Thread: Simpson Chubby Brushes

Just got a new Simpson's Chubby #3 from Lee over at Lee's Razors. Got to tell ya that this has got to be my new favorite shaving brush. Great lather, great stiff bristles. Thick Knot. Simply Awesome!!!

Anyone else have one of these?

Thanks Lee.

Lynn

Nice looking brush

My first Simpson was a Chubby #3 Best from Lee a few months back. He made me a great deal and I have bought 3 other Simpsons from him and love them all.

-Scott-

Originally Posted by adjustme69

Just got a new Simpson's Chubby #3 from Lee over at Lee's Razors. Got to tell ya that this has got to be my new favorite shaving brush. Great lather, great stiff bristles. Thick Knot. Simply Awesome!!!

Anyone else have one of these?

Thanks Lee.

Lynn

I've had one for a few years now. Its a wonderful brush and should last a lifetime. Enjoy

I have the Chubby 3 Manchurian, but not from Lee's. Got it from Em's place I think sometime last year. Hands down my favorite brush.

Jeff

I've got a Simpson Chubby #1 in Super coming from Lee when he gets re-stocked again. I can't wait to find out what all the hubbub is about Simpson knot density & stiffness for myself.

So, I now have a Simpson's shaving brush in my collection. I will say that I had mixed feelings upon first inspection of this brush. I thought, “I paid how much for this thing?” The box is typical for the brushes that I own; in this case, it's blue-gray cardboard with a white interior. The brush was wrapped neatly in tissue paper with the brand instructions tucked beside it. Notice the stamp “Made In England” in the bottom of the box too.







I also didn't use it right away for two reasons: I wanted to photograph it in its unused state first, and I wanted to make sure I covered the Simpson's label with clear coat. Unfortunately, when attempting to cover it with the lacquer, the label actually smeared (good thing I took the macro photo of it first!). I noticed that this brush has a loft shape closer to the light bulb than the fan; I enjoy both, so this is merely an observation rather than any statement. I then took my calipers, and documented the following measurements:

Overall = 90mm
Handle = 41mm
Loft = 49mm
Knot = 24mm

While it is a little shorter in stature than some of the other brushes out there, I find it to be just fine in my hands, if not ever so slightly narrow. However, I was able to maneuver the brush without discomfort or awkwardness. The shorter loft height was one of my reasons for selecting this brush. I wanted to explore the “hype” about Simpson's density and firmness/stiffness in their Super-grade hair, and I wanted a smaller knot for use with hard soaps. The Chubby #1 fit the bill. I have included a Savile Row SR-208 (Super, 25mm) and a Rooney Style #1 (Super, 26mm) as comparison.

The maiden shave with the Chubby #1 included TOBS Sandalwood soap and a Lutz of Solingen #75 SER in 6/8 width. Immediately upon lathering up the soap in the wooden bowl, I knew this was going to be different. The lather wasn't foaming up, or aerating, as usual. I transferred to a lathering bowl, but still wasn't getting a full lather – looked rather soupy at this point. So, I moved to lather building on my face. I could still feel a good amount of water inside the bristle, so I went slow so as to not fling too much around the sink area. Now I was getting somewhere! I took my time to make sure I worked the beard sufficiently. The feeling was not prickly, and not too scrubby either. However, there was no doubt as to the high density of the knot, and the resilience of the bristles themselves. As indicated at the start, this lather was very different. It was very creamy, virtually no bubbles, and glistening wet. The brush easily laid a thick opaque layer of lather onto my face with no hint of trying to hold onto it. This brush was really starting to impress me. I completed three passes, each beginning with this fine lather I managed to conjure. Finally, I gave a gentle squeeze of the bristle pack to bring up even more of this lather from within – surely I had enough for another 2-3 passes.







Lastly, I have included a couple of in-the-hand photos after drying it, and showing its bloom. It has not last a single hair since receiving it. I am looking forward to putting this brush to use on a wide range of soaps and creams that I have. It has certainly given Simpson a new level of consideration by me, and I look forward to the next Simpson's acquisition.

Thanks for the review and the outstanding photos! What are you using for the background?