Shavemac VLB 2018 LE
- Thread starter Nishy
- Start date
george1906
Veteran
So after its first outing, my first impressions of the brush are very positive. Passionately positive.
This brush is fun, the first 2 pictures illustrate the two lofts I used with the brush for a 3 pass shave. I also had a lather at 46mm and 60mm, to appreciate the 'parameter feel'.
As expected you can go from scrubby to mop like feel, in a matter of twists. Quite a lot of twisting come to think about it. It doesn't click or provide other indication of loft, at least with this prototype. You can even experience those cloud soft tips having the brush set around 54-55-56mm. Gorgeous.
I kept the loft low, loading from a hard puck, then added to the loft to face lather.
At 46mm it's very scrubby, no scratch but hard backbone. Not uncomfortable either. Little splay.
At 60mm it is very much mop like. Large splay, ultra soft face feel.
First pass; I easily dialed in my optimum loft, to provide 'that exact feel' I like. I would put this at around 50mm. A slightly scrubby massage with good (7/10) backbone (considering D01 2 band at 10). I have also asked Bernd to use the hairs he provided, they remind me massively of the 2015 LE (best hair so far IMO).
The 2nd pass was around the 56mm mark, and cloud soft. Controlled splay and a delight to use. Incidentally no flow through issues with either knot loft.
I found the gap between the bottom and top of the handle not to be as significant in use as it is when not. However at the higher lofts (beyond 55mm), a scrubbing circular action caused the handle to twist back on itself altering loft, so this needs to be addressed. The lower lofts have no issue. A nice feature is lowering the loft to push up lather. Also being able to remove the entire knot, for cleaning purposes.
The handle does not rattle or vibrate as such at the highest lofts. But could certainly feel.more solid.
Having a different knot size and thus face feel from loading to lathering is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the shave and being able to start scrubby and then 'spongey' between passes was great too. Very promising start. Apologies for the ramblings, will provide a more factual review tomorrow
This brush is fun, the first 2 pictures illustrate the two lofts I used with the brush for a 3 pass shave. I also had a lather at 46mm and 60mm, to appreciate the 'parameter feel'.
As expected you can go from scrubby to mop like feel, in a matter of twists. Quite a lot of twisting come to think about it. It doesn't click or provide other indication of loft, at least with this prototype. You can even experience those cloud soft tips having the brush set around 54-55-56mm. Gorgeous.
I kept the loft low, loading from a hard puck, then added to the loft to face lather.
At 46mm it's very scrubby, no scratch but hard backbone. Not uncomfortable either. Little splay.
At 60mm it is very much mop like. Large splay, ultra soft face feel.
First pass; I easily dialed in my optimum loft, to provide 'that exact feel' I like. I would put this at around 50mm. A slightly scrubby massage with good (7/10) backbone (considering D01 2 band at 10). I have also asked Bernd to use the hairs he provided, they remind me massively of the 2015 LE (best hair so far IMO).
The 2nd pass was around the 56mm mark, and cloud soft. Controlled splay and a delight to use. Incidentally no flow through issues with either knot loft.
I found the gap between the bottom and top of the handle not to be as significant in use as it is when not. However at the higher lofts (beyond 55mm), a scrubbing circular action caused the handle to twist back on itself altering loft, so this needs to be addressed. The lower lofts have no issue. A nice feature is lowering the loft to push up lather. Also being able to remove the entire knot, for cleaning purposes.
The handle does not rattle or vibrate as such at the highest lofts. But could certainly feel.more solid.
Having a different knot size and thus face feel from loading to lathering is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the shave and being able to start scrubby and then 'spongey' between passes was great too. Very promising start. Apologies for the ramblings, will provide a more factual review tomorrow
Big handle, very ergonomic. The Barber is one of my favourite designs and the two tone of balck and ivory looks class. Bernd has made us barber style handles for an earlier LE.
bakerbarber
Forum GOD!
I love this.
I'm in even if I have to sell a kidney to get one.
Awesome!!!
I'm so anxious to get one. Can we get it in three band Silvertip D01?. This is the Swiss army brush I've always wanted...
Sensational!
Spectacular!
Extraordinary!
Epic!
Fabulous!
Fantastic!
Super duper brush and lather scooper.
I'm in even if I have to sell a kidney to get one.
Awesome!!!
I'm so anxious to get one. Can we get it in three band Silvertip D01?. This is the Swiss army brush I've always wanted...
Sensational!
Spectacular!
Extraordinary!
Epic!
Fabulous!
Fantastic!
Super duper brush and lather scooper.
DudeAbides
Forum GOD!
Love it!
Hello my friend unfortunately it will only be available in standard 2 band silvertip, as you are aware standard 2 band also equates to standard 3 band silvertip, just a case of loft difference.
In all honesty depending on loft settings the brush expresses as a D01 2 band, 2 band silvertip, 3 band silvertip; in one handle. It is superb. Depending on your preference or product (hard puck, soft puck, cream etc) you can alter the brush to your liking. Face feel and splay is variable as is lather flow and backbone. It is a chameleon of a brush.
Before you sell that kidney, a few alterations will have to be considered. But the first prototype is on the right track.
rawfox1
Forum GOD!
I am all for the 2 band Silvertip the D01 could have a little bit too much scritch
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
At 46mm the brush is stiffer than any D01 2 band I have used. Remember the knot is hand tied, no glue bump is noticeable at any loft. Dialing it up to around 52mm provides that exsquisie soft top feel. At around 58mm it is a painter with soft backbone. Something for everyone.
morr
Forum GOD!
Isn't there a difference in density between standard 2 band ST and D01 knots?
Yes higher density with the D01. However, being a fan (VLB) when the loft is lowered, the sides are effectively pinched together, squeezing the knot. This rescues surface area of contact and creates the feeling of a more dense brush.
morr
Forum GOD!
I see, so the lower loft provides a denser brush. I have one M&F with quite low loft that is indeed a unique brush.
I still prefer the high loft and denser knot, like Declaration.
Really interested how this furhter develops.
Definitely well rounded, the sides comfortably fit into the handle even at the lowest 46mm loft. I honestly can't see the sides being worn by the mechanism. It does stop twisting at the lowest loft and the pin mechanism works well, little to no gap around the base of the knot.
One thing I'm not experienced with is the knot itself. I take out the entire knot to clean and dry, is this ok? Base is glued as with all knots, but with other brushes you never see the glued base when cleaning the brush post use.