Chubby handles - Somerset vs. Vulfix

jhclare · Monday April 12, 2010

Hi all,

Been looking at some reviews of the original Somerset Simpsons Chubby 2. I noticed that its handle is a slightly different shape to the newer Vulfix Chubbies I've had.

Basically, the Somerset handle tapers inwards going down to the middle of the handle, where the Vulfix ones I've seen are much squarer (parallel) and the rounded corners are smaller. Hard to describe. I'll try and find some pics.

Anway, I went to Trumpers today and had a look at their own-branded Simpsons. I was very surprised by the variation in the brushes in the shop! Two Chubbies I picked up had different handles as described above. Both were Vulfix made from what I can tell, with the engraved lettering and not the lamp black.

So... what's going on here? Vulfix attempting the older Somerset handle shape (hoorah, I prefer it). Sample variation? One made to Trumpers' spec?

John

hunnymonster · Monday April 12, 2010

My suspicion is that they get the handles made in batches, with no fixed pattern for the lathe (possibly from different outsourced suppliers even) - it just has to be "about right" and it's only when you're either an OCD-brushaolic or see them side-by-side that you notice the difference...

Pete · Monday April 12, 2010

That's interesting John, I've got a Duke made by Vulfix soon after the takeover. I'm happy with it but I heard that Vulfix tweaked it a bit later, mainly in the loft following customer feedback.

henkverhaar · Monday April 12, 2010

Could it be that they hand-turn them on an analog ( ;-) ) lathe. Nah, unlikely. They probably have different (out-) sources that all have their own original for the copy lathe, made way back when by a local pattern maker. Or something similar.

Audiolab · Monday April 12, 2010

I agree probably buying in batches to a specific knot width and depth size, the handle design will be secondary to everything else. Interesting though, just shows you if you go to the shop you may find one that suits you better.

antdad · Monday April 12, 2010

Nothing is going on, it's simply variation between batches rather than any deliberate policy by Simpson.

Here are some CH2's from different era's, the differences are barely noticeable.

Left to Right...Vulfix 2band, Prefix Super, Prefix Best.

The prefix Best I know was sold in 1985 because I have the receipt.

Are you getting the twitch again John? It starts with with a seemingly innocent question about differences you may or may not have noticed, this manifest's itself by deciding you have a preference for an item that is no longer made and quite difficult to obtain and so the compulsion begins.
If I remember you sold your CH1 Super because it was too scrubby, CH2 Best because it became too large and soft and CH2 Super because you had to. You know this isn't healthy don't you?

jhclare · Tuesday April 13, 2010

antdad said:
Are you getting the twitch again John? It starts with with a seemingly innocent question about differences you may or may not have noticed, this manifest's itself by deciding you have a preference for an item that is no longer made and quite difficult to obtain and so the compulsion begins.
If I remember you sold your CH1 Super because it was too scrubby, CH2 Best because it became too large and soft and CH2 Super because you had to. You know this isn't healthy don't you?

Haha! You've rumbled me. Yes, I've got the twitch, or itch, or whatever you want to call it!

I'm using a SR 3120 at the moment, and it's a fantastic little brush. No complaints at all, in fact it's the best all-rounder I think I've ever used. So, why do I want another brush? I really couldn't tell you. There's something about the Chubby range that intrigues me, and if I get it right, I won't want any other brush....

Just when I think I've narrowed it down, my tastes change again, and I'm on the look out for something else!

At the very least, it's a learning experience, and despite what it may seem, Things have subsided.... I have pretty much settled down in terms of razors (Muhle R89), blade (Feather) and soap (Cella).

Here's a link to that review:

<a class="postlink" href="http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?ltr=S&t=25533" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread ... =S&t=25533</a>

There are pics of Somerset and Vulfix models, but they're not taken at same angle so comparison is difficult, but you can see the more bulbous top half of the Somerset handle. I think it looks nicer.

Back to my Trumpers visit yesterday. I noticed they also had re-badged Heritage brushes, including Stubby 1 and 2! What confused me further however, was a Rooney Chubby! It had the Heritage handle material and lettering, the Trumper logo, but the handle was more chubby-like than the Stubby. It even said "chubby" on the price tag. I've never heard of a Rooney Chubby before, is this a new brush?

John

Rev-O · Tuesday April 13, 2010

This is the most geeky/anal/specialised/detailed/obscure/bizarre/inconsequential/fascinating (delete as desired) thread I have yet read here.

And the worst/best (again, delete as you wish) part of it is that I read it all with interest - nay, relish.

HELP!!!

Tony: more info on the now-legendary 1985 handle please (2mm wider and 0.15 mm longer with slightly different font on the engraving).

Can you post pics of the receipt? Has been tested for authenticity, Turin Shroud style?

Please also post links to peer-reviewed spectrometer readings of the handles' composition.

We need a symposium - the only question is where: Oxford or Cambridge?

antdad · Tuesday April 13, 2010

Rev-O said:
We need a symposium - the only question is where: Oxford or Cambridge?

Uxbridge of course.

Rev-O said:
Can you post pics of the receipt? Has been tested for authenticity, Turin Shroud style?

My mistake, it was sold in '84. You asked for it.

Rev-O said:
Please also post links to peer-reviewed spectrometer readings of the handles' composition.

I'm working on it. :ugeek:

SiR-ed8 · Saturday June 19, 2010

henkverhaar said:
Could it be that they hand-turn them on an analog ( ;-) ) lathe. Nah, unlikely. They probably have different (out-) sources that all have their own original for the copy lathe, made way back when by a local pattern maker. Or something similar.

I knew their knots were from China but didn't know that they outsourced their faux-ivory handles as well. I reckon Vulfix outsource their handles like Simpsons or no?

hunnymonster · Sunday June 20, 2010

Progress = Vulfix = Simpsons...

antdad · Sunday June 20, 2010

Simpson source their hair from China but I'm fairly certain they make everything else including the handles, it's Rooney that don't "seem" to have a manufacturing base in the UK.

henkverhaar · Sunday June 20, 2010

As far as I'm aware, Vulfix make the knots for the more expensive brushes locally, from hair sourced from China (as most everyone else does) -- I don't think they make the knots for the cheap brushes locally; I would guess that they source those from China ready-made. Vulfix also sell the high end knots, although I suspect only in wholesale quantities -- those UK knots that Tony at Golden Nib sells are Vulfix knots.

SiR-ed8 · Sunday June 20, 2010

Gentlemen,

Thank you!

henkverhaar said:
As far as I'm aware, Vulfix make the knots for the more expensive brushes locally, from hair sourced from China (as most everyone else does) -- I don't think they make the knots for the cheap brushes locally; I would guess that they source those from China ready-made. Vulfix also sell the high end knots, although I suspect only in wholesale quantities -- those UK knots that Tony at Golden Nib sells are Vulfix knots.

Henk,

You're right sir! I talked to Tony awhile back. When UK knots were described to be produced by well known manufacturer, I prodded further and found out it was indeed Vulfix and everything else was China based. Handles really threw me off.

Hell just recently I found out that Semogue doesn't even make their own handles. Someone from another forum had brought up issue of handles chipping/cracking ( 2000 ) again. This was awhile back so the issue was resolved.

SiR-ed8 · Tuesday July 6, 2010

Do you guys have a preference as to Somerset or Vulfix made Simpsons?

antdad said:
Nothing is going on, it's simply variation between batches rather than any deliberate policy by Simpson.

Here are some CH2's from different era's, the differences are barely noticeable.

Left to Right...Vulfix 2band, Prefix Super, Prefix Best.

The prefix Best I know was sold in 1985 because I have the receipt.

Are you getting the twitch again John? It starts with with a seemingly innocent question about differences you may or may not have noticed, this manifest's itself by deciding you have a preference for an item that is no longer made and quite difficult to obtain and so the compulsion begins.
If I remember you sold your CH1 Super because it was too scrubby, CH2 Best because it became too large and soft and CH2 Super because you had to. You know this isn't healthy don't you?

I don't know how I missed this but my friend these are extremely beautiful! Any more shots of them?