Use dry or tip loaded for exceptional texture as in grasses or leaves. Fans are also used to smooth out other brush strokes. Synthetic fans yield finer, more consolidated strokes when brush is paint loaded. Bristle fans create more textured strokes.

Synthetic Fan #2

Palette knives are traditionally blunt tools that are used to mix or apply paints. They have flexible blades that work similarly to spatulas so that you can better control your application. 

You can use them for impasto application of paints or mediums, mixing colours on your palette or to move large quantities of colour across your canvas.