Finally have a Duke 3

Well it's on it's way. I have ways wanted this brush, maybe it's just the fact that after I saw Bens Duke 3 with the Black handle I was in love. While the one I'm getting won't have a black handle or be Machurian Badger it is a Somerset one.

What can I expect from this brush? Will it be the end all of my brush needs? I have other Simpsons brushes and while some are about to be sold as they don't fit my hand well like the Case, Classic, or Chubby, I do have the M6 and can say I love the feel of it. Will the Duke 3 closely resemble the M6 more than the others? I plan to one day own own one of those Duke 3s in Manchurian with the black handle, but for now I am grinning from ear to ear over what I have on the way.


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Dukes are comparable to the smaller ch brushes with a slightly higher loft that results in a bit more splay all while being less dense. The Duke 3 has a wonderful bloom while maintaining its backbone for a useful face lather brush. The handle is ergonomic enough for a gent with larger hands to use without issue and the era you purchased is known for quality badger hair. Congrats, I'm sure you will enjoy this brush.

Also just repurchased a Duke 3 in Best, from the new 2014/2015 batch from giftsandcare.com

It's a workhorse of a brush, and most badger brush collectors start with the Duke 3 in Best and move on from there - but perhaps there isn't that much to move on from ?!?

Maybe the Duke 3 in Best is among the better performing brushes you can find, no matter the price, and some of us brush geeks have forgotten that fact ?

Claus,

How do you compare Duke 3 vs Comodore X3 ? 

(05-16-2015, 07:14 PM)Lorenzo Wrote: Claus,

How do you compare Duke 3 vs Comodore X3 ? 

Have never owned a Commodore X3, so can't really comment.

But I did consider it once, and skipped it because I heard it was a budget version of the Duke 3, less dense, more floppy and the handle feels more leight and flimsy.

I have Duke 3 with different bristles and I also can't compare. I think your analysis is very pertinent. Thank you and good shave. 

I have both a Duke 3 and a Chubby 2 in two band. The Duke handle is a better fit for my hand, thought the CH2 knot is sublime.

I also have both with Manchuriam bristles, but not used yet, both are waiting for the time to be used. 

(05-17-2015, 09:59 AM)Lorenzo Wrote: I also have both with Manchuriam bristles, but not used yet, both are waiting for the time to be used. 

I still have 12+ badger brushes in my den, that I have yet to use. Some were pruchased new in 2013 and still are brand new, but with a little dust on top 

Hope you like the new brush. The Duke sounds 3 like a great brush. I must try one now.

I'm guessing the Simpson vendors are seeing a run on Duke 3's since Mark's comments . It is a seriously good brush, perhaps the best value in a Simpson or any other brand. I'm on my third one. First was a Somerset era brush, don't know why I let that one go. Next was one that had a knot that was labeled best but had the looks and feel of super badger. That one didn't have quite enough backbone. Finally a month or two ago a gem appeared on the BST. I don't plan on letting that one go.

I had one and enjoyed it and would probably get another if I didn't have a similar sized block letter Rooney with what I consider a better knot in terms of softness and shape for my liking. But I have been seeing a few D3's lately with a more bulbous/hybrid knot, which I prefer so it's still tempting.

D3 is a great value in Simpson brushes and a very versatile brush. Everyone should try one at least once.

The Duke 3 is another great brush.Its my favorite one from the Simpson catalog with no shadow of a doubt.I have owned 5 of them , 4 in best badger and one in super badger two band.I only have kept one , a best badger with a 24 mm knot and 50 mm loft , perfect for facelathering creams.You did very well getting a Duke 3 , and lets be honest , it could be the only brush in my shave nook , alongside a Rooney/M&F brush , and make me happy until the last days of my life.

I, too, just got my first Duke 3 (and my first overall Simpson brush) in today
Looking forward to giving her a spin soon. Here's before any bath:


Sorry, my pictures are truly woeful compared to most others, haha.

More wonderful Duke photos to temp me. Great looking brushes everyone.

Teiste that is a beautiful shot, I like the lettering on the far right. The knot on the center looks stellar , thanks for sharing , the Duke 3 is a wonderful brush.

I finally got myself a Duke 3 and this brush Murders Soaps in seconds.

Took a quick picture. I lathered on the puck for maybe 10 seconds and palm lathered for no more than 20 seconds. A little more time and I would have loads of lather, but just did it to clean the brush a little. This is a very nice brush, indeed.  

If I feel the need to step up, this is certainly a strong candidate. Meanwhile, I have my Berkeley (46) in Best, which I used again this morning.

I need to see what folks here have had to say about the other Dukes (1 and 2).

i was actually debating about selling my duke 3 manchurian in jade.
i just picked up another jade paladin falstaff

Congratulations on your new Duke.  I own one as well and it is one of my favorite brushes.  The handle is just perfect!