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This is a Simpson I bought recently from a Forum member. He paid £215 for it. I paid £75 for it.
I was reluctant to pay the full price for an example of a Manchurian, but curious to discover its characteristics. So I was delighted when this turned up.
First, dimensions: 21.5 mm knot with a 48mm loft, handle height 45mm and diameter at base 37mm.
It's a beauty to look at, but I just love brushes. Although the shape seems prosaic, it's detailing gives it a unique character. Unusually, it doesn't bear the brand name - just Manchurian Badger on one side, and "Rover" on the other, etched in black.
As for the hair, when dry it feels quite smooth - less scritch than a typical two band, a little less soft than a Super/Silvertip. But as anyone with a collection of brushes knows, tips when dry are rarely an indication of face feel when wet.
This is a typically dense Simpson brush with a fan shape knot.
As to performance, it delivers what you would expect from a high end brush - easy to lather, excellent face feel both when painting on and face lathering. Just a tiny amount of scritchiness. Releases lather well - not a lather hog like some dense brushes.
All in all, another fine Simpsons brush. A match too for fine brushes from several other brands.
The Manchurian hair has been described by many as a cross between a Simpsons Super and a Simpsons Two Band. I'd agree with that.
The question most people ask is whether the premium paid for a Manchurian brush compared with other Simpsons grades is worth it. My Simpsons benchmark is my Duke 3 Best Badger. That has a 23mm knot and mine cost me £74. In terms of value, the Duke wins hands down. The Manchurian hair probably just has the edge but not remotely is it worth an additional £141.
But. I'm a collector. So I'm delighted to have been able to add another Simpson brush to my stable that looks and feels a bit different and for a reasonable price.
I was reluctant to pay the full price for an example of a Manchurian, but curious to discover its characteristics. So I was delighted when this turned up.
First, dimensions: 21.5 mm knot with a 48mm loft, handle height 45mm and diameter at base 37mm.
It's a beauty to look at, but I just love brushes. Although the shape seems prosaic, it's detailing gives it a unique character. Unusually, it doesn't bear the brand name - just Manchurian Badger on one side, and "Rover" on the other, etched in black.
As for the hair, when dry it feels quite smooth - less scritch than a typical two band, a little less soft than a Super/Silvertip. But as anyone with a collection of brushes knows, tips when dry are rarely an indication of face feel when wet.
This is a typically dense Simpson brush with a fan shape knot.
As to performance, it delivers what you would expect from a high end brush - easy to lather, excellent face feel both when painting on and face lathering. Just a tiny amount of scritchiness. Releases lather well - not a lather hog like some dense brushes.
All in all, another fine Simpsons brush. A match too for fine brushes from several other brands.
The Manchurian hair has been described by many as a cross between a Simpsons Super and a Simpsons Two Band. I'd agree with that.
The question most people ask is whether the premium paid for a Manchurian brush compared with other Simpsons grades is worth it. My Simpsons benchmark is my Duke 3 Best Badger. That has a 23mm knot and mine cost me £74. In terms of value, the Duke wins hands down. The Manchurian hair probably just has the edge but not remotely is it worth an additional £141.
But. I'm a collector. So I'm delighted to have been able to add another Simpson brush to my stable that looks and feels a bit different and for a reasonable price.
