I am considering buying a second high-grade brush and have determined the choice between Plisson and Simpson's. However, I cannot decide and perusing the various shaving forums has not really aided in any way. Plisson is French, and some have likened it to the 'Maserati' of brushes; Simpson's is British and is rather like a Bristol--arcane and expensive and possibly subject to the characteristic British quality issues. 
I find the Simpson brushes to have a more attractive handle while the Plissons have a pretty metal handled one though it might take 8 weeks to order one in. 
I find the Simpson brushes to have a more attractive handle while the Plissons have a pretty metal handled one though it might take 8 weeks to order one in. 
). The aficionados over on B&B say real horn or any natural material is likely to wear and crack and based on the few photos I've seen, they're right. I have the ebony Finest and horn regular silvertips. Both are gorgeous and have a nice heft to them. The bristles on the Finest Silvertip are the same as the expensive muhle brush here: 
