Simpson fifty series

Ive been interested in the fifty series Simpson brushes for quite some time. Sooner or later, I will step up and purchase one. Thats where you guys hopefully will help. I prefer to face lather soaps , so I'm leaning towards the 57. Anyone that has a fifty series please post pics, tell us whether you use it to face or bowl lather and if it's better for soaps or creams. Lastly, in hindsight would you have purchased the one you own, or have bought the next size up/ down and why?

Thanks guys

I will be looking forward to the replies you receive on this. I too have long been interested in getting a 57.

I can really only speak for vintage 50s brushes, for what that's worth. I really like the 58 and 59 in Best for scuttle lathering, with the 58 having slightly better backbone and flowthrough, but both performing very well. I suspect that the 58 might be slightly better for face lathering. The best for me, however, is the 57 Douglas, which is a nearly perfect brush. Not as well liked is the old 57, which tends to "mop" when wet. All the 50s feel great in my hand, just the right size and very ergonomic. I haven't tried a 55 or 56. I think the new 50s that are available today are probably great all-around brushes, adaptable to just about any use and any soap or cream.

I have tried the 55,and the 57,both in best badger and superbadger two band (Douglas).
The best of the 3 was the 57 best badger,with soft tips,good flow and densely packed of hair.
The 55 was a good brush for facelathering,but it lacked some hair density.The 57 is good for face lathering,bowl lathering,soaps/creams and have one of the most ergonomic,beautiful handles out there.

The 57 & 58 are great tools for bowl lathering, the 55 & 56 could be deemed a little too small by some.

It comes down to bowl & hand size I guess?

Mark

I miss my 56. I ordered it directly from Mark a year ago to get the loft I wanted (44mm), however I bought too many brushes last year and made the mistake of selling or PIF'ing some too soon. Late in the year, my brother-in-law was up for a visit and I set him up with a Slim, Red IP's and a tub of Salter cream. He needed a brush, so I gave him one of my good ones, my 56. It was a great brush for face-lathering creams. This year I am using mostly soaps and can't help but think the 56 would be just as good with soaps. Since I only face lather, another 56 is on my short list for my next brush. I agree with Teiste. My 56 had one of the most ergonomic, beautiful handles of any brush I've owned.

57 in 2 band, also known as the Douglas. Probably in my top 3 brushes out of my Simpson collection.

I had a 57 and loved it. Great Bowl Lathering brush and it bloomed a bit more than my Colonel. The 57 has a great knot and an exceptional handle.

From the 30 brushes I have, my 58 is in my top 5 list. I can't point what exactly I like about it. Everything seems right about this brush - knot size, density, splay, softness, and handle. Also, it's my favourite Simpsons brush amongst Commodore X3, Colonel LE Super, and Tulip T2 2-band.

The Douglas, a 57 in two band, cannot be beat in this series. A gem of a brush and one to keep for face lathering.

(07-03-2012, 08:08 PM)ridgerunner Wrote: The Douglas, a 57 in two band, cannot be beat in this series. A gem of a brush and one to keep for face lathering.

+1. The Douglas is THE favorite of my two dozen brushes.

I really like the shape of the Simpson 59, so much so i commissioned Bill of Le Tuft brush, to make me an exact copy in Buckeyed Burl with a TGN Super badger knot 26mm with extra hair, and a loft of 50mm, it's one of the best brushes i've ever used, so soft but yet loads of backbone a great performer.

Jamie.

I have a 56 in Best and love it. I was going to buy a 57, but Jarrod had a 56 with an incredible knot. My only smaller Simpsons are my Classic 1 and Wee Scot. The 56 is a little on the small side, but I find it to be just right. It performs as well as any of my larger brushes, and I find it easier to use. Getting the lather just right with it is a breeze.

I don't see how you could go wrong with a 57 in Best. If you gravitate toward larger brushes, you may prefer the 58, smaller brushes the 56. All excellent choices, IMO. Aside from the handles being so ergonomic, the 50s series knots are at just the right loft and density, again IMO.

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I forgot to add that I think the Fifty series brushes are great all around brushes: equally good at bowl and face lathering.

Thanks for all the feedback and pictures guys- keep them coming!

Have a happy and safe 4th of July my friends

Pictures? Here are some of the 56 with other Simpsons for comparison:

I have the Douglas (57 in 2 band). It's a wonderful brush. Similar size to the Duke 3, but with a longer handle.

I have the 57 LE in super badger. Nice one.





For comparison some pics:

The Douglas (57 in 2 band Super)...

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[attachment=3700] [attachment=3701]

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Douglas and Duke 3.

I have a 55. Very very nice brush, and I'm planning to add either a 57 or a 58 to the stable.

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(07-03-2012, 08:28 AM)Teiste Wrote: The 55 was a good brush for facelathering,but it lacked some hair density.

Funny, as my 55 is extremely dense packed. It's more densely packed than all my other Simpsons, even a Chubby 1.

This is an old thread, but for posterity's sake, here are a couple of pics of the whole family: