What is it with Simpson 2 Band brushes...?

I had been struggling with Simpson brushes.

The first ones I tried (in Super and Best) I found either too scratchy for my liking or unpredictable as knot vs knot variations of the same kind of brush were quite large. AND I like brushes that have super soft tips with resilient hair. I found that 2 band have those qualities. I started my 2 band journey with Thäter 2 bands that have incredibly soft tips. I hesitated to try Simpson 2 band because it was debated in a rather polarizing fashion at the time with experiences varying a lot.

Finally, about 15 months ago, I saw a Duke 3 in 2 Band being discussed on the forums that was just an unbelievable stunner and the description was that of a super soft brush…. I had to try it.



It became my first Simpson 2 Band and was the beginning of an addiction that has me acquire about 18 Simpson 2 band brushes over the last year. Only two I sold because the specific knot turned not out to be what I was hoping for: a T3 that had too short of a loft for my liking and a Chubby 1 that had a very pointy bulb knot that - though very soft - made it uncomfortable to use when face lathering (I replaced it with a custom that feels much better).

So what is it with Simpson 2 band brushes?

1. Simpson changed suppliers some time late 2011 or early 2012 (I am sure Mark can correct me, if I am wrong) that significantly reduced the variability in hair batches (no more scratchy 2 band).
2. Current Simpson 2 band hair possesses incredibly soft tips with strong individual resilient hairs that make it perfect for face lathering.
3. Flow through is excellent - even in the dense Chubby series. 2 band hair due to its strength will never feel as dense as a Chubby in best or regular Super - which for me is a great treat. I cherish the Chubby 3 I acquired from Ben, because of that specific characteristic.
4. I enjoy the Simpson knot and handle variations a lot - explaining why I have accumulated such a selection. I am less teased by the latest, more "fashionable" handle material choices. I am clearly locked on the classic ivory designs.

What made this journey more difficult is that Simpson (and I offer Mark a forum to respond) has decided to no longer offer 2 band brushes through 3rd party vendors, significantly reducing supply and making them only available through custom order at Simpson (or the rare but occasional LE section appearance). About half of my 2 band crowd I acquired prior to this supply decision. The remainder I ordered directly from Simpson. And I thank Mark for always meeting my needs.

I own about 50 brushes - most of them 2 bands of various kinds - and while I continue to enjoy my Thäters, Rooneys, shavemacs my Simpson 2 band brushes are the ones I am grabbing most of the time.

Oh, and I shall not neglect the fact, that I do own a few other than 2 band Simpson brushes. The ones that I decided to keep and use frequently: GYLE M7, a D3 and the Jubilee in Manchurian and a D3 regular Super. You find some in the pictures as well.

Enjoy the pics!