Thread: Low End Simpsons

SO I'm looking at the Simpsons line as a possible place to get my next brush. I'm looking at the Special and the Case which are quite small (which I like, the short loft should give the brush some backbone and the small knot diameter should make lathering a little more comfortable for me) and comparing those to the smallest of the Keyhole, the Beaufort and the Commodore lines. I'm wondering if there is a step down in hair quality as the customer takes a step down in size or if they are every bit as good as their larger counterparts. Does anybody have any experience with these brushes that they can lay on me?

X

Xman, I don't have personal experience, but some gentlemen who are brush DEMIGODS over at SMF say the hair quality is pretty much the same in ALL the brushes. That is, they don't make a bad brush, according to these dudes.

I take it you're passing on the boar?

Originally Posted by JimR

I take it you're passing on the boar?

uhm ... no actually. I have decided that I WILL get a boar brush ... AS WELL.

X

Originally Posted by JimR

Xman, I don't have personal experience, but some gentlemen who are brush DEMIGODS over at SMF say the hair quality is pretty much the same in ALL the brushes. That is, they don't make a bad brush, according to these dudes.

I take it you're passing on the boar?

Actually, I like Simpson's and have 4 of them. I do not think the hair is all the same though. In my experience, the lower end Simpson brush is a more floppy type brush. Some folks however really like the more floppy feeling in a brush vs. something a little more stiff feeling.

Lynn

I have a John Bull branded Polo 10 in best and a Commodore X3 -- both by Simpson. I can tell you that there is definitely a difference in the grade of hair used in these brushes.

The PL10 has very soft tips, and could probably pass as silvertip with regards to its feel. The X3 has a much coarser, and darker, hair; I find it more typical of what best grade is from the majority of manufacturers.

X-- this probably doesn't answer your specific questions regarding the Case & Special. Hopefully, it's a little informative/helpful anyway.

I have owned MANY Simpson brushes...including the Case and Special...the lower end.... and I can tell you that there just isnt a whole lotta Badger in those particular brushes. In my case it was not money well spent. Of the Simpson brushes, the Duke, the Persian Jar, and the Tulip are my all time favorites!

Originally Posted by Lynn

Actually, I like Simpson's and have 4 of them. I do not think the hair is all the same though. In my experience, the lower end Simpson brush is a more floppy type brush. Some folks however really like the more floppy feeling in a brush vs. something a little more stiff feeling.

Lynn

Ahhhh...I see, thanks. Do you know what the names are for the two grades? I know one is Best (I had a Duke 3 in Best) but I don't know if Best is the lower or higher quality...

That D3 was stiff as a copper wire brush...


Xman, that's GREAT! Which boar are you going for?

Originally Posted by JimR

Ahhhh...I see, thanks. Do you know what the names are for the two grades? I know one is Best (I had a Duke 3 in Best) but I don't know if Best is the lower or higher quality...

The Simpson best is softer, the higher end super is stiffer. That's with the older simpsons before Vulvix took over. Current models still probably follow the same rule, but people who have had both have noted differences too. It gets confusing.

Originally Posted by JimR

Xman, that's GREAT! Which boar are you going for?

Probably something from this page.

OMEGA, shaving brushes, bristle shaving brush

I figure it might just be what I'm looking for even though I'm sceptical, but I won't know till I try. Plus the boar hair advocates make a pretty good case about backbone and smoothness. All the other arguments for convincing me boar is better fall flat though. I guess I'll find out!

X

Originally Posted by xman

Probably something from this page.

OMEGA, shaving brushes, bristle shaving brush

I figure it might just be what I'm looking for even though I'm sceptical, but I won't know till I try. Plus the boar hair advocates make a pretty good case about backbone and smoothness. All the other arguments for convincing me boar is better fall flat though. I guess I'll find out!

X

You, sir, have a good eye. As for backbone and smoothness, they're the only things I look for. I shouldn't say boar is better...(it isn't better for everyone, it's better for me). It isn't WORSE, though, that's for sure; it might take some getting use to, if you've only been using badger. The water retention is different. if you feel like the brush doesn't hold enough water, stop shaking it. Also, SOAK the brush for a good 5 minutes before you use it. Boar hair absorbs water into itself more than badger; badger tends to hold it between the hairs. As you soak boar hair, it gets more plaint and it makes better lather.