Thread: Looking for a 2 band...is this reasonable?

Hello everyone,

I've been looking for a new Simpsons 2 band brush. I found that a large & well-known retailer of Simpsons has the 2 band pictured on their product page. I contacted them to ask whether I would receive the brush as pictured with 2 band hair. They replied that they get both 2 band and 3 band brushes and couldn't specify. I informed them (they should have known) that the 2 bands are now basically unavailable except as limited editions and special orders directly from Simpsons. Then they replied that they have tried both and that there is no difference between 2 band and 3 band.

Is it reasonable to be disappointed by this response? Do they actually have both types (now I seriously doubt it)? Is it worth placing the order with the special request for 2 band and risking the need to return the brush and pay a restocking fee of 15%? I'm not sure but will continue the search. After all that's what this hobby is about .

Personally, I would not even consider ordering from a retailer that tells you that they have tried both types and there is no difference between the two. I have had a Vulix super badger and now have a Simpsons Manchurian and there is a world of difference. Both were/are good brushes but distinctly different. I think based on that that it is reasonable to think there would be a difference between a Simpsons 3 band and 2 band brushes that was noticeable in use. I am suspicious that it sounds like a bait and switch tactic to sell what they actually have which may not be the 2 band you are after. Then again I could easily be all wet on that. For what those brushes cost I would continue looking for a retailer that actually has what you want in stock.

Bob

Thanks, Bob. Here's are some actual quotes from the email exchange:

"We have received from time to time, Simpsons brushes in both 2-band/3-bands, however, here of late, we've received more 3-band. We do not keep track in our inventory which is which."

"Over the years, we've reviewed both 2 and 3-band versions and have not found significant differences between the two."

I'm thinking about placing an order with a note saying to cancel if the brush isn't a 2 band...still on the fence.

Originally Posted by BobH

Personally, I would not even consider ordering from a retailer that tells you that they have tried both types and there is no difference between the two. I have had a Vulix super badger and now have a Simpsons Manchurian and there is a world of difference. Both were/are good brushes but distinctly different. I think based on that that it is reasonable to think there would be a difference between a Simpsons 3 band and 2 band brushes that was noticeable in use. I am suspicious that it sounds like a bait and switch tactic to sell what they actually have which may not be the 2 band you are after. Then again I could easily be all wet on that. For what those brushes cost I would continue looking for a retailer that actually has what you want in stock.

Bob

I think the solution is to order directly from Simpson. I've been on their page drooling over a Butterscotch Manchurian Tulip 3 for months and haven't pulled the trigger. The spirit is willing but the wallet is weak. Anyway, if you want to avoid possible disappointment just go with the direct source where you can specify two band with confidence that you will end up with it.

Exactly what Jimmy said. Simpsons 2 band is very hard to to find and is only available from Simpsons themselves unless you luckily happen upon a retailer who has some in inventory. The lucky happenstance is possible but highly unlikely because there many looking for these brushes (including me...).

If you're looking for other 2 band, Semogue and Vie Long are two brush makers that make quality brushes and have brushes in 2 band readily available. Same goes for Shavemac and to a lesser degree Thater.

Good luck!

Last I looked SRD has Thater 2 bands. My whole motivation in wanting a 2 band is stritch. Used to be that a 2 band had backbone and scritch, while 3 bands were generally softer and rarely had that scrubbiness . The Thater has backbone but no scritch at all. Real soft tips, which I've learned to like as well as scritch, variety being a good thing.

The old Simpson two bands that were made in Somerset had the scritch. I don't know about those made in the Vilfix factory. I've heard good things about them but I've never owned one. If anyone has experience with the current Simpson 2 bands I'd like to know if they are scritchy the way the Somerset made 2 bands are ?

I'd go along with what the others have said and order direct from Simpsons which is what I did for my Manchurian. Just drop them an email and ask about availability of the one you want. I don't own a Thater but I do have an SOC 2 band badger that is not too far behind the Manchurian in the way it feels in use and that says a lot for the SOC especially considering the price. Make no mistake I just love the Simpsons QE II Jubilee but could easily live with the SOC.

Bob

I have a few current Simpsons 2 band, and I think what determines scritch (from my experience) is the loft size. There's plenty of backbone to be sure, but you notice it with a shorter loft and its scrubbiness shines at this point. I prefer this hair type, but I also like the Manchurian hair from Simpsons as well (but, as has been pointed out, a very expensive item to lust after).

I think Vie Long's 2 band brushes, and Semogue's, represent the best quality for the dollar, and are the beat value for 2 band brushes. That said, I haven't yet tried Wet Shave Product's brushes, but have read some good things abou them.

Thanks for the replies everybody. My plan at this point is to see if the retailer can be of a bit more help. Since they picture the 2 band brush on their website, they should understand if a customer wants the item of the same basic kind "as pictured."

Is this reasonable: I'll place the order and drop them a note to cancel it if they don't have the 2 band? It's not about cherrypicking an individual brush--it's about delivering the same basic kind of brush as they show. What do you think?

My answer to that is in my first post to this thread.

Bob