I am looking at stepping up and purchasing a higher-end brush (at least for me) very soon. I was looking at Shavemacs, Thaters, Simpsons, Rooney, and M&F. This got me thinking/wondering about the past relationship of Rooney/M&F/Lee which is a big blank to me. I always see these makers mentioned in threads together and would like to know if someone wouldn't mind sharing the history. It is not my intent to start controversy, but more out the fact that obtaining a new brush from any of these makers is pretty darn tough with Rooney being slightly easier of the 3.