There is a hint in a prior post by Mark that a Simpson boar brush may be in development. I have three thoughts on this.
First, I would definitely acquire a Simpson boar just for the handle. I've always kept one boar brush in a rotation of silvertips and 2-bands. The only reason I don't have more boar brushes is the handles. There are some excellent boar knots out there but none of them are set in the same quality handles found in high end badger brushes. My guess is that the knot on a Simpson boar will not be superior to those from Omega or Semogue, but I would want one for the handle alone.
Second, what would be the price point for such a brush? Simpson is the most highly esteemed brush maker and it's not going to lower the prestige of its brand by pricing at the same level as the current boar brush makers. However, a Simpson boar knot may not be any better than the knots of those other, inexpensive brush makers. The shaving connoisseurs will pay a premium for the Simpson name and beautiful handle. It will be for Simpson to determine how much of a premium the market will bear.
I priced the new Muhle synthetics at a vendor who carries all four of the sizes, and they are priced at $57.50, $71.50, $86.50, and $109.00. Would you pay those prices for a Simpson boar? Would you go higher?
Third, which current Simpson handle would be best for a boar knot? We tend to like the Chubby and Duke handles. However, boar knots tend to have a higher loft than badger knots. The Chubby and Duke handles may be too short for a boar knot.
My vote for a Simpson boar handle would be the 50 Series. These longer handles come in five sizes and could accommodate different lofts of the boar knots. I've always liked the 50 Series handles and wished they were produced with Super knots. A 58 or 59 with a boar knot would be one great brush.
First, I would definitely acquire a Simpson boar just for the handle. I've always kept one boar brush in a rotation of silvertips and 2-bands. The only reason I don't have more boar brushes is the handles. There are some excellent boar knots out there but none of them are set in the same quality handles found in high end badger brushes. My guess is that the knot on a Simpson boar will not be superior to those from Omega or Semogue, but I would want one for the handle alone.
Second, what would be the price point for such a brush? Simpson is the most highly esteemed brush maker and it's not going to lower the prestige of its brand by pricing at the same level as the current boar brush makers. However, a Simpson boar knot may not be any better than the knots of those other, inexpensive brush makers. The shaving connoisseurs will pay a premium for the Simpson name and beautiful handle. It will be for Simpson to determine how much of a premium the market will bear.
I priced the new Muhle synthetics at a vendor who carries all four of the sizes, and they are priced at $57.50, $71.50, $86.50, and $109.00. Would you pay those prices for a Simpson boar? Would you go higher?
Third, which current Simpson handle would be best for a boar knot? We tend to like the Chubby and Duke handles. However, boar knots tend to have a higher loft than badger knots. The Chubby and Duke handles may be too short for a boar knot.
My vote for a Simpson boar handle would be the 50 Series. These longer handles come in five sizes and could accommodate different lofts of the boar knots. I've always liked the 50 Series handles and wished they were produced with Super knots. A 58 or 59 with a boar knot would be one great brush.