Plisson Euro White/Rooney Finest comparo pics...

[joel]

Here are some pictures so you can get the general idea of just how white the rooney's tips are. What I find interesting is that with the Plisson, the tips sort of naturally change color, where as it is just an abrupt, 100% change in color, and the "white" coloration is not "uniform" almost as if it has been dipped in something with the Rooney Finest. I am a little skeptical on Rooney Finest hair not being "treated." If it truly isn't, the this badger hair is truly a sight to behold.

Roony left, Plisson Euro White middle, Shavemac XXL Horn (old style) Right




Left - Vulfix 2235 "silvertip" Right - Rooney Finest


Rooney, Plisson, Vulfix




Rooney head up close (can see a litte of the Plisson to the right)


Money shot - the true white color of the Rooney - up close and personal...


Same type of photo as the above Rooney - yet this is with the Plisson Euro White...


Down the chute (Rooney left, Plisson Euro White on right)


A few "silvertip/white" brushes...


More pics to come when the Plisson HWM shows up.

[shavingrace]

I really appreciate this post, Joel: I had never before seen pics of the Rooney "Finest," except, of course, on the Classic Shaving web site. The color really is exceptional, but what strikes me most is the shabby way in which the bristles are set into the handle--Shavemac's elegant presentation put this thing to shame! Of course, you may experience outstanding results with the brush in question, but it looks untidy, particularly when one considers its high price. Thank you for your efforts; this endeavor of yours is most helpful to all of us.

[joel]

I really appreciate this post, Joel: I had never before seen pics of the Rooney "Finest," except, of course, on the Classic Shaving web site. The color really is exceptional, but what strikes me most is the shabby way in which the bristles are set into the handle--Shavemac's elegant presentation put this thing to shame! Of course, you may experience outstanding results with the brush in question, but it looks untidy, particularly when one considers its high price. Thank you for your efforts; this endeavor of yours is most helpful to all of us.

All three other brushes displayed have vastly superior fit and finish. For example, the handle on the rooney is least polished of the bunch, so if you look at ti up close, and run your fingers about it, it is not smooth as glass, there are small "rough" inconsistencies. All three other brushes are flawless. Also the Rooney has small traces of epoxy at the base of the badger hair, and the "Truefitt and Hill" text is droopy on the left side (albeit still superior to the plane jane "ROONEY"). Now - keep in mind these are all VERY nit picky little quips.... but when you are paying $400 for a freakin' shaving brush - it damn well better be built to the highest quality standards. Simply put - and as Peter had mentioned previously, it has poor fit and finish. Without question the other brushes in the pictures are at LEAST a full standard deviation above the Rooney, in terms of quality.

When it is all said and done - it is truly the performance that matters, and having not yet used this brush (I should go do that now) don't count this dog out yet!

I've got to be frank though.... if youw ere to put that $100 shavemac and that $400 Rooney in a random "Average Joe's" hand - 10 times out of 10 they would think the shavemac is a superior, more costly product. This... I have a problem with. When you see a Plisson HWM, REGARDLESS of the handle - you simply KNOW it is something special. While Plisson's aren't really my "thing" - they are unquestionably the most beautiful shaving brush in the land - which at the least allows for SOME reasoning behind the tremendously bloated price. Hey - I bought the brush for the hair, as I was told on several accounts it is the "best" highmountain, white, highland, whatever the hell you want to call it , hair of the bunch. Would I sell this thing? NO. Would I have bought this thing if I had examined it in person first? Not a chance in hell. Just a word of warning - if you are going to buy one of these, make SURE you see one before you buy it, or purchase it from a retailer who allows returns, as for the price, the feel, fit and finish, and quality of the craftsmanship is simply ghastly.

Please keep one thing in mind... this by NO means pertains to the Rooney "Super" or "Standard" silvertip, as those brushes are surprisingly economical, and for THEIR COST they offer good value, and respectable quality... but when you are paying $400 for a shaving brush.... come on.... I don't want to see glue, I don't want to see impurities/inconsistencies in the handle, I don't want to see an inconsistent brushhead shape (Peter has found this in his Rooneys as well), etc - when for $50-$200 you can get a gorgeous, glass smooth, hand polished, impeccable quality shaving brush. I don't care WHO you are.... $400 for a shaving brush is a hell of a lot of money to spend on a handle of hair to rub on soap, and if/when you are spending that much money.... there better be a damn good reason.

[shavingrace]

All three other brushes displayed have vastly superior fit and finish. For example, the handle on the rooney is least polished of the bunch, so if you look at ti up close, and run your fingers about it, it is not smooth as glass, there are small "rough" inconsistencies. All three other brushes are flawless. Also the Rooney has small traces of epoxy at the base of the badger hair, and the "Truefitt and Hill" text is droopy on the left side (albeit still superior to the plane jane "ROONEY"). Now - keep in mind these are all VERY nit picky little quips.... but when you are paying $400 for a freakin' shaving brush - it damn well better be built to the highest quality standards. Simply put - and as Peter had mentioned previously, it has poor fit and finish. Without question the other brushes in the pictures are at LEAST a full standard deviation above the Rooney, in terms of quality.

When it is all said and done - it is truly the performance that matters, and having not yet used this brush (I should go do that now) don't count this dog out yet!

I've got to be frank though.... if youw ere to put that $100 shavemac and that $400 Rooney in a random "Average Joe's" hand - 10 times out of 10 they would think the shavemac is a superior, more costly product. This... I have a problem with. When you see a Plisson HWM, REGARDLESS of the handle - you simply KNOW it is something special. While Plisson's aren't really my "thing" - they are unquestionably the most beautiful shaving brush in the land - which at the least allows for SOME reasoning behind the tremendously bloated price. Hey - I bought the brush for the hair, as I was told on several accounts it is the "best" highmountain, white, highland, whatever the hell you want to call it , hair of the bunch. Would I sell this thing? NO. Would I have bought this thing if I had examined it in person first? Not a chance in hell. Just a word of warning - if you are going to buy one of these, make SURE you see one before you buy it, or purchase it from a retailer who allows returns, as for the price, the feel, fit and finish, and quality of the craftsmanship is simply ghastly.

Please keep one thing in mind... this by NO means pertains to the Rooney "Super" or "Standard" silvertip, as those brushes are surprisingly economical, and for THEIR COST they offer good value, and respectable quality... but when you are paying $400 for a shaving brush.... come on.... I don't want to see glue, I don't want to see impurities/inconsistencies in the handle, I don't want to see an inconsistent brushhead shape (Peter has found this in his Rooneys as well), etc - when for $50-$200 you can get a gorgeous, glass smooth, hand polished, impeccable quality shaving brush. I don't care WHO you are.... $400 for a shaving brush is a hell of a lot of money to spend on a handle of hair to rub on soap, and if/when you are spending that much money.... there better be a damn good reason.

Brilliant response! I am looking forward to your comparison test--should be a shoot-out....

Regards,

Phil

[joel]

Brilliant response! I am looking forward to your comparison test--should be a shoot-out....

Regards,

Phil

Phil,
Glad to hear it! I think I am going to start it this weekend (Sunday) as I think the last remaining brush will be a no-show.... the men-u is "supposedly" supposed to arrive Monday, and the Muhle is here - just haven't posted an intro for it yet.