with that today for a while. As for the bowl lathering i just found a mug at an antique store which is not very tall (45mm) and since D2 is 87 and D3 is 92 they should both be tall enough right? The mug does an excellent job at retaining the heat though which i like.

I have a Duke 2 and I think that it is a touch short for bowl lathering. I would recommend that you get a bit taller handled brush if you only bowl lather.

If you already have a brush try face lathering for a bit before you make a final decision.

 

[Ufgoodies]

I have been going through westcoastshaving.com and Thesuperiorshave.com sites and both look like they are good places to shop, with comprable prices. Ufgoodies Is just a name that i made a while ago, derived from Willow Ufgood. I'm about to graduate from Oregon State University with a BA in psychology, but will be going to nursing school coming soon after.

As for buying the Chubby 2, it's not really in my price range. There was one on BST this morning, but it was gone in 6 minutes I was hoping to spend around $60 but am willing to pay up to about 100 if it's awesome. When i say one shot deal, it means that i won't be able to get another for a couple years probably. As the more advanced shavers have stated previously I may get "shaving brush acquisition disorder"? Either way, since i'll probably get a brush more inexpensive than the chubby 2, i'll have another brush to look forward to acquiring, right?

As a headshaver, I prefer a little larger brush so I tend to enjoy the 50-55mm lofts w/ some backbone. I had seen this same recommendation from Marco numerous times, and hesitated based on the Duke's size. Having the desire for lazy days and face shaving only, I picked up a Duke 2 in Best. I have thesuperiorshave.com in my backyard, so I've seen them all in person. If you haven't looked at this website, I encourage you to do so. He takes pictures of each and every brush, showing the variance with each, so you know exactly what you are getting. This is important with Simpson brushes..and largely a part of their character. My point, listen to this guy. The Duke series in Best is the PERFECT intro into Simpson line. If for some reason you don't like what you've purchased, you can be 100% confident someone will pick it up from you from the BST.

If you're strictly a face shaver, I'd encourage you to try face lathering before you purchase your next brush. You may find it to be easier/better than bowl lathering (especially leaving for college...no need to carry 1 more item to the dorm shower). I know I did. However, when I shave the dome I still bowl lather simply because of the volume of lather I need.

Now, the most important comment I will make imho: If you think you want a Chubby 2, and can afford it - and this is a one time shot, then do it. You'll never be totally satisified with what you have if this is what's in the back of your mind. If you get it, and it doesn't stand up to your expecatations then once again, you can sell it, go cheaper and at least you've satisfied that desire. I'd encourage you to save $5/$10 month until you can get it if that's what you want.

Most importantly, good luck in school! Is your Username indicative of where you are going?

 

[Ufgoodies]

I'm glad that you said it

Insert inappropriate joke here.