A very nice shave indeed this morning, despite using the shaving cream upside down. Someone commented on WE on why Simpson brushes are not mentioned so much these days. I recall that when I resumed shaving, Simpson brushes were extremely popular: their image was that of a “good” brand, better than (say) Vulfix. But then they were purchased by Vulfix, and a surprising number of other brushes became available—and Rooney seemed to take over that space.
I once had more Simpson brushes, and I do sort of miss my Commodore X3 (which I gave to my son-in-law), but I find my hand moving to other brands: Rooney, Wet Shaving Products, Omega, Kent, H.L. Thäter, Morris & Forndran, and various artisanal brushes.
As demand increases from the number of men switching to traditional shaving, new vendors emerge to meet the demand, and the number of new vendors in each category reflects the relative costs of entry: lots of new (and excellent) soap vendors, quite a few new brush vendors, new vendors of razor handles, and relatively few (but some really superb) new razor vendors. So brushes—especially with pre-made knots of good quality available at relatively low cost—have become more available. And Simpson brushes now are relatively high priced.
But still: they are good brushes and do a fine job, as did my Persian Jar 2 this morning: a very nice lather indeed.
I used the Above the Tie S2, to grow more accustomed to it, and it did an excellent job with a Voskhod blade: quite smooth as I learn the razor better, and with an excellent BBS result. I still think I prefer the S1, but as I get better with the S2, it grows on me.
Several sprays of l’Occitane Cade EDT into the palm of my hand, then slapped on as an aftershave, and the week begins.
As a service to readers: Saturday is Valentine’s Day. Just saying.
Filed under: Shaving
