So, I now have a Simpson's shaving brush in my collection. It is the Chubby #1 in Super. I conferred with a couple of our resident experts about brushes that I was considering. Based on their replies, I went ahead with getting the Chubby #1 first. Now, I did have to wait a bit for its arrival – everyone else seemed to be buying out Lee when I had finally decided to jump on the bandwagon. Lee's service was his standard affair, and I will definitely be contacting him when it comes time for another Simpson's.
I will say that I had mixed feelings upon first inspection of this brush. I thought, “I paid how much for this thing?” The box is typical for the brushes that I own; in this case, it's blue-gray cardboard with a white interior. The brush was wrapped neatly in tissue paper with the brand instructions tucked beside it. Notice the stamp “Made In England” in the bottom of the box too.
I also didn't use it right away for two reasons: I wanted to photograph it in its unused state first, and I wanted to make sure I covered the Simpson's label with clear coat. Unfortunately, when attempting to cover it with the lacquer, the label actually smeared (good thing I took the macro photo of it first!). I noticed that this brush has a loft shape closer to the light bulb than the fan; I enjoy both, so this is merely an observation rather than any statement. I then took my calipers, and documented the following measurements:
Overall = 90mm
Handle = 41mm
Loft = 49mm
Knot = 24mm
While it is a little shorter in stature than some of the other brushes out there, I find it to be just fine in my hands, if not ever so slightly narrow. However, I was able to maneuver the brush without discomfort or awkwardness. The shorter loft height was one of my reasons for selecting this brush. I wanted to explore the “hype” about Simpson's density and firmness/stiffness in their Super-grade hair, and I wanted a smaller knot for use with hard soaps. The Chubby #1 fit the bill. I have included a Savile Row SR-208 (Super, 25mm) and a Rooney Style #1 (Super, 26mm) as comparison.
The maiden shave with the Chubby #1 included TOBS Sandalwood soap and a Lutz of Solingen #75 SER in 6/8 width. Immediately upon lathering up the soap in the wooden bowl, I knew this was going to be different. The lather wasn't foaming up, or aerating, as usual. I transferred to a lathering bowl, but still wasn't getting a full lather – looked rather soupy at this point. So, I moved to lather building on my face. I could still feel a good amount of water inside the bristle, so I went slow so as to not fling too much around the sink area. Now I was getting somewhere! I took my time to make sure I worked the beard sufficiently. The feeling was not prickly, and not too scrubby either. However, there was no doubt as to the high density of the knot, and the resilience of the bristles themselves. As indicated at the start, this lather was very different. It was very creamy, virtually no bubbles, and glistening wet. The brush easily laid a thick opaque layer of lather onto my face with no hint of trying to hold onto it. This brush was really starting to impress me. I completed three passes, each beginning with this fine lather I managed to conjure. Finally, I gave a gentle squeeze of the bristle pack to bring up even more of this lather from within – surely I had enough for another 2-3 passes.
Lastly, I have included a couple of in-the-hand photos after drying it, and showing its bloom. It has not last a single hair since receiving it. I am looking forward to putting this brush to use on a wide range of soaps and creams that I have. It has certainly given Simpson a new level of consideration by me, and I look forward to the next Simpson's acquisition.
Thank you again.
I'm also glad that my review helped some of you justify your next acquisition. 
