Thread: Simpsons Classic 1 synthetic travel brush

Just got this one in today and it comes with the case.



Took some quick measurements of the knot, size approximately 22mm and loft approximately 46mm. Those are very close to factory quoted specs.

I did a quick 3 pass shave to try it out. I used a Palmolive shave stick and face lathered. With one application of the shave stick to my face and some rubbed onto the brush tips it proceeded to produce a good lather with enough for all 3 passes without reapplying the stick. I used a combination of circular and painting strokes to build the lather.

The feel on the face was excellent for me. The tips are soft but there is enough backbone that you have to lean on the brush to splay it. Never felt any scritch or scratch either.

Anyone who likes the Plisson synthetic may not like the Simpsons Classic 1 synthetic because of the backbone it has. I have both and my preference is for the Simpsons although both work fine.

That is the initial impression and it is a good one. I will use it for a week straight to see if that changes, but I doubt it. Should work just fine as a travel brush for me.

Bob

Thanks for the informative review, Bob!
I am envious of the travel tube. My 21 mm Thater came in a rectangular, plastic box. I find the extra mass from the corners makes the box a poor fit for my roll-up dopp kit.

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

Thanks for the informative review, Bob!
I am envious of the travel tube. My 21 mm Thater came in a rectangular, plastic box. I find the extra mass from the corners makes the box a poor fit for my roll-up dopp kit.

Yes, I can see where a rectangular box might not be the best in a roll up dopp kit. Have you tried finding the right sized prescription pill tube to hold the brush? Seems to work and you generally can get them for nothing.

Bob

Yeah, the pill bottle is a good idea. I might just splurge and buy a Simpson case when I place my next order for a soap or aftershave.

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

Yeah, the pill bottle is a good idea. I might just splurge and buy a Simpson case when I place my next order for a soap or aftershave.

Can't fault you for that.

Bob

Gentlemen,
The Classic 1 synthetic is a sweet brush, although I found the handle just a wee bit short for me. I took it on a trip about two weeks ago, but upon my return, sold the brush. The tips are soft and the brush lathers well, but the handle . . . I have the Chubby 2 version of the Simpson synthetic and love it.

Bob is right, this synthetic is far different from the Plisson. I prefer the Plisson synthetic to all the others. The Simpson and the Plisson are an experience, each in its own way. Good stuff.

Yes, the handle at approximately 40mm in height is a bit on the short side and the diameter is scaled back to match too being a smaller knot than the Chubby 2 synthetic. For the sake of space and weight I am willing to put up with that compromise for travel purposes. It will not likely be for daily use but neither is my Muhle travel brush either. The chubby 2 synthetic, 2 custom synthetics and the Plisson are better suited to the daily driver roll having larger knots and appropriately larger handles. Specialized travel brushes by their nature are a physical compromise in the size department.

Bob

Years ago I took a standard badger brush in a travel plastic tube produced by Muhle. It gave me the pleasure of a full brush in a tube that tucked easily into my military style wet pack. I have yet to find a travel brush that tops that. I plan to return to the old times.

Originally Posted by Obie

Years ago I took a standard badger brush in a travel plastic tube produced by Muhle. It gave me the pleasure of a full brush in a tube that tucked easily into my military style wet pack. I have yet to find a travel brush that tops that. I plan to return to the old times.

Yea, took my Chubby 2 synthetic last year in a tube I made but as nice as having the brush was a little smaller would be appreciated for me. Each to their own and it is a good thing that there is a world of choice out there to make that happen.

Bob