Shavemac or Rooney?

**johsa** · 08-02-2009, 01:14 PM

Got a EJ Best Badger Brush (same as C&E I guess) and decided that I would like to get a new brush.

Some background. Fairly new to DE shaving, have been using mach3 for 10 years but without a brush. The EJ is the only brush I have used. Using both creams and soaps, but more often soap. I bowl lather creams and both face and bowl lather soaps.

Looking around I'm thinking either a Shavemac 177 23mm Silvertip or a Rooney 1/2 Super. About the same price maybe the Rooney is slightly cheaper. But that is around what I want to spend, so I'm not looking for a 250$ brush. The Rooney 1/1 is smaller but 1/2 is closer to the size of the Shavemac?

I know, another which brush to buy, but any feedback is welcome!

**mretzloff** · 08-02-2009, 01:23 PM

I love my D01 Shavemac. It has really grown on me and I cannot imagine a better brush (that's my trying to control my SBAD).

For the money, a Rooney is the best value around. $74.99 will get you a a densely-packed brush that'll last you for a while.

If I were you, I'd keep on wet shaving for a few months and then come back to this. That way you will truly know what you like at that point. If you must purchase a brush now, get a 1/1 Rooney.

**Spivey** · 08-02-2009, 01:26 PM

I have a Rooney 1/2 Super and it is fabulous. Honesty, you probably can't go wrong with either one.

**andrew98** · 08-02-2009, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by Spivey

I have a Rooney 1/2 Super and it is fabulous. Honesty, you probably can't go wrong with either one.

+1. I'm a pretty die-hard Shavemac fan, but you can truly be happy with either (or both

). That Shavemac may be a little better "all around" brush, but if you find yourself using soaps and face lathering a lot, I would say get the Rooney.

-Andy

**razor_n_blade** · 08-02-2009, 01:38 PM

Be forewarned that the Rooney 1/2 is a bit of a "lather hog", and you do need to use more soap/cream to make it work effectively, but other than that, it is a terrific, super dense brush. Perhaps the decision might boil down to whether you prefer a bulb or more of a flat shape.

**johsa** · 08-02-2009, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by mretzloff

If you must purchase a brush now, get a 1/1 Rooney.

Any reason why the 1/1 is a better choice than 1/2. I guess slightly cheaper, but it seems smaller. I'm looking for a slightly larger brush than my current EJ BBB.

**domino** · 08-02-2009, 01:39 PM

I would recommend the Shavemac in the short loft, small knot in Finest. It is a very easy brush to work with all around. It is a custom order and you can get it with the 177 handle, if you like. The price performance can't be beat. Check the review section for further details. For a ready made brush, the Shavemac 21 mm in Finest is also very nice. If you have the extra coin, the pj2, 2 band from Simpson is also an excellent choice. Rooney brushes have certain quirks, breaking it in, getting the lather from the brush to your face, can be a problem until you figure out the technique.

**mretzloff** · 08-02-2009, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by johsa

Any reason why the 1/1 is a better choice than 1/2. I guess slightly cheaper, but it seems smaller. I'm looking for a slightly larger brush than my current EJ BBB.

If you want larger, get the 1/2. I just happen to prefer smaller brushes, so I recommended the 1/1.

**Bertilak** · 08-02-2009, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by mretzloff

If you want larger, get the 1/2. I just happen to prefer smaller brushes, so I recommended the 1/1.

I highly recommend the 1/2 over the 1/1 -- since I have a 1/2 for sale on BST!
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...68#post1370068.

As to that "lather hog" business? SLANDER! The Rooney 1/2 is happy to share, if you give it enough to begin with.

Actually, I am selling the 1/2 and getting a 1/1 as I think I will like the smaller brush, but that's just my personal idiosyncrasy. The 1/2 is a nice middle-of-the-road size.

**ambrose** · 08-02-2009, 04:59 PM

rooney 1/2 is the best bet, unless you fall in love for a larger brushes like I have. I have a large rooney now on bst

**blantyre** · 08-02-2009, 06:38 PM

The most obvious differences between these brushes are:

Rooney is a "fan" shape and Shavemac is a "lightbulb" shape knot.
Rooney has a denser packed knot.

If funds allow buy both, possibly used, and sell one (or both) if you don't like it. Otherwise get the Rooney.

**NavyShave** · 08-02-2009, 09:18 PM

I have a Rooney 1/1, 3/1, and 2/1 and for me the best all around is the 3/1 in super. Good density, not a lather hog, and a nice sized handle. Very popular around here and I agree.

**Ignatius** · 08-02-2009, 10:19 PM

Your spec requirements point to the Rooney 1/2.

I'd play soccer with the worlds fluffiest bunny rabbit for a 1/2 in Finest. Alas, the funds aren't there right now.

**johsa** · 08-03-2009, 04:47 AM

What is the difference between Super and a Silvertip for a Rooney? Super is listed as silvertip hair and the price is almost identical.

**Bertilak** · 08-03-2009, 04:55 AM

Originally Posted by johsa

What is the difference between Super and a Silvertip for a Rooney? Super is listed as silvertip hair and the price is almost identical.

See http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vsho...me.php?cat=152 for an explanation.

Short version: Roony's silvertip comes in three grades "Silvertip", "Super Silvertip" and "Finest (Silvertip)".

**ambrose** · 08-03-2009, 05:52 AM

dont forget the heritage super silver tip which falls in above super silver and before finest.

**mretzloff** · 08-03-2009, 06:12 AM

Originally Posted by ambrose

dont forget the heritage super silver tip which falls in above super silver and before finest.

Is the heritage silvertip another grade or is it just the normal silvertip, just more densely packed?

**ambrose** · 08-03-2009, 06:29 AM

Its a different grade of super like a shavemacs D01 to their regular silver. It is also more densely packed. I own rooneys in super and in heritage, Ive also tried the finest before. The heritage is very white at the tips and more resilient at the shafts also more densely packed. There is a big difference between the two.

**mretzloff** · 08-03-2009, 06:33 AM

Originally Posted by ambrose

Its a different grade of super like a shavemacs D01 to their regular silver. It is also more densely packed. I own rooneys in super and in heritage, Ive also tried the finest before. The heritage is very white at the tips and more resilient at the shafts also more densely packed. There is a big difference between the two.

Thanks.

**Bertilak** · 08-03-2009, 07:06 AM

Originally Posted by ambrose

dont forget the heritage super silver tip which falls in above super silver and before finest.

True, but it will still say "Super" on the brush. You will have to be content living with the secret knowledge that your Super is not the regular Super.