Can someone advise me which Simpson brush model comes closest to the legendary Rooney 3/1 (Super). In particular, I want similar density, backbone, softness of tips, and *very important* handle shape, which I really find ergonomic.
(Persian Jar comes to my mind but am not sure).
Also which grade of hair will you recommend in Simpson : Best or Super?
Thanks in advance.
The Simpson Duke 3 gets a lot of attention on the various shaving forums. People seem to think it is a great brush that is easy to use, especially when compared to the incredibly dense Simpson Chubby line of brushes. This brush only comes in Simpson's Best Badger grade of air, which is really popular as well.
A fun fact: The name of the brush, "The Duke," is actually the Simpson family's nickname for Alexander Simpson, the founder of the company.
A Simpson Perisan Jar 2 might also be up your ally, and it comes in every Simpson grade of badger hair except for the Pure Badger grade of hair. Also look into the Commodore and Harvard Series of brushes. Simpson also has the "M7" model available in all of the badger grades except for The Pure Badger grade of badger hair. You'll have to email Mark Watterson of Vulfix-Simpson in order to find out the price of the M7 brush, though. (Hint: It is going to be expensive.)
A picture of the M7 can be found here:
Sometimes I think Simpson makes too many brushes. Good luck with your purchase. Let us know what you get and how you like it.
i found my Duke 3 Best hair scritchy.
maybe you want consider the Super grade but it going to cost alot more.
I forgot about the Simpson "57" model of shaving brush. That brush has a handle that is closest to the shape of the Rooney 3/1 that you have. One thing to note about Simpson brushes is that they often come in bulb-shaped knots, while the Rooneys tend to be fan-shaped. That may or may not be important to you.