Simpson Trafalgar T3 Sovereign Synthetic Brush Review – Dense and Soft

This review focuses on the Simpson Trafalgar T3 Sovereign Synthetic Shaving Brush, an assessment authored by Jason Jones and last updated on May 6, 2024.

Simpson brushes are well-known in traditional wet shaving, offering a wide range of types, including some of the best synthetics.

The Trafalgar Synthetic line itself is available in T1, T2, and T3 sizes (small to large) and comes in various handle designs like faux ivory, faux tortoiseshell, blue cyclone, ebony, and Italian marble.

The Simpson Trafalgar T3 Sovereign Synthetic Shaving Brush received an 8.8 out of 10 rating. Key characteristics highlighted include its good backbone and a soft, dense fiber knot that is not overly dense.

While the brush’s handle is noted as not being too stubby, the reviewer expressed a personal preference for something slimmer, longer, or both.

This review aims to delve into the brush’s design and specifications, its performance across different lathering methods, and identify who would benefit most from incorporating it into their shaving routine.

Here’s a detailed review based on the provided sources:

Overview

• The Simpson Trafalgar T3 Sovereign Synthetic Shaving Brush is noted for having good backbone and a soft, dense fiber knot that is not overly dense.
• It is one of the better synthetic brushes the reviewer has used, particularly effective for whipping up a nice bowl lather and good for application.
• Simpson brushes are well-known among wet shavers and offer a wide range, including some of the best synthetics.
• This review specifically compares it to the Mühle Silvertip Synthetic Shaving Brush, which the reviewer used previously.

Design and Features

• The brush features synthetic fiber bristles and is handmade.
• It is made in the UK.
• The Trafalgar Synthetic series comes in three approximate sizes: T1 (small), T2, and T3 (large). The T3 model, which was reviewed, has an overall height of 100mm, a handle height of 50mm, a knot loft of 50mm, and a knot diameter of 26mm. The reviewer chose the T3 as it is their minimum preferred size.
• Available colors for the handle include Faux Ivory, Faux Tortoiseshell, Blue Cyclone, Ebony, and Italian Marble. The reviewer purchased the Faux Ivory for a traditional look but also liked the Faux Tortoiseshell.

Handle

• The lathed handle has a standard design and size. Although it’s the largest in the Trafalgar series, it’s still considered relatively stubby.
• It is nice and weighty, fitting well in the hand due to its lathed bottom section and double mid-section protruding lines.
• However, the handle’s style and size can make lathering inside a mug-type bowl difficult, requiring a wider lathering dish or bowl for bowl lathering. The reviewer found themselves wanting something slimmer, longer, or both.

Knot and Backbone

• The brush possesses lots of backbone and springiness, indicating no floppiness.
• As expected with a Simpson brush, the knot bristles form a dense and tight full knot of hair.
• Users should prefer springiness when considering this brush.
• Despite being a tight knot with backbone, it still offers some splay, which helps with application and the lathering process.

Softness

• The Simpson Trafalgar provides a soft feeling for a synthetic shaving brush, comparable to some badger-type brushes.
• While soft, it offers some “scritch” (not a bristle-type scratch, but a gentle one), which is beneficial for getting lather into beard stubble.
• It’s described more as a painting type of brush (for painting lather on) rather than one that offers a lot of splay.

Water and Lather Retention

• Similar to other synthetic brushes, the Trafalgar does not retain water very well, though it performs better than other synthetics the reviewer has used.
• Excess water can leak down the user’s chest, which is why the reviewer preferred bowl lathering with this brush.
• In contrast, lather retention is very good when the correct ratio of soap/cream and water is used.

Lathering and Application

• The reviewer spent about a month experimenting with bowl and face lathering using both soap and cream to find the right method, as they had previously struggled with synthetic brushes.
• Face lathering with cream was not great due to the usual water leakage. The issue was that without enough water, the cream lather would dry up quickly.
• Bowl lathering yielded good results and quick lather building, especially with Taylor of Old Bond Street Oud Shaving Cream and Proraso Red cream.
• When bowl lathering, it was best to use a wider and shallower bowl because of the stubby handle. A deep bowl like the Muhle Porcelain Shaving Bowl was too deep, causing lather to get on the handle. A shallow and wide bowl, like the Fine Accoutrements Lather Bowl, is considered ideal.
• The application of lather was very good, and the soft bristles with some scritch helped to “rough up” the stubble.

Pros:

• Very good quality lathed handle and design that is easy to hold.
• Maintains backbone while providing a kind softness.
• Lathers up pretty quickly in a bowl.
• Good value for money based on quality.
• Holds lather very well when loaded.

Cons:

• Holding water is difficult when face-lathering.
• The reviewer found the handle too short and desired something slimmer, longer, or both.

Value for Money

• The Simpson Trafalgar Sovereign T3 costs around $44 USD, £40 GBP, or €35 EU.
• This is considered a good price point for a high-quality brush, not cheaply made, and is comparably priced to a quality badger brush.

Final Thoughts

The Trafalgar T3 is recommended as one of the better synthetic brushes the reviewer has used.

It could be a good option for someone new to wet shaving with brushes because it’s not a major investment, is high quality, and could save a newbie money in the long run compared to cheap brushes that might need frequent replacing.

However, gents who prefer more splay than spring might find the T3 too springy.