Fan or bulb shaped knot

**Easttexasman** · 01-30-2011, 08:50 AM

I am contemplating purchasing a Shavemac and I am unsure about the knot shape.I face lather and use a mixture of soaps and creams.Also I am thinking of the D01 two band with a 20mm knot.
Anybody know if there is a drawback to getting the fan shaped knot?I only have bulb shaper brushes and I have a little voice in my head saying "what if you do not like the fan shape".

Paul

**Greybeard** · 01-30-2011, 11:28 AM

You won't know if you like it until you try it.
If you don't like it you can sell it on the BST without much of a loss.

If you buy the Shavemac, give it a couple of weeks to break in and for you to get used to it before you decide whether you like it or not. The feel is different.

I face lather and generally prefer fan shaped knots. However I also really like my Saville Row and a 2 band Simpson Tulip which both have pronounced bulb shapes. So it's not black and white that it's one or the other.

**bluemantra** · 01-30-2011, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by Easttexasman

I am contemplating purchasing a Shavemac and I am unsure about the knot shape.I face lather and use a mixture of soaps and creams.Also I am thinking of the D01 two band with a 20mm knot.
Anybody know if there is a drawback to getting the fan shaped knot?I only have bulb shaper brushes and I have a little voice in my head saying "what if you do not like the fan shape".

Paul

I feel your pain my friend. I know how hard it is to make such a decision. Unfortunately there is no relief until you make the purchase. Try doing a search and see if you can fish up some pictures of the D01 fan shaped knots. That might help. It might be nice to have something different. Just thinking out loud.

**Easttexasman** · 01-30-2011, 12:48 PM

Well,you are both right.I am going to go with the fan knot but I am now thinking of going with a 22mm knot.

Paul

**Rudy Vey** · 01-30-2011, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by Easttexasman

I am contemplating purchasing a Shavemac and I am unsure about the knot shape.I face lather and use a mixture of soaps and creams.Also I am thinking of the D01 two band with a 20mm knot.
Anybody know if there is a drawback to getting the fan shaped knot?I only have bulb shaper brushes and I have a little voice in my head saying "what if you do not like the fan shape".

Paul

I have an extreme flattop D01 2-band, with a 19 mm knot, set at 41 mm loft. It is a sweet brush for face lather. However, it took me some time to get used to this shape. Now, it the most used brush in my collection. With this kind of knot shape, the 19 mm feel like a huge brush on your face. Personally, I would not go with a larger knot than 22 mm in the extreme flattop shape.
I would recommend to go with the standard fan, this is very nice as well, I have two here that are waiting for a handle. You are in for a treat with the D01 Two-band, I don't think anything comes close in two band!!

**AJMiami** · 01-30-2011, 02:08 PM

Depends on the maker and hair used..IMHO, Silvertip Shavemac, Thater or Saville Row should be Bulb shaped to add backbone to a very soft hair.

Simpson = Fan shape all the way

Any 2 band = Fan for me

**Vlad** · 01-30-2011, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by AJMiami

Depends on the maker and hair used..IMHO, Silvertip Shavemac, Thater or Saville Row should be Bulb shaped to add backbone to a very soft hair.

Simpson = Fan shape all the way

Any 2 band = Fan for me

Yep, adding backbone is the only reason I see for the bulb shape. I found Simpson's 2-band super annoying because it's so ridged by nature that the bulb makes it feel pointy. The less resilient the hair, the less noticeable the bulb shape is.

**john parker** · 01-30-2011, 03:01 PM

Yes, believe the bulb is designed so that the knot holds its shape. Love bulbs!!

**jhclare** · 02-06-2011, 12:39 AM

Originally Posted by Vlad

I found Simpson's 2-band super annoying because it's so ridged by nature that the bulb makes it feel pointy.

Yes! I've been thinking this for a while, I'm glad someone else has noticed. Their insistence towards bulb knots has now put me off the brand and I no longer own one. A shame.

The pointy shape does not suit the stiff two-band hair, it's just not pleasant on the face. Maybe the bulb would be more comfortable if they were nice and round with a flatter crown like Savile Row/Shavemac etc.

I've asked many times but never receive an answer for some reason - going to try again...

Does anyone know the reason why Vulfix/Simpsons insist on bulb shaped knots these days? If you're going to continue a brand's line of brushes, stick to the original specs!

I see no technical reason why they have to do this. Shavemac create whatever shape you want with whatever hair you want.

John

**jhclare** · 02-08-2011, 05:06 AM

Originally Posted by jhclare

I've asked many times but never receive an answer for some reason - going to try again...

Does anyone know the reason why Vulfix/Simpsons insist on bulb shaped knots these days? If you're going to continue a brand's line of brushes, stick to the original specs!

I see no technical reason why they have to do this. Shavemac create whatever shape you want with whatever hair you want.

John

Anyone?

**jhclare** · 02-08-2011, 02:05 PM

Must be some kind of conspiracy!

**huntmol** · 02-08-2011, 08:35 PM

I think a bulb shaped knot works well with very soft hair such as silvertip, but definitely fan-shaped for a stiffer brush such as two-band.

**Vlad** · 02-08-2011, 08:40 PM

There was a Simpson complaint thread a few weeks back where I believe Mark from Simpson made some posts. The bulb issue was brought up, but I don't remember a satisfactory answer. The three-bands generally seem not to be bulbs, and I'm a big fan of the CH2 and CH3.