Simpson Shaving Brushes

Overview

Simpson Shaving Brushes is a British brand specializing in hand-made shaving brushes, known for using badger hair in grades such as Super, Best, and Pure, with handles in materials like ivory, bone, horn, and vulcanite. It holds a position as one of the few remaining manufacturers of hand-crafted brushes in Great Britain, producing a wide range of styles for wet shaving enthusiasts.¹⁴⁵

History

Scotsman Alexander E. Simpson founded the company in London in 1919, initially producing brushes at Macaulay Road and moving to 53 High Street, Clapham by 1929. The factory was destroyed in the 1941 Blitz, prompting relocation to Chard, Somerset in the West Country. Family ownership ended in 1990 when acquired by David Carter, and in 2008 Progress Shaving Brush (Vulfix) Limited purchased the brand, relocating production to the Isle of Man while maintaining hand-made methods.¹²⁴⁵¹⁰

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Brushes are hand-made on the Isle of Man by Progress Shaving Brush (Vulfix) Limited since 2008, using techniques unchanged since 1919. Selected Chinese badger hair is sorted, dressed, and sterilized by a London firm with 16th-century origins. The company claims to be the only remaining hand-made brush manufacturer in Great Britain.¹⁴⁵

Notable Products

• Chubby Brushes - Iconic series with dense, rounded heads favored for lathering performance.
• Wee Scot - Small brushes originally made since 1919, suited for travel.
• Classic Thistle - Traditional design with pointed loft for precise application.
• Duke 3 - Popular medium-sized brush in Super Badger.
• Butterfly - Elegant handle shape with balanced proportions.

Reputation

Enthusiasts value Simpson for its heritage craftsmanship and consistent quality in hand-made badger brushes, often citing them as a benchmark in wet shaving communities. Some note higher prices compared to machine-made alternatives, with occasional criticism on hair backbone strength in lower grades. Professionals recognize the brand's longevity and detail-oriented production.³⁷¹⁰