Thread: Simpson Duke 3 is first real badger brush I used and I don't think I like it

I was always under the impression that badger brushes don't really soften up/break in after about 2 weeks of use. Will I have a harder time selling it if I used it more? Also, if I do decide to break it in more, should I palm lather it everyday or every other day like a boar?

Originally Posted by Ponypox

I was always under the impression that badger brushes don't really soften up/break in after about 2 weeks of use. Will I have a harder time selling it if I used it more? Also, if I do decide to break it in more, should I palm lather it everyday or every other day like a boar?

How long have you been using shaving brushes to lather ? What is it that you expected that you're not getting ? IME I had to go through dozens of brushes literally to find a few I really like. Those that came, weren't 'my thing', and went. were good shaving brushes, and other people enjoy them...... or they move them and get something else too.

Point is, Simpson in Best, Super, and the formerly rare, and now ubiquitous Manchurian, are all first class, top of the line brushes. As far as breaking them in ......... my many years old Rooney Finest, Simpson Super Persian Jar, and Simpson Super Polo 8 are as delightfully scritchy as the day I got them, and two of the three were used when I got them 5 or 6 years ago !

You have to find the diameter knot that you like, the loft based on the type of lathering you do. It is a hassle but to find the optimum brush you have to experiment. Same with the optimum size/grind of razor. Part of the trip. OTOH, I used the same Hoffritz For Cutlery badger for 35 years before I ever bought another brush. Got along fine up until then.

You might find that the Duke 3 works for you if you get used to it.

I guess I just don't like scritchy brushes. I'll just buy/sell until I'm content with what I have and consider it part of the experience.

Originally Posted by Ponypox

I guess I just don't like scritchy brushes. I'll just buy/sell until I'm content with what I have and consider it part of the experience.

Yes, that is the way I had to go too, just keep trying till you find one that works for you. I got lucky and found that a Simpsons Manchurian bought a few years ago ticked all the boxes and a Shavemac custom regular 2 band Silvertip (not the DO1) bought recently did too. I face lather and both gave me the soft tips and backbone that I liked. I'd agree with everything Attila had to say about that Shavemac knot.

Bob

Originally Posted by Ponypox

I guess I just don't like scritchy brushes. I'll just buy/sell until I'm content with what I have and consider it part of the experience.

Well just going by my experience I'd say a 3 band will be softer than a 2 band and if you want soft tips and backbone the Thater 2 band gave me both. I tried 4 of them searching for scritch and no soap ...... figuratively speaking ....... I had a Shavemac D01 and I didn't find that scritchy either. Sold it. I guess I ain't easy to please.

Might try getting a custom done up for you. Describe what you do , what you want, to someone with lots of experience making guys happy.
I wouldn't get rid of what you got though. You may find later that the brush gives you a change you will enjoy once in awhile. I have a full spectrum of brushes and even though I would say some are my "go to" brushes there are those days when I do enjoy doing things a little different. Call it the spice of life :<0)

Originally Posted by Ponypox

I guess I just don't like scritchy brushes. I'll just buy/sell until I'm content with what I have and consider it part of the experience.

It is the natural way of the brush related part of the hobby.