Shavemac vrs Rooney

**dwing18** · 03-10-2012, 01:10 PM

Debating my next brush purchase. How does Rooney silvertip compare to Shavemac silvertip?

**oldpalchamp** · 03-15-2012, 05:49 AM

I have a Shavemac 177 in silvertip and a Rooney 3/1 in silvertip, and they are entirely different animals. The Shavemac is without a doubt the softest brush I have ever used. It is magic. The Rooney is a great brush, too, but has a totally different feel. The tips are soft, but the bristles are much firmer. I use them both regularly. My only complaint with the Shavemac is that it looses 4-10 hairs per use.

**Teddyboy** · 03-15-2012, 06:07 AM

I have a Shavemac 177/23mm knot and a Rooney in Super Badger (I don't know the model but the knot is >23mm). I would definitely go with the Shavemac. Although it is soft, it works very well with creams and soft Italian soaps that need a bit of brush loading; it lathers really beautifully and rather easily. The Rooney is much more dense, which feels good on the face, but which may explain why it idoesn't lather as well as the Shavemac. Also, the Rooney is a lather hog, which bothers me. That said, the Rooney is quite good with shave sticks, where the soap or cream is directly applied to the face and the Rooney's large dense knot simply supplies a large amount of hot water. But I'm sure the Shavemac would ace that method as well.

You should not overlook Simpsons "best" grade brushes- Coloner 2XL; Duke 3; Fifty Series 58b in best; and Commodore 3. I've got a Colonel and have my eye on some of the others.

**dpmtherrien** · 03-15-2012, 06:24 AM

I've found any silvertip to be more on the floppy side, but that's O.K., as sometimes its just what's needed.

I have a Shavemac and a Rooney, but both are in finest badger, and I'd have to rate them about equal.

**edgerunner** · 03-15-2012, 06:51 AM

I have a T&H 1/2 (24/48) and Shavemac 177 (23/52). I don't sense difference in softness and backbone between the two. Thater is the only softer brush than these two I have. TGN Grade A and Savile Row are right behind them. The different perception comes from the shape and knot size. The Rooney seems to have more hair and splays more due to the fan shape. It feels more luxurious and messy on the face. The Shavemac is a bulb and stays more compact and feels more like a cushion.