Trip to Vulfix/Simpson

[Gary Young]

Guys

I have just got back home from a couple of really great days on the Isle of Man, visiting Mark and his team at Vulfix/Simpson. Can't thank Mark enough for his hospitality during my trip.
Plenty of photos from around the factory to get posted for you all so you can see the Simpson brushes being made in the traditional and original Simpson way.

Watch this space....

Gary

[sanfranciscian]

Thanks Gary, Its been pretty hard to find any photo journalism lately that i don't find depressing.

Ian

[jgkeegan]

Well .... post the photos.

I am into my third week since my reknotted Plum Beaufort was shipped from the Isle of Man. The waiting is horrid.

--james

[probesport]

Cool! Waiting for the pics, rather impatiently I might add :biggrin:

[maxman]

Subscribed!
I just recieved my first Vulfix made Simpson and I am impressed.
It hasn't been used yet. Probably tomorrow.
:thumbup1:

[Merkur25]

Subscribed and eager to see the pics :001_cool:

[40boy]

Anxiously awaiting your thoughts and pics.

Did they let you make a brush?

[beginish]

Subscribed and eager to see the pics :001_cool:

+1. http://www.graffe.com/forums/images/smilies/popcorn.gif

[drP]

Come on with those pics Gary...you're a privileged man...

[nathanb]

Eagerly awaiting the pictures! I love my two Simpson brushes, it will be interesting to see where they were probably made. :thumbup:

[Hex]

Spent a bit of time with the lovely ladies forming the knots. It was great seeing that the knots are being made in the same way that we made them. His ladies really know their stuff and are turning out some great quality heads. I had plenty of questions fired my way from them and it was very enjoyable sharing experience and knowledge of the Simpson way.

Gary

I'll bet it was a blast sharing your knowledge. :thumbup1:

[Gary Young]

I'll bet it was a blast sharing your knowledge. :thumbup1:

It was great talking through the old times with Mark's dad. He has a wealth of knowledge of the brush making world and it was special talking about all the old contacts and faces that we both knew and dealt with.
The staff at Vulfix/Simpson have a heck of a lot of knowledge already! Great bunch.

Gary

(Pic is me with the older Mr Watterson)

[captp]

Curse your Red Baron, now you make me want to get a Simpson Brush.

[JackRapture]

Subscribed as well. I'm really interested in seeing these photos!

I'm still waiting on my Vulfix Simpson to be finished and then take its long journey over here. I'm really excited about it.

[Gary Young]

Subscribed as well. I'm really interested in seeing these photos!

I'm still waiting on my Vulfix Simpson to be finished and then take its long journey over here. I'm really excited about it.

Joe

Which brush are you getting?

Gary

[JackRapture]

Joe

Which brush are you getting?

Gary

I'm getting a Bespoke Eagle G3 in best. :thumbup:

[kbuzbee]

Great thread, Gary!:thumbup:

Ken

[Gary Young]

I'm getting a Bespoke Eagle G3 in best. :thumbup:

Ah so it's for you! Had a chat with Mark about it. Am sure you will enjoy it!

[Act Appalled]

Great pictures, Gary. Thanks for sharing.

[Gary Young]

Great pictures, Gary. Thanks for sharing.

You're welcome. I had 'access all areas' which was very much appreciated! No knot forming machines, etc hidden away!!

Attached photo is of me with Mark Watterson, Managing Director. And no, I am not standing on a box!:tongue_sm

[Marco]

Gary, Mark's dad is Mr. Philip Watterson, right? And what about Brett? He was not there? Finally, what brush did you make, my friend? Maybe a Chubby 2 in Best?

[Gary Young]

Gary, Mark's dad is Mr. Philip Watterson, right? And what about Brett? He was not there? Finally, what brush did you make, my friend? Maybe a Chubby 2 in Best?

Yep, Philip. Didn't manage to grab a photo with Brett but we did visit a rather nice Tapas Bar for a meal yesterday - I am still getting over the selection we had! Although I must say we did manage to pretty much clear everything! Ha ha, you really love that Chubby 2 in Best don't you!!!

Gary

[Marco]

Yep, Philip. Didn't manage to grab a photo with Brett but we did visit a rather nice Tapas Bar for a meal yesterday - I am still getting over the selection we had! Although I must say we did manage to pretty much clear everything! Ha ha, you really love that Chubby 2 in Best don't you!!!

Gary

You were right Gary, the CH2 Best is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G !!! :thumbup: This and the Duke 3 are my two favourite brushes, of them all! :thumbup:

[lu20vt]

Very interesting Gary ..I have a and a DUKE CH2 3 in the best and are amazing! thanks for sharing. :thumbup1:

[JackRapture]

Ah so it's for you! Had a chat with Mark about it. Am sure you will enjoy it!

Oh really? I'm sure I will too. That's really awesome that you were there while it was being made. :w00t: :w00t:


Did Mark have any comments that I'd be interested in?

[PozzSka]

Cool thread! I'm following.

[Gary Young]

Oh really? I'm sure I will too. That's really awesome that you were there while it was being made. :w00t: :w00t:


Did Mark have any comments that I'd be interested in?

No comments made. We just spoke about the brush request in general.

[Marco]

Gary, I had a 5 minutes phone call with Mark today. And, I feel I need to say it here, he is a wonderful person and a true Gentleman. Obviously we did talk about Simpson brushes...

[Gary Young]

Gary, I had a 5 minutes phone call with Mark today. And, I feel I need to say it here, he is a wonderful person and a true Gentleman. Obviously we did talk about Simpson brushes...

Yeah he is a really nice guy. Terrible choice in football (soccer) club though...:001_rolle

[JPDyson]

Yeah he is a really nice guy. Terrible choice in football (soccer) club though...:001_rolle

Right, so he pulls for Liverpool, then. :lol:

[Bestarrkin]

This thread is remarkable, imho. Thank you for sharing information with photos, Gary.:thumbup:

[DFrancis]

Thanks for sharing Gary.

[njpaddy]

Every time Gary starts one of these threads, I wind up with another Simpson brush.

[Kamamuri]

Damn, this thread is the paradise for my SBAD! :tongue_sm

I had a Persian Jar 2 two bands and I saled because it were too much little for my big face, but the hair's quality was terrific. Now I am saving some money to get a Chubby 3 with the same hair.

Gary, thanks a lot for sharing. It is very interesting.

[Greyfox]

Good show Gary.:thumbup:

[Malache]

Eagerly await more photos.

[SliceOfLife]

Love the picture of the knot tying process.

On another note, comparing your avatar and these pics it looks like you've lost some weight. That makes you look younger.

[franz]

Nice pics and great idea for a thread. So what's your rooting interest in football Gary? I promise it will not affect my opinion of Simpson brushes one way or another. :tongue_sm

[bandg]

Gary, thanks for sharing with us.:thumbup1:

[beginish]

Spent a bit of time with the lovely ladies forming the knots. It was great seeing that the knots are being made in the same way that we made them. His ladies really know their stuff and are turning out some great quality heads. I had plenty of questions fired my way from them and it was very enjoyable sharing experience and knowledge of the Simpson way.

Gary

This is a fantastic picture. It really drives home the fact that these brushes are truly handmade, right down to strands of hair. Am I correct that there are molds or forms for the knots?

[Gary Young]

Right, so he pulls for Liverpool, then. :lol:

Worse.....Everton!:lol:

[Gary Young]

Nice pics and great idea for a thread. So what's your rooting interest in football Gary? I promise it will not affect my opinion of Simpson brushes one way or another. :tongue_sm

Now I know this will probably get a response from Mark!

I follow the English team that can boast the 'Holy Trinity' of Moore, Hurst and Peters as part of its history. The Thames Valley Iron Works - West Ham United. Here in the UK their nickname is 'The Irons' but I know that has a different slang meaning in the US (so I have been told!!)

Gary

[franz]

Now I know this will probably get a response from Mark!

I follow the English team that can boast the 'Holy Trinity' of Moore, Hurst and Peters as part of its history. The Thames Valley Iron Works - West Ham United.

Hammers eh? Not bad Gary, not bad. :thumbup1:



Here in the UK their nickname is 'The Irons' but I know that has a different slang meaning in the US (so I have been told!!)

Not that I know of! Maybe someone was pulling your "iron" on that one :tongue_sm

[psram]

Terrific thread and pics. Thanks for sharing.

[Gary Young]

Another photo showing the knots being formed by hand. This is how I was taught by my grandad and dad. No machine needed, no plugs, just a steady hand, good eye and experience. That's what a Simpson brush is all about!!

Gary

[Dripp]

Every time Gary starts one of these threads, I wind up with another Simpson brush.

me too

[Dripp]

Worse.....Everton!:lol:

Thats not so bad when your an american and Everton has one of the best keepers on the planet who happens to hail from the states...

I'll bet I just opened up a whole new can of worms.

[liolo]

Very nice thread indeed.
Thanks for it Gary

[Gary Young]

Thats not so bad when your an american and Everton has one of the best keepers on the planet who happens to hail from the states...

I'll bet I just opened up a whole new can of worms.

:sneaky2:

[altshaver]

This is a fantastic thread. I am really looking forward to pictures of them making the handles. :thumbup:

[Darjeeling Express]

Amazing. Thank you Gary. The photo in post #48 above makes me very curious. When refurbishing a brush at home, the base of the knots I've purchased are set in a glue plug.

In the photo above, the knots look like sheafs of wheat, with the "bulb" if you will, above the binding cord and the "sheaf" below the cord. Gary, what is the next stage in the process before the knot is set in the handle?

Thank you again for all of your insights.

[David T.]

Wow Gary, pretty cool. Thanks for putting up the pic's, I just recived my first Simpson and I am very exited about using it.

Thanks :thumbup1:

[john parker]

Seeing pictures of the people and place involved in the building of the brushes make my brushes all the more special to me! Thank you!

[nav]

Cool thread!

Where are the pics of the brushes? There can't be any :drool: without brush pics :tongue_sm

[kooshman7]

Thank you for sharing pictures from your trip Gary! Simply fantastic to be able to see all these pics! Especially the picture in post #48 showing the pile of knots stacked up! :w00t:

[DavidB]

Wonderful thread! If I ever make it back to the UK, I would love to visit Vulfix on the Isle of Man. A first-rate company.

[Antique Hoosier]

Wonderful thread. Thank you for sharing Gary.

[RetroGrouch]

In the second photo, the clock shows it's 7:15. So... do they start as early as 7:00 a.m., or do they keep working after 7:00 p.m??

(My guess: the clock is wrong?)

Enquiring minds must know....

Mike

[jkh]

What a treat :thumbup1:

[chongyixiong]

In the second photo, the clock shows it's 7:15. So... do they start as early as 7:00 a.m., or do they keep working after 7:00 p.m??

(My guess: the clock is wrong?)

Enquiring minds must know....

Mike

I noticed that as well and I didn't have the guts to ask :lol:

The pictures taken show a light grey cast over the sky when the pics were shot outdoors.. so it should be early in the morning with a dark cast overhead.

I'm guessing the start work early.

PS: Nice pics and I hope to see more, Mr. Gary. Thanks for sharing!

[DSB]

Great thread. Thanks for sharing your visit, Gary. Any discussions about a Gary Young edition for the Simpson line? :thumbup:

[Drubbing]

The pictures taken show a light grey cast over the sky when the pics were shot outdoors.. so it should be early in the morning with a dark cast overhead.


The UK is always like that. Even in Summer.

[Pjotr]

Another photo showing the knots being formed by hand. This is how I was taught by my grandad and dad. No machine needed, no plugs, just a steady hand, good eye and experience. That's what a Simpson brush is all about!!

Gary

They look like they could be Wee Scot knots. Looks like the recently formed B&B "Boycott the Wee Scot Club" is dong more good than harm!

I'm also interested in the next step in the knot formation. I'm guessing that the bottom would be trimmed flush at a prescribed length, perpendicular to the centre line of the knot and set in glue just below the string holding it all together. When that has set the string is removed and you end up with a knot with the familiar plug at the bottom. Alternatively I guess the whole thing after trimming could be placed directly in a handle and set in one hit. Just thinking out loud here.

[RussG]

I love history and I love this photo show and tell thread. Thanks very much Gary. I have got to get a ch2 now.

[A. E. Simpson 1919]

The clock is always wrong!


In the second photo, the clock shows it's 7:15. So... do they start as early as 7:00 a.m., or do they keep working after 7:00 p.m??

(My guess: the clock is wrong?)

Enquiring minds must know....

Mike

[ben74]

Thanks for sharing Gary.

I have 13 Simpson Brushes and another on the way (not that I'm superstitious).

Thanks for the pics, its great to get a look behind the scenes.

I have also enjoyed reading the history behind the brushes in your other posts.

Can't wait for your book! Your experiences, love for the brushes and knowledge should provide the perfect read for the Simpson enthusiast.

[ben74]

There are other things in the pipeline first...!

Do tell !!!

[HCB]

shine it!

[drP]

shine it!

M7 (among others...)

[redrako]

Thanks for posting your photos, Gary.

It's great to be reminded of the traditional crafts and art that went (and apparently still does) went into the products we use. You've been very generous in sharing your family's part of that, but a picture is worth a thousand words.

[Drubbing]

Things will come to light over the next few weeks..!:001_cool:

Gary

They let you loose on a lathe for a few hours, didn't they...?

[hatmpita]

Although I've only been a member of this forum for a short while, I find myself gravitating towards anything that Gary Young posts. I think it has to do with the fact he gives of his time to make these post and the history he sheds on his family's former business. Great stuff!:thumbup:

[Baloosh]

M7 (among others...)

Why do I feel like the good Dr. has already been using a prototype M7 two band (or Best)? :tongue_sm

[MaritimeFanatic]

Wonderful pictures and a treat to see the place where my brushes were made!

Thanks very much!:thumbup:

[maxman]

Oh this is a bad time for SBAD to be settling in for me...
*sigh* I have no willpower. :blushing:

[Rudy Vey]

Great report, Gary - hope you show us some more pictures soon.

[jhclare]

We talked about many things during my visit. It was a really great trip. The open door policy that Mark allowed me was very refreshing. It is quite simply because they have nothing to hide.

Gary

... except the pointy-bulb making machine they hid when they knew you were coming! :lol:

[The Don]

The open door policy that Mark allowed me was very refreshing. It is quite simply because they have nothing to hide.

Gary


When I was in graduate school, I waited tables at an upscale restaurant. At most dininig establishments, the patrons would never be allowed into the kitchen. Such was not the case at the place where I worked. Our patrons were encouraged to stop by the kitchen and speak with the chef about his ingredients, cooking methods, etc., and it added so much to their dining experiences. Dining at that restaurant was more than just filling one's belly. It was about people wanting to experience a high level of service and delicious food, with the added benefit of being able to watch their meals created before their eyes.

I'm filled with nostalgic reminders of that time as I peruse the pictures and commentary Gary has posted. Many thanks to Gary and all the folks at Vulfix/Simpson for letting us "take a peek in the kitchen."

[maxman]

I just posted in another thread that my Philosophy degree isn't so handy to me anymore. But let's see if this makes any sense.

The closer we come to the manufacturing process of a product, the more likely we are to identify with it.

When we produce items and have no relation to the actual manufacture of it, we become distant and uncaring.

The money transaction becomes meaningless. The product is bought and used without any general thought as to what labour went into it. Of course this becomes even more true of mass produced items in factories and whatnot.

But when we see goods being produced, even if we can't see the whole production from start to finish, we are more likely to feel something for it, the workers and the company. A new level of trust is established, despite the fact that we have nothing to do with any part of the goods production.

It's been 12 years since I did my schooling. I hope this makes sense. I might be mixing up a few things, but I think it's right.

[Gary Young]

... except the pointy-bulb making machine they hid when they knew you were coming! :lol:

I walked around the factory floor with no chaperone....no dark corners and no camouflaging....!!!:thumbup:

[Baloosh]

Well, no prototype to use....yet!:tongue_sm

Yet?? :w00t: :thumbup1:

[Hex]

I love history and I love this photo show and tell thread. Thanks very much Gary. I have got to get a ch2 now.

Ditto.

This thread is a treat, and the CH2 is really yanking my chain.

Though I was wondering if I ordered one from my usual vendor, if I would get one like Marco's. His seems to have been hand monitored through out its manufacturing cycle. Hmmmm

[Gary Young]

Couple more photos from my visit.
Checking out some 2 band knots and having a good look at some nice Eagle handles, freshly turned.

Gary

[ackvil]

Loved the pictures, Gary. I just showed my Duke 3 what his cousins look like! :blushing:

[Gary Young]

Loved the pictures, Gary. I just showed my Duke 3 what his cousins look like! :blushing:

Notice in the photos that I was obviously used as 'test bed' for the Coates hairbrushes we used to make! I did say to Mark I should have bought a hairpiece!!:lol:

Gary

[Hex]

Notice in the photos that I was obviously used as 'test bed' for the Coates hairbrushes we used to make! I did say to Mark I should have bought a hairpiece!!:lol:

Gary

Speaking of hairpieces, and not to get tooooo personal Gary, but do you shave your head and if so, what do you use ?

[Gary Young]

Speaking of hairpieces, and not to get tooooo personal Gary, but do you shave your head and if so, what do you use ?

I don't shave my head - nature has done a great job of keeping the top section 'well trimmed'. I do have the readily available services of a very very good hairdresser though to give me a polish as and when needed - my lovely wife, Karen!

Gary

[Baloosh]

All good things to those that wait......!:001_rolle

Agreed, although patience was never a virtue of mine. :wink:

[Baloosh]

Well as you know I don't have too many forums to post on - at least one less anyway! (:001_rolle) - so you should be hearing some news in the next couple of weeks or so.

Gary

Sounds good -- looking forward to the good news!

(And yes, I feel your pain regarding the forums :blushing:)

[Gary Young]

Sounds good -- looking forward to the good news!

(And yes, I feel your pain regarding the forums :blushing:)

B & B is a great forum! Great guys and good humour! Appreciate the messages I get on here. Always enjoy signing in.

Gary

PS - check your PMs!!

[huracan]

What a fantastic trip. Thanks for sharing with us Gary.






Anxiously awaiting your thoughts and pics.

Did they let you make a brush?

Well they definitely asked me to...

Gary


So, which ones did you make?

[JPDyson]

:whistling:

Oh, my - don't tell me YOU made the LE's. I might have to fight somebody for a chance at one. :lol:

[maxman]

As said earlier in the thread, I was asked to make something. Unfortunately there are no photos available to say either way...

Gary

You're really enjoying taunting us aren't you? :laugh:

[mretzloff]

Very nice thread, Gary. Thank you for sharing.

[Act Appalled]

As said earlier in the thread, I was asked to make something. Unfortunately there are no photos available to say either way...

Gary

My shaving fund is low these days, but I believe I could make an exception. Hypothetically speaking, of course.

[huracan]

:whistling:


:laugh:

And here I thought someone down the road was going to open their newly acquired Simpsons to find a handwritten: "lovingly made by GY" and scratch their head.

[bluemantra]

Great thread Gary!! Thank you for your wonderful contributions to this forum!!

[Gary Young]

Great thread Gary!! Thank you for your wonderful contributions to this forum!!

The thanks needs to be directed to Mark, Philip, Brett and the rest of the Vulfix/Simpson team for inviting me over to see the factory. Couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable few days.

Gary

[Marco]

We are VERY lucky to have Gary here with us. Now, with him, B&B is an even more special place. Thank you so much, my friend.

[A. E. Simpson 1919]

If you look closely enough you will spot a certain Forum member's bespoke Polo 14 knot in rare, very limited supply Silvertip ready for assembly.

I wouldn't let anyone in the factory touch the brush when finished in case the handle was dropped!!! :w00t:



Another photo showing the knots being formed by hand. This is how I was taught by my grandad and dad. No machine needed, no plugs, just a steady hand, good eye and experience. That's what a Simpson brush is all about!!

Gary

[Gary Young]

If you look closely enough you will spot a certain Forum member's bespoke Polo 14 knot in rare, very limited supply Silvertip ready for assembly.

I wouldn't let anyone in the factory touch the brush when finished in case the handle was dropped!!! :w00t:

Ah, Mark....remember when I walked out of your office and had a look around on my own....:blush: Hopefully the mark will polish out just fine!:tongue_sm:lol:

[johnniegold]

When can we schedule a class trip to Vulfix and will we need permission slips from home?

[Marco]

If you look closely enough you will spot a certain Forum member's bespoke Polo 14 knot in rare, very limited supply Silvertip ready for assembly.

I wouldn't let anyone in the factory touch the brush when finished in case the handle was dropped!!! :w00t:

Mark, any actual difference between Super and "very limited supply" Silvertip on Simpson brushes?

[insomniac]

Thank you for sharing, Gary.

Makes me proud to own one of the special edition Eagles in Best :thumbup1:

[ben74]

If you look closely enough you will spot a certain Forum member's bespoke Polo 14 knot in rare, very limited supply Silvertip ready for assembly.

I wouldn't let anyone in the factory touch the brush when finished in case the handle was dropped!!! :w00t:

I've got a Polo 8 & 10, both in super, I wonder if I could handle a 14?

[MentalFloss]

What a huge thrill to check out your pics Thanks Gary

[djh]

A great post and a fantastic experience. Thanks very much for sharing your trip Gary.

[whereisandy]

What an awesome thread! Thanks for sharing your pics and commentary, Gary. It's great having you on B&B and I appreciate your humor and insights, too.

I am breaking in my Colonel and just jumped on board the Rudy Vey 2011 LE brush but it looks like I'm going to have to dig behind all my cushions to start saving for the impending news from you and Mark.

And I thought my SBAD was past...

[johnniegold]

And I thought my SBAD was past...

You just have to exhibit some self-control. I have gotten over SBAD many times in the past and plan on doing it again.

It's easy. :whistling:

[kbuzbee]

I've got a Polo 8 & 10, both in super, I wonder if I could handle a 14?

You can!:thumbup: It takes a bit of practice to keep it contained but it's quite worth it!

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/kbuzbee/PoloSemogue.jpg

Ken

[franz]

I just posted in another thread that my Philosophy degree isn't so handy to me anymore. But let's see if this makes any sense.

The closer we come to the manufacturing process of a product, the more likely we are to identify with it.

When we produce items and have no relation to the actual manufacture of it, we become distant and uncaring.

The money transaction becomes meaningless. The product is bought and used without any general thought as to what labour went into it. Of course this becomes even more true of mass produced items in factories and whatnot.

But when we see goods being produced, even if we can't see the whole production from start to finish, we are more likely to feel something for it, the workers and the company. A new level of trust is established, despite the fact that we have nothing to do with any part of the goods production.

It's been 12 years since I did my schooling. I hope this makes sense. I might be mixing up a few things, but I think it's right.

I think you're exactly right, having a look at how these great brushes are hand crafted adds something greater to my enjoyment of the brush besides what you can measure objectively.

Very cool shots, Gary. It's been interesting to take a tour of the place. I also think some of us like getting teased about future brushes :blushing: Not me of course...

[johnniegold]

Ah ok, so that's one off the list for any collector brushes....:tongue_sm

I didn't say when I was going to do it again. :wink:

[joel]

Glad you like the photos - some more to post along the way.

It would be great if some of the other makers would open their doors to show a little bit of what they do. Maybe this thread will be the catalyst for others to follow.

No teasing intended. Everything has to be right before any announcements are made.

Gary

Hi Gary,
We've been getting a lot of complaints, both from members and vendors (some of which carry Simpson brushes) and well... they're warranted. I'll shoot you a PM and we can discuss off-line, but I want to make it clear in a public manner, while we greatly appreciate your participation, you can't use this site as a marketing tool, and you most certainly can't play a "cat and mouse" secret announcement game.

Neat pictures though, definitely a fun share!

[Gary Young]

Hi Gary,
We've been getting a lot of complaints, both from members and vendors (some of which carry Simpson brushes) and well... they're warranted. I'll shoot you a PM and we can discuss off-line, but I want to make it clear in a public manner, while we greatly appreciate your participation, you can't use this site as a marketing tool, and you most certainly can't play a "cat and mouse" secret announcement game.

Neat pictures though, definitely a fun share!

I have trawled through this thread and deleted as many of my posts as I can - some have been quoted by other members so I apologise for them still being visible.
I would have hoped that members on B & B could have sent me a PM to air their concerns rather than let it get this far.
I apologise hand on heart if I have offended anyone, wasn't my intention, at all.

Gary

[ben74]

You can!:thumbup: It takes a bit of practice to keep it contained but it's quite worth it!

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/kbuzbee/PoloSemogue.jpg

Ken

Ken you're not helping my SBAD (or bank balance)! I'm sure I'll probably order one before the weekend ends. Yes, I'm just that weak!

[kbuzbee]

Ken you're not helping my SBAD (or bank balance)! I'm sure I'll probably order one before the weekend ends. Yes, I'm just that weak!

Well, this one is a Pre Vulfix so you'll have to hunt a bit for it, but new one are around.

It's not weakness, my friend. It's a show of strength to wield a 14!:lol:

Ken

(Mark alluded one someone here is having made in some super secret Super hair.... Just saying:lol:)

[ESTEBE VERDE]

You can!:thumbup: It takes a bit of practice to keep it contained but it's quite worth it!

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/kbuzbee/PoloSemogue.jpg

Ken

If you ever need anyone to keep your 14 while you are away on vacation just let me know! lol :thumbup:

[ESTEBE VERDE]

I have trawled through this thread and deleted as many of my posts as I can - some have been quoted by other members so I apologise for them still being visible.
I would have hoped that members on B & B could have sent me a PM to air their concerns rather than let it get this far.
I apologise hand on heart if I have offended anyone, wasn't my intention, at all.

Gary

I've enjoyed all of your post and the insider information. This type of in-depth information is exactly why I come here. Not to keep vendors happy.

I keep the vendors happy by buying way way waaaay too much stuff! lol :biggrin1:

[NoelyDeezNutz]

Hi Gary,
We've been getting a lot of complaints, both from members and vendors (some of which carry Simpson brushes) and well... they're warranted. I'll shoot you a PM and we can discuss off-line, but I want to make it clear in a public manner, while we greatly appreciate your participation, you can't use this site as a marketing tool, and you most certainly can't play a "cat and mouse" secret announcement game.

Neat pictures though, definitely a fun share!

:thumbdown

If people have issues, they should voice them in public...

[ESTEBE VERDE]

:thumbdown

if people have issues, they should voice them in public...

+1!

[diphy]

+1!

+1

[bluemantra]

I enjoy this insight very much. I see this more of a history and behind the scenes look. This a wonderful and rare look into the wet shaving world and I enjoy it very much as I am sure many others do as well.

[Gary Young]

:thumbdown

If people have issues, they should voice them in public...

Guys, there are rules on this forum that are there to protect everyones interests and make the site as fair as possible - to all.
I have obviously borderlined those rules and so have rightly been picked up on it.
No hard feelings and the thread is still here to be visited.

Gary

[kbuzbee]

If you ever need anyone to keep your 14 while you are away on vacation just let me know! lol :thumbup:

Will do, but it may keep YOU, my friend!:lol:

Ken

[ESTEBE VERDE]

Will do, but it may keep YOU, my friend!:lol:

Ken

Lol!!! No Doubt! :thumbup:

[JPDyson]

:thumbdown

If people have issues, they should voice them in public...

I tend to disagree in most cases. A lot of toe-stepping can be avoided if a matter is brought to the attention of the right folks privately. If it needs public address, let them execute it.

I don't envy Joel for his position; I think he does better than I would.

[njpaddy]

I have obviously borderlined those rules and so have rightly been picked up on it.
I suspect most of us enjoyed them anyway, but we'll accept the mods decision.

[captp]

I, for one, have been enjoying the trip to the factory and the pics. The moderators were probably right to move it to the Vendor Corner. Hoping to read many more posts from Gary on the trip and the history of Simpson.

And, how about if we keep this thread on target; by that I mean the trip to and history of Simpson.

[Blue58]

I do hope it was not in any violation of the rules for Gary to help identify some of the little known or unique vintage Simpsons brushes. I think we would feel bad if we thought that our curiosity and desire to learn more about our shaving passion was in any way responsible for contributing to this situation.

However I do understand and respect the Mods decision on this. I just want to be sure that I don't say anything or ask Gary something that may infringe on or violate any rules.

Gary I do hope you will continue as a welcome member here in B&B, we all enjoy the information you can share with us here on B&B. :thumbup:

[Gary Young]

I, for one, have been enjoying the trip to the factory and the pics. The moderators were probably right to move it to the Vendor Corner. Hoping to read many more posts from Gary on the trip and the history of Simpson.

And, how about if we keep this thread on target; by that I mean the trip to and history of Simpson.

Absolutely right that the thread was moved. I agree

Gary

[Loner16]

This entire thread is fantastic!

It's great to be able to get a glimpse inside the establishment where our beloved Simpsons are made. It's just too bad that the "business" side of an enjoyable pastime has to have such a heavy influence.

This is supposed to be like minded folks getting together to discuss a pleasurable daily experience, not to be a captive audience for items to be hawked. But, I guess the almighty dollar must always rear it's ugly head....

My thanks to Gary Young for giving us a look at the day to day activities at Vulfix/Simpson!

[Hex]

This entire thread is fantastic!

It's great to be able to get a glimpse inside the establishment where our beloved Simpsons are made. It's just too bad that the "business" side of an enjoyable pastime has to have such a heavy influence.

This is supposed to be like minded folks getting together to discuss a pleasurable daily experience, not to be a captive audience for items to be hawked. But, I guess the almighty dollar must always rear it's ugly head....

My thanks to Gary Young for giving us a look at the day to day activities at Vulfix/Simpson!

The rules of decorum prevent me from commenting on this.

[insomniac]

The rules of decorum prevent me from commenting on this.

Indeed. I don't like being played.

[ESTEBE VERDE]

...

It's just too bad that the "business" side of an enjoyable pastime has to have such a heavy influence.

This is supposed to be like minded folks getting together to discuss a pleasurable daily experience, not to be a captive audience for items to be hawked. But, I guess the almighty dollar must always rear it's ugly head....

...

What exactly do you mean my friend? Can you please expound so I may have the absolutely crystal clear benefit of your wisdom??? :001_smile

[Loner16]

What exactly do you mean my friend? Can you please expound so I may have the absolutely crystal clear benefit of your wisdom??? :001_smile

Yes, you may.

I believe that Gary Young started this thread witrh the sole intention of giving us all a much appreciated peek inside of the Vulfix/Simpson production operation. I did not see it as a ploy to drum up business, so I could not imagine why other vendors, some that did not even carry Simpsons, would lodge complaints with the management of B&B.

I do not post or read here for the express purpose of being a warm body with cash in my back pocket, to sell something to. I exchange my views asnd experiences for the sheer enjoyment.

Do I buy from the vendors here? Yes! But that is a choice.

I always see unfortunate things happen when money and sales interfere with pleasurable activities.. Need proof? Go to another well known shave forum.

The opinions expressed here are my own. They do not represent the views of the management..

As always... Your mileage may vary.. As it usually does.

[JPDyson]

Let me offer a counter-point.

- The Brushes forum is primarily about vendor-neutral brush info.

- The thread DID turn into vendor promo. I believe Gary wasn't trying to do that at the outset, but of course there's a project looming that he's excited about, and some info was teased out so that this started to look a bit like "product placement" in your favorite weekly show.

- Vendors have to play by certain rules around here, in order to keep a level playing field. I would expect that Joel would have moved in much the same way if somebody started a thread as a "tour of West Coast Shaving" and little tidbits about a WCS custom product started slipping out. Other vendors would have a right to say "Hey, we have rules to follow and this is pushing it!"

In passing, I'd suspect more of us would cry foul on both sides if the latter were the case, but doesn't that prove my point? Same rules, all vendors.

[A. E. Simpson 1919]

*Applauds*


Let me offer a counter-point.

- The Brushes forum is primarily about vendor-neutral brush info.

- The thread DID turn into vendor promo. I believe Gary wasn't trying to do that at the outset, but of course there's a project looming that he's excited about, and some info was teased out so that this started to look a bit like "product placement" in your favorite weekly show.

- Vendors have to play by certain rules around here, in order to keep a level playing field. I would expect that Joel would have moved in much the same way if somebody started a thread as a "tour of West Coast Shaving" and little tidbits about a WCS custom product started slipping out. Other vendors would have a right to say "Hey, we have rules to follow and this is pushing it!"

In passing, I'd suspect more of us would cry foul on both sides if the latter were the case, but doesn't that prove my point? Same rules, all vendors.

[Drubbing]

I think Gary made an honest mistake, and apologised for it when he realised it started to turn into something it wasn't intended to be.

I think other posters thought loner was attempting some unsubtle sarcasm.

[MaxP]

Josh is exactly on point IMHO.

[bbarton713]

Thanks for the pictures, Gary. I've spoken to Mark on the phone so it was nice to put a face with the voice.

I love the picture showing boxes of handles and knots on the factory floor. Sometimes I feel like we're such a small market but if those are all going to be sold some day it makes me wonder how many Simpson brushes are out there!

[psram]

Let me offer a counter-point.

- The Brushes forum is primarily about vendor-neutral brush info.

- The thread DID turn into vendor promo. I believe Gary wasn't trying to do that at the outset, but of course there's a project looming that he's excited about, and some info was teased out so that this started to look a bit like "product placement" in your favorite weekly show.

- Vendors have to play by certain rules around here, in order to keep a level playing field. I would expect that Joel would have moved in much the same way if somebody started a thread as a "tour of West Coast Shaving" and little tidbits about a WCS custom product started slipping out. Other vendors would have a right to say "Hey, we have rules to follow and this is pushing it!"

In passing, I'd suspect more of us would cry foul on both sides if the latter were the case, but doesn't that prove my point? Same rules, all vendors.
Very well articulated Josh. This thread needed your post.

I think the frustration on the part of some members comes because the backdrop of same rules for all vendor like topics is not transparent. Vendors know this when they complained, Joel posted only the relevant rule which wasn't adhered to, and Gary got it asap and corrected the steer. But take that backdrop away, and what comes across from Joel's post is "Other vendors complained validly, so stop the story of Simpson/Vulfix" rather than the "Other vendors complained validly, so stop advertising and get back to the story of Simpson/Vulfix" it really means.

In hindsight, there were much better ways of handling this, but all is well that ends well :001_smile

[guenron]

...snip...
In hindsight, there were much better ways of handling this, but all is well that ends well :001_smile
+1

[Gary Young]

Gary et al -- I am much interested in seeing your photos, and following up with you, as I am a journalist & author who may well be traveling to the UK to write about shaving brush craftsmen, and the resurgence of wet shaving in general. Being a newbie to B&B, I can't figure out how to get to your pix. Would you mind advising?

And, given your history with Simpson's & Vulfix, if you'd like to talk on the phone sometime I'd be very interested. Just shoot me a note and we'll hook up.

Todd Oppenheimer
www.flickeringmind.net

Todd
I thought it wise to delete the photos I posted in light of the issues that were quite rightly pointed out.

There was ain interview I took part in with one of the Mods on here but I can't seem to find it on the forum at the moment!? It looks as if it has been moved/deleted? That contained quite a bit of info regarding Simpson of old. Hopefully one of the Mods can let me/you know where it has disappeared to!

Gary

[Shavely Manden]

Todd
I thought it wise to delete the photos I posted in light of the issues that were quite rightly pointed out.

There was ain interview I took part in with one of the Mods on here but I can't seem to find it on the forum at the moment!? It looks as if it has been moved/deleted? That contained quite a bit of info regarding Simpson of old. Hopefully one of the Mods can let me/you know where it has disappeared to!

Gary

Gary,

Since the mods don't approve of that in the shaving brush forum, any chance you could get Simpson's to post them in the Vendor forum, where they probably belong? It'd be nice to have those pictures for posterity's sake.

[kg4ghn]

Why WAS the shaving confidential #8 deleted?

I understand this thread being moved, but the other thread was a B&B done interview? There was good information in that interview of the old Simpson company.

[franz]

Why WAS the shaving confidential #8 deleted?

I understand this thread being moved, but the other thread was a B&B done interview? There was good information in that interview of the old Simpson company.

It's still around: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=198247

It's not on the front page anymore, but it wasn't deleted.