Hey guys, up to this point, I've been only using my Tweezerman badger brush that I got from Amazon. I have a ton of razors now along with great soaps and I've waited long enough to get a brush to match. I've decided on three possible options at this point, I would really like a Simpson. I would like either the Chubby 1, Classic 1, or Classic 2, all three in Best Badger. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each, and which would you choose? Thanks!
Which Simpson should I get?
- Thread starter TacticalPanda
- Start date
I have the Classic 2 in best and really like it; Classic 1 was too small. The Chubby 1 I have in 2-band so the comparison is iimperfect, but I feel equally disposed to the Classic 2 and Chubby 1. There are no real disadvantages other than size. You obviously want a small brush. Personally, I would go with Duke 3 or Duke 2, in best badger, in that order.
It always depends, how deep you want to put your hands into your pocket. By the way are you face lathering or bowl? Simpson's...well, Berkeley, Colonel, Duke 2, Commodore X2, Simpsons 56, take your pick !
Have you thought about trying a Rooney? I used to be a HUGE Simpsons fan ... until I discovered Rooney!
Do you face or bowl lather? I personally went for a Colonel X2L early on because I face lather and it's a good brush with soaps. However, I've moved into reknotting my own handles now (I go for vintage, though new handles can still be great deals). With that said I still use the Colonel, but there are others I enjoy more, particularly in TGN finest
The Colonel was my first "real" brush and one that I continue to recommend for anyone looking for their first Simpson. It has a very reasonable price point, is great for any soap or cream and the Best badger hair is a what you will use as a benchmark for any other brush you buy
To me, the diameter vs loft is perfect. The 22mm knot and 48mm loft makes for a "big" face feel without it being a mop. Knot are a game of millimeters and finding you perfect number is trial and error. I have tried from 16mm to 26mm and, again for me, the 22mm to 24mm range is optimal.
Loft is just as personal and many wise folks in this forum have posted formulas, but I tend to think that the 48mm to 50mm range as "best"
To me, the diameter vs loft is perfect. The 22mm knot and 48mm loft makes for a "big" face feel without it being a mop. Knot are a game of millimeters and finding you perfect number is trial and error. I have tried from 16mm to 26mm and, again for me, the 22mm to 24mm range is optimal.
Loft is just as personal and many wise folks in this forum have posted formulas, but I tend to think that the 48mm to 50mm range as "best"
You will find a Colonel to be just about the best all-purpose badger available.
I love the Chubby 1 Best. Great size for me and an almost perfect amount of hair to be generous and luxurious on the face without going overboard.
The Duke 3 would also be worth looking at.
Travis
The Duke 3 would also be worth looking at.
Travis
The knots on the Chubby 1 and Classic 2 are very similar and very dense, while the Classic 1 is not that heavily packed. Of the three options I'd certainly go for the Chubby 1, my favourite brush.
- Thread starter
- #11
Thanks for the info guys. I think I've actually decided on the Colonel X2L at this point, just to save some money and see if I really like a better badger brush than I have.
Bravo, good choice, enjoy her!
i think most simpsons are a rip off there are so many out there for much , much less and just as good if not better- the one you decided looks good and end up with a nice bloom after use
- Thread starter
- #14
Now that I've started looking at Rooneys, I don't know what to think anymore. Plus I have a Semogue boar brush on the way as well. The world of brushes is as convulated as the razor world 
.
.make your own, you will love it more
The Chubby 1 in Best will serve very well. Criticisms do exist about it's small size, but the knot is perfect for lathering the face with great control and the handle is adequate for any size hand. I think it is the handle that some large handed folks worry about more than the knot size. It has fantastic backbone and softly, even luxuriously massages the lather onto the skin.
- Thread starter
- #17
I would love the Chubby 1, but it is hard to justify at roughly $130 when the Berkeley 46B is only $50. I'm used to a Tweezerman brush and now a Semogue 830, so I like smaller brushes. I'm thinking either the Colonel X2L or the Berkeley at this point.
I'll stick to recommending the Colonel X2L unless you want to build your own.
I was originally gifted my first wet shaving / DE set. The knot was shedding like crazy so I picked up a Colonel off BST for cheap after some research. I decided to pull on the knot in my old handle and it came straight out (Parker Pure resin handle). Bought some epoxy and a TGN finest after some research.
Then bought two ever ready handles and now a rubberset, lol.
I was originally gifted my first wet shaving / DE set. The knot was shedding like crazy so I picked up a Colonel off BST for cheap after some research. I decided to pull on the knot in my old handle and it came straight out (Parker Pure resin handle). Bought some epoxy and a TGN finest after some research.
Then bought two ever ready handles and now a rubberset, lol.
- Thread starter
- #19
Well, after some deliberation, I picked up a Classic 2 in best. Should be here in a few days, can't wait to try my first really nice badger brush.
Congrats on the Classic 2, im sure you will love it.
I have the Classic 1 Best (along with the Chubby 1& 2 in bests) and i really enjoy the Classic 1, i dare say the Classic 2 would be a great brush!
Travis.
I have the Classic 1 Best (along with the Chubby 1& 2 in bests) and i really enjoy the Classic 1, i dare say the Classic 2 would be a great brush!
Travis.
