Which Duke?

[Danricgro]

The Simpson Duke series gets a lot of love here so I figure I should have one. My question is which one should I get? I face lather both soaps and creams.

 

[MaxP]

My suggestion is either a Duke 2 in Best hair or a Duke 3 with two band hair.
For creams, I'd give a slight edge to the Duke 2.
For soaps, the Duke 3.

Just my opinion.

 

[Niles]

I would say the Duke 2 in Best.

 

[shaverjoe]

I have the Duke series, all in Best, and my personal favorite is the 1 simply because it is smaller. I face lather exclusively and the Duke 1 is plenty big enough for me. With that being said, I find the knots on my Duke 1 and 2 to be far different than that of my Duke 3. The knot in my Duke 3 is denser with better backbone and softer tips. If I were to use them simultaneously in a blind lather test, I would swear the Duke 3 was a different grade of hair. There is some variability amongst Simpson's Best grade of badger hair. Maybe someone else who owns multiple Dukes will chime in on this. Perhaps Turtle will. I know he has used the entire Duke line up as well.

My vote would be the D1, but you really can't go wrong with any of them. They are wonderful face lathering brushes.

 

[DMT]

my vote would be the duke 2 in best it's a good all rounder performing equally as well at face lathering as bowl lathering

 

[njpaddy]

Can't go wrong with any Duke. Go with the sized handle and knot you prefer. I sold my Duke 2 last year, but my Duke 1 is still around. Here's a picture of the Duke 1 next to a Rooney 1/1 Silvertip.

 

[celestino]

Duke 3 if you really must get a Duke, but i would suggest some good 2-bands for face-lathering.

 

[djh]

The Dukes are a great family of brushes- I have and use a Duke2 regularly. Choose one based on your preference for knot and handle size and you shouldn't go wrong.

 

[Danricgro]

Duke 3 if you really must get a Duke, but i would suggest some good 2-bands for face-lathering.

I just got a Rooney Heritage Stubby 3XL and already have a RV keyhole with the tgn knot (copy of the 2012 B&B limited). I do like 2 bands a lot. Just wanted to try out a Duke. They get mentioned along with the Chubby more then any other brush on here.

 

[Timo]

I just ordered my first Duke. A Limited Edition duke 3 in best in butterscotsch straight from the Isle of Man. I am super excited.

 

[Unadan]

You'll love the Duke 3 - it's a great all around do everything quality brush.

 

[hon]

My vote to Duke 3 mainly due to the taller handle. Especially for people with larger hands, you will love it.

 

[Valerius]

I would choose the Duke 3 in two band badger. Good luck with your choice and I hope you'll get happy with your new brush.

 

[Marco]

Dan, both the D2 and D3 are amazing brushes. If forced to choose between these two I'd say the Duke 3, mainly for its larger knot.

 

[Dipesh]

I think the 3 has the edge for me. The 2 is great but the extra on the handle of the 3 makes it the winner n

 

[Elder Scrolls]

Duke 2 Best

 

[Mick]

I still have all 3. They are all excellent brushes but I think that the Duke 2 is my favorite by a very small margin

 

[Danricgro]

It's all so clear now! LOL . I just ordered a Duke 2 in best from West Coast Shaving. Thank you all for your input.

 

[andrestole]

D3 two-band

 

[Danricgro]

Well next month when I get my taxes back I will be in the market for a Chubby and will have the same question regarding them.