Custom Simpson's- 2 band super Colonel (XL2)...lotsa pictures...

[heirkb]

First, let me thank Phil (BullGoose) for doing all the work to get me this custom brush. He worked with me through my indecision and we finally came up with this brush as the order to send to Vulfix.
I was a bit disappointed to find inconsistencies in the shape of the bulb of the knot, since all of my other brushes have totally even lofts. You can look at the pictures to see how not all of the hairs are at the same height. I tried the brush out tonight though and it works very well. No complaints in terms of performance.
I put it next to my original Simpson's PJ2 for some comparisons. The PJ2 does look Vulfix made, but I asked Ray (thirdeye) and he assured me that it is original and made around the time of the switch over, so I think this is still a valuable comparison.
Quality goes to the PJ2 without a doubt. The loft is pristine and even with no problems. The XL2 had small smudges that I actually needed to polish off the handle when it got me. Looks great now though. Too bad Vulfix can't keep up the quality despite their great customer service
In terms of performance, they're tied. Soft enough tips (little rougher than a 1/1 super) with AMAZING backbone!

Nope, it's not best badger. I assure you

"Problem" Areas: they look like your hair looks when you get a slightly uneven haircut

Same as the picture above, but zoomed out a bit so you can see where the issue lies

Thanks for looking!

 

[drP]

Beautiful brush....

 

[SHarris]

Very nice idea...unfortunately poorly executed.

I was going to send a brush to Vulfix to be re-knotted in 2 band, I was having second thoughts and now I have made up my mind.


EDIT: I've looked again at this brush Heirkb thinking I may have over reacted, actually I didn't react enough and you know it too otherwise you wouldn't have posted that many pictures of the knot.

Custom order or not its a dog send it back.

 

[heirkb]

Very nice idea...unfortunately poorly executed.

I was going to send a brush to Vulfix to be re-knotted in 2 band, I was having second thoughts and now I have made up my mind.


EDIT: I've looked again at this brush Heirkb thinking I may have over reacted, actually I didn't react enough and you know it too otherwise you wouldn't have posted that many pictures of the knot.

Custom order or not its a dog send it back.

I'm actually considering it. With the level of performance, it's most likely as good as any two band. It doesn't look as good as them from close up though

 

[Sodapopjones]

Looking at the knot made me do a double take, did anyone at Simfix even bother to look at the brush before it went out???

 

[heirkb]

Looking at the knot made me do a double take, did anyone at Simfix even bother to look at the brush before it went out???

I almost feel like the older brush makers quit with the switch over and that Vulfix hired novices to do their jobs. They told me that they couldn't do 2 band hair in a fan knot because the hair was too coarse. It's silly, because the original Simpson's company did all their brushes in fans. They made super fan shaped 2 band brushes as well.
Anyways, I sent a PM to Phil and I'm sure he can help me work things out. He's great to work with though, so if he's willing to order a custom for you, I'd highly recommend that you take the opportunity!

 

[domino]

Nice idea to get a custom brush, but the end product does not look good.
I would return it.
Two band fan shape knots do exist from the, golden nib. I just received one from, Rudy Vey who reknotted a brush for me. The specs are 20/49 and it is a very good all around brush. The knots are and outstanding value for a two band fan or bulb shape.

 

[heirkb]

Nice idea to get a custom brush, but the end product does not look good.
I would return it.
Two band fan shape knots do exist from the, golden nib. I just received one from, Rudy Vey who reknotted a brush for me. The specs are 20/49 and it is a very good all around brush. The knots are and outstanding value for a two band fan or bulb shape.

Trust me, I know lots about the goldennib 2 band knots
This hair is a totally different animal though. I will be working with Phil, who has already contacted Simpson's for me to see what we can do. I may even get a KH1 (Keyhole) with 2 band super as replacement instead of the XL2 since they're the same price. That's not certain though, since Simpson's hasn't answered back yet. We'll see how it goes

 

[domino]

Trust me, I know lots about the goldennib 2 band knots
This hair is a totally different animal though. I will be working with Phil, who has already contacted Simpson's for me to see what we can do. I may even get a KH1 (Keyhole) with 2 band super as replacement instead of the XL2 since they're the same price. That's not certain though, since Simpson's hasn't answered back yet. We'll see how it goes

Agreed, I do like the Simpson's two band. The PJ2 is one of my favorite brushes. I hope it all works out for you

 

[cfriend]

Trust me, I know lots about the goldennib 2 band knots
This hair is a totally different animal though. I will be working with Phil, who has already contacted Simpson's for me to see what we can do. I may even get a KH1 (Keyhole) with 2 band super as replacement instead of the XL2 since they're the same price. That's not certain though, since Simpson's hasn't answered back yet. We'll see how it goes

I like the X2L handle better than the KH1, but I'm interested to hear how your story progresses. I was about to pull the trigger on a custom myself, then decided to wait to see a) how yours turned out and b) if I could convince swmbo to get it for me

 

[rsp1202]

<shaking head>I'm sorry, I'm trying to remain open-minded and understanding about Vulfix running the Simpsons brand, but when I see something like this that could have been outstanding, well . . . I really just have no confidence in them at all these days. I'd be afraid to pop for a Colonel, let alone an Emperor 3.

Sorry for the negative vibes. Good luck in getting it resolved.

 

[cfriend]

Also, interesting that the sticker is on the "name" side and not the "info" side, as it is on other Simpson brushes. I also see the "info" appears spaced a bit further than normal, I wonder if they've changed handle designs, or if this is the mark of a custom Simpson (though if that were the case, I'd think it'd say Super Badger, not Best Badger) or simply a combination of a sticker mistake and a photographic illusion.

 

[Sodapopjones]

Honestly I think he just got a botched brush, but then again after looking at the Simpons brushes offered at Penworks, all the knots look horrible.

Its really sad looking at some $50 brush with a superior knot that is nearly perfect similar grade and then you look and see the half-assed Simpons....

 

[SHarris]

Honestly I think he just got a botched brush, but then again after looking at the Simpons brushes offered at Penworks, all the knots look horrible.

Its really sad looking at some $50 brush with a superior knot that is nearly perfect similar grade and then you look and see the half-assed Simpons....

Absolutely...I've been rather encouraging about them in the past...it's just a shame because it's completely avoidable.

I have not noticed any of the other premium brands having these issues, Vulfix doesn't have these issues. Can you imagine a large Kent or any Kent looking bad?

You'd expect special attention for a custom brush...it's not on.

 

[rsp1202]

. . . Vulfix doesn't have these issues. . .

No they don't, do they? I'm sure their regular line chugs along quite nicely. But they're certainly inconsistant when it comes to their "secondary" brand. I can't believe management hasn't noticed this; they must be trying to fix it. We just haven't seen the results of their efforts yet. A rising number of complaints coupled with a drop in sales would be an excellent incentive, just to grease the skids a bit.

 

[blantyre]

Reminds me of the British motorcycle industry in the 70s - porous castings, stripped threads, poor paint - they were relying on old line brand names but did not deliver reliably on the QC side. Norton is of course long gone (at least in practice). Triumph has risen from the dead and makes excellent high quality bikes that honor their long heritage.

Let's hope these are just "speed bumps" for Vulfix/Simpson

 

[heirkb]

The brush performs much better than a goldennib finest, as they are indeed very different, but it will be on it's way back today. The knot evened out a bit after the first lather, but I don't feel safe with a brush that had a defect at any point