Thread: Difference btw Simpson Chubby 1, 2, & 3?

The answere to the O.P.s Question is here: Simpson Brush Measurements

Thanks, pixelfixed! That looks like a great resource. But I guess my question is, given those differences in measurement, how do they affect the feel & performance of the brushes? I really am very new at this - I've used a Classic Shaving simple badger brush (big fan, very floppy) for a few years, and only just bought an Omega boar for comparison - so I don't have enough experience to really understand how different measurements, much less different grades of hair or density of knots, affect the user-end feel of a brush.

That may be a pretty general question, but obviously the couple preceding posters had a strong preference for the Duke and I was curious - why that one? What's the specific aspect that they respond to so positively?

Originally Posted by alexm

Thanks, pixelfixed! That looks like a great resource. But I guess my question is, given those differences in measurement, how do they affect the feel & performance of the brushes? I really am very new at this - I've used a Classic Shaving simple badger brush (big fan, very floppy) for a few years, and only just bought an Omega boar for comparison - so I don't have enough experience to really understand how different measurements, much less different grades of hair or density of knots, affect the user-end feel of a brush.

That may be a pretty general question, but obviously the couple preceding posters had a strong preference for the Duke and I was curious - why that one? What's the specific aspect that they respond to so positively?

To be honest,I cannot answere your questions,The so called grading of silvertip knots IMO really cannot be done.
I think getting exactally what you want in a quality brush is sort of the luck of the draw.
As with all natural items,no two are the same.

It's a complicated combo like saying what makes one razor shave better than another. Is it the grind? The size? The scales? The way you use ?

A brush is similar. Different handles cause you to grip it differently and then the amount of fill is different and the loft can be different and the way the hair is sunk in the handle can make a difference and of course the quality of the hair matters. Also the soap you use and the manner you create the lather does too.

So factor all that in.

I have a range of Simpson brushes running from the Wee Scot to the Chubby 3 two band. The OP really needs to know how he wants to use the brush to properly decide, plus he can't go by knot dimensions alone. They don't capture density. I would set scritchiness aside, as too subjective, personal, and requiring of hands on experience for an informed decision.

I have a Somerset era Duke 2 in best that is a solid all round brush but I would not choose it if I wanted to focus on one type of lathering. For me the Duke was a pleasant entry point to Simpsons as I moved away from Kent. It was my mainstay for years as I gainned experience.

For bowl lathering using creams and soft soaps the Tulip 3, Rover, The Hive, M7, and even down to The Special do well. The Rover is shorter handled than many would choose but the density and flow through is great for creams and soft soaps. The Special has a taller handle than the Duke, has more density, and is an inexpensive all round brush. It will also eat any soap and face lather well.

If you want to face lather with hard soaps the Chubby series is the best solution. I have a 2 in manchurian and a 3 in two band. Only received the Chubby 3 from Mark at Simpsons yesterday but I immediately tried it with Floris No. 89. Very little time and effort to get a superb lather. Being unfamiliar with the 3, I did go to the puck for a second swirl prior to my second lathering. There was then enough lather for at least two more passes. I am looking to add a Chubby 1 to my collection. The Chubbies are often referred to as iconic brushes for good reason. If you want a luxury brush look no further, but do be prepared, they use a lot of product so your cost per shave will go up. If it isn't the most luxurious brush out there it must be close. Luxury has a cost. There are many other options out there but if you have the means to buy a Plisson, or Simpson, or other luxury brand, you get the performance and knowledge that, unless you go custom, you are at the pinnacle of performance. If you purchase one and find it is not to your liking resale will recoup much of your cost or keep it as a start to your future collection. Sometimes revisiting a brush or blade after more experience is gainned dramatically changes your perception of the item. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks for the additional info, U2u.

I've mostly narrowed my choices, so started a new thread to solicit specific comparisons:

Which brush? Chubby 1, Classic 2, or Duke 3