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

Hi.

I'm new to wet shaving and only really used boar brushes and a synthetic. I wanted to know the big deal with badger brushes so I decided to take the risk on a Simpson Duke 3 after a lot of research. I figured I would love the brush because it cost so much. Well, the first time I used it I didn't really like it. I did about 9 palm lather/dry cycles with it and tried it out afterwards in hopes that it get better. It still has a little more scratch than I like. I THINK part of that is because it is very densely packed and has a short loft. I am use to the generally higher loft of my boar brushes which I am still very much breaking in and their splay as well. Im also finding it a little short for painting like I'm use to. I am a little distressed as I expected to instantly love any brush at the price I paid for it but it just doesn't seem to be my thing at this point. I don't want to give up on badger but the prices seem too risky to be taking chances like this. Is it odd to try to sell a brush so I can look for another brush? Thank you.

I don't know if it is odd to sell a used brush or not. Personally I wouldn't buy a used brush. To me it would be like using some one else's toothbrush.

I'm not a big fan of badger brushes although I do use them for certain soap concoctions that I add a cream to. Boar is still my all around favorite.

I think it is a bit of a leap to assume you will like something based on price, however the only way to find out is to try.
People do buy secondhand brushes, considering it has only been used a few times it may be easier to resell.

I've bought and sold used brushes for years. No toothbrushes though thank you. The thing is the short loft probably. See I love scritchy brushes. If it is a soft tip you are looking for in a badger go for a 58-60mm loft and you'll see a big difference, at least that is my experience. Also, try a Thater. They have great backbone but no scritch.

With badger brushes you have to know what characteristics you want from a brush. There are a few different grades of badger knots and they all are a bit different in the way they feel on the face. It also depends somewhat on whether you are a bowl or face latherer as far as what loft to get. The Simpsons Duke 3 is available in Pure and Best badger grades currently. I don't have any of those grades of badger but it is my understanding that Pure, the lowest grade, has more scratchiness than Best grade. You really can't go by what the badger knot costs as to whether you will like it or not. Unfortunately you may have to try a few different grades of badger before you find one that you like.

People do buy used brushes so it should be no problem to sell yours.

Bob

I wouldn't be in so big a hurry to sell. You'll take a bath on selling a used brush and if you use it a few times more it won't matter resale wise. Just give it some time.

I bought a Duke3 in Best years back and at first, didn't like it, but I'm a 2 band Super guy. As I used it more and more, I came to appreciate it for what it is ... and what it is not! I don't know what grade of hair you've got, but I agree ... give it a chance...

BTW, there's a Duke# in Manchurian in the Classifieds right now .. Beautiful brush!

Thank you again for your replies. I wanted to sell it before but I decided to palm lather it a few times to see if it gets better for me. I did about 8 palm lather/dry cycles before I decided it wasn't for me. I took a look at some thater brushes and they look quite expensive for me right now but I will consider them in the future. I might try out the semogue soc 2 band. It was my runner up before the Duke 3 and I know I like the handle.

I forgot to add that my Simpson Duke 3 is in best.

Yea that's the problem, you got the stiffer cheaper knot, if you would have stepped up and got a better grade it would have softer tips, it don't matter which brand you buy, the lower end knots are going to be stiff and prickly, some like this, some don't, dollar wise you will spend more for a better knot, but that ain't what you ordered, maybe they would swap it out for you fir a softer knot, Tc