I've been doing quite a bit of research on the Simpson's "Wee Scot" brush, and having recently won a Wee Scot "Nano" in an eBay auction, I figured I would post the infomation here. What many people don't know is that there are actually three different brushes that claim the title "Wee Scot." All are distinguished by different handle shapes. The "Wee Scot 1," the smallest of the three, is no longer made, and is a very rare brush to find in the wild, I've seen exactly two posted on the English speaking forums. It was the creation of this brush that would elevate a journeyman brush maker to a master, able to make any Simpson's brush without supervision. It was this brush that Alex Simpson considered the jewel of the brush maker's art. Extraordinarily difficult to make, it was the brush he took the most pride in. Here is a picture of a Wee Scot 1 next to a modern Wee Scot. (photo originally posted by drP on B&B) The "Wee Scot 2" is the modern brush, sold as "The Wee Scot" and is a favorite of travellers and face latherers. It's the brush on the left in the above photo. It's actually about a half inch taller than the coveted "Nano" Scot, which was the original Wee Scot 2. (Mark1966's NOS "Nano" Wee Scot) (Intrigued's photo of a Wee Scot and a Wee Scot Nano, from B&B) This version, with a butterscotch handle, is a highly sought after brush, and I've seen about fifteen to twenty on the forums. Most who desire it, actually think it's a Wee Scot 1, but it's not. It's just an earlier, smaller version of the Wee Scot 2. The Wee Scot has grown larger over the years. The Wee Scot 3 is a current production brush. Most people are familiar with it. It's Simpson's popular "Case" model. (Elbe's Case and Wee Scot brush, from B&B) The Case (travel brush) was never marketed as a Wee Scot, but internally, within the company it was always called the Wee Scot 3. The case it is named after is purchased separately from the brush. Knot diameters. (Approximate size, due to the hand made nature of the brushes) Wee Scot 1: 10-11mm Wee Scot 2 (Nano): 12-13mm Wee Scot 2: 14mm Wee Scot 3 (Case): 19mm
Interesting article, I had no idea. I have considered the wee Scot in the past, but always assumed it would be too small for my hands. But it is an intriguing little brush, and I am still tempted.
Having purchased my first Wee Scot (indeed, my first Simpson's brush) less than a day ago, I'm curious as well. My glove size is XL, so it's not like I have anything approaching small hands either. As you can see from the picture, my new brush is very small. (Measurement is in inches). Drat. Now I almost have to purchase a modern Wee Scot, just to compare them. (as if I needed any excuses to justify shave related purchases).
Are you at all concerned about size? Does size matter, or is it just all in how you use the instrument?
Wonderful lather-maker! It is a nice little brush that I often neglect. Probably why I'll be selling mine off this month.
You should sell it next month. I'll have more money next month. I have to pay for that Blackland Blackbird razor at the end of this month. Yeah. I'm a bit concerned about the size. It's why I haven't purchased a Wee Scot before now. To be honest, I wouldn't have purchased this one, but the seller didn't list it as a Wee Scot, or even a Simpson's brush. I figured it was my best chance to get a Nano Scot for under $200, and I jumped on it. If nothing else, it's one of those rare brushes that will make me grin every time I look at it.
Thanks for the research and the write-up, Ryan! Interesting read! So now you hope to get the price up, don't ya?
Super information! I have the Omega Midget, which is very little. I've only used it a couple of times because it's not practical. 3 oz Height 73mm Loft 43mm Base 30mm Knot 20mm
There's also the Vie-Long Pony (50% mane and 50% tail hair) Mühle or Plisson has a miniature brush that is made with goat hair. If not made by those companies, some German company makes it. At 1.6" (4.2 cm) tall, it's probably the smallest shaving brush made. There are also tiny vintage badger hair Plisson brushes. Those fetch a pretty penny on eBay. This one sold for $73.05 recently. Though not as much as vintage Kent miniature brushes. This one sold for almost double that!
I found some pictures of a NOS Wee Scot 1, posted by Melyus. Enjoy. All of the Wee Scot 1's I have seen have had ivory handles. As old as they are, if the handles were made of Caitlin, they would have turned butterscotch by now, UV exposure or no UV exposure.
What size knot is that? It appears to be a "best" badger to me. I am sure it is a great travel brush.
Despite everything I've read, I figured the Wee "Nano" Scot would be more a novelty than anything useable, especially considering it's age. I was pleasantly surprised that it performed way beyond my expectations. Since many of you have picked up Sterling's new shave brush, I figured a comparison shot was in order.
What a great article. All your hard work in research is really appreciated, Now, I know that I own a Wee Scot 2. I have seen the Wee Scots on the bay from time to time, but did not know the difference. I my allow my SAD to pursue one of the others now(as if I can control it). Thanks again for your effort to enlighten those of us whom "aren't". I use mine frequently as it really is a very good lather maker!