Just can't decide! Savile Row or Shavemac?

**jhclare** · 06-09-2008, 07:01 AM

Hi all,

I want (don't really need) a new brush.

My first brush was bought from Taylors and is a medium "super" badger. I don't know who makes them for Taylors.

It's ok- but I think I'm missing out, and could have got a better brush elsewhere for the same money. The bristles are soft but do prickle a bit (think tips are trimmed).

Basically, I want a solid, decent brush that is a good all-rounder with soaps and creams. I lather in a bowl, but wouldn't mind trying face lathering too.

Have been looking a both Savile Row and Shavemac, but I don't know which one to choose!!! Or which one gives best value for money.

I suppose I want to spend around £50 UK!

Any suggestions most welcomed!

PS. As a side note - is there such thing as an all-rounder, or is it better to have one brush for soap, and one for cream?

**Antique Hoosier** · 06-09-2008, 07:04 AM

Originally Posted by jhclare

PS. As a side note - is there such thing as an all-rounder, or is it better to have one brush for soap, and one for cream?

I think THIS would be the only brush you would ever need as an "all rounder"

**Suzuki** · 06-09-2008, 07:20 AM

Yes, there definitely is such a thing as an "all-rounder".

Either the Shavemac or SR would fit that bill.

One other brush to consider is the Rooney Style 3, small, silvertip or supersilvertip.

You can get the brush in pure or best, but the Rooney silvertip grades are very nice - soft tips with resiliant shafts.

Here's a UK vendor:

http://www.executive-shaving.co.uk/s...ger-s3s1st.php

Cost is about 50 pounds, including VAT

Here's a US vendor:

http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vsho...me.php?cat=156

The Style 3 small super silvertip costs $75 or about 38 pounds, but does not include shipping/customs/duties.

I've been pretty vocal in my support for the small Rooney brushes - at their price point, they represent very good price/value - you get a very well-made brush, a choice of faux ivory, ebony or horn handles and, most important, a really well-packed knot of excellent hair.

In fact, I think the Rooney brushes represent better value than either the Shavemacs or SRs, which are about $100 (vs $75) for a comparably sized brush to the small Rooney's and I think the Rooney's have denser knots.

If you want a Shavemac and want to keep within your budget, I'd consider getting a Shavemac in finest - which, in terms of performance/feel, is virtually indestinguishable from the silvertip and you save $20 as well.

Hope this helps.

**Hodari D.** · 06-09-2008, 08:16 AM

I'll second the rooney 3/1 in super. The only brush you'll ever really NEED.

And a bargain to boot.

best,
scott

**momo360** · 06-09-2008, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by Antique Hoosier

I think THIS would be the only brush you would ever need as an "all rounder"

yes, but where to find them?

**Antique Hoosier** · 06-09-2008, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by momo360

yes, but where to find them?

AHA! That my friend momo is the difficult part!

**momo360** · 06-09-2008, 08:55 AM

Speaking of which - Jhclare, please allow me to hijack this thread for only a few posts - Chris, Scott, have either of you tried the medium sized rooneys in super? I am currently looking for a size 1 (as I want a firm scrubby face latherer) but not sure if this would be compromised by the size2's longer loft?

Your advice is appreciated (hopefully this will help Jhclare as well?).

**momo360** · 06-09-2008, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by Antique Hoosier

AHA! That my friend momo is the difficult part!

Mike, my good Sir, you are a grade-A-Tease! (yes, the T is capitlised)

**Suzuki** · 06-09-2008, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by Antique Hoosier

I think THIS would be the only brush you would ever need as an "all rounder"

The interesting thing is that the Rooney 3 small has a knot that is virutally the same size at the Polo 8.

The Simpson best grade of hair is excellent value - nice silvertip that has tips that are just slightly skritchier (but definitely still very soft) than the Rooney silvertip/supersilvertip.

I find that the Rooney is more tightly packed than the knot of my Simpson brushes (except my Major).

Basically, we're in agreement that a good all-rounder has a knot of between 20 and 22/23mm, a loft of around 50mm and should have a densely packed knot of hair that has resiliant shafts to ensure good loading with soaps and that it will face-lather well.

The only problem is that the Simpson Polo 8 costs DOUBLE what the Rooney #3 small does!

**Suzuki** · 06-09-2008, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by momo360

Speaking of which - Jhclare, please allow me to hijack this thread for only a few posts - Chris, Scott, have either of you tried the medium sized rooneys in super? I am currently looking for a size 1 (as I want a firm scrubby face latherer) but not sure if this would be compromised by the size2's longer loft?

Your advice is appreciated (hopefully this will help Jhclare as well?).

I have a large (26mm) Rooney style 1. The lot on the style 3 is stated to be around 55mm, the small has a 48 mm loft and the medium a 53mm loft.

My large style 1 works very well with soaps and face lathering - because the knot is so dense, the extra loft height doesn't have a negative impact on performance. The real issue is the size of the brush - I prefer smaller (20mm - 22mm brushes) and I find the 26mm brush quite big and a little messy with soaps and face-lathering.

The medium should work just fine, but unless you really want a brush that is larger than the small, I think the small is just a perfect size for soaps and face-lathering - its optimized for these - just like the Simpson Duke 2 is.

My $0.02.

**petr** · 06-09-2008, 09:09 AM

I just purchased a SR 3128 silvertip from Charles and am very happy with it. It is soft enough for me, and I like them soft to lather on the face, but it is noticably more stiff than my Polo10.

I am happy with cream or soap with this brush. I think it is a bargain, especually compared to the simpson.

**momo360** · 06-09-2008, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by petr

I just purchased a SR 3128 silvertip from Charles and am very happy with it. It is soft enough for me, and I like them soft to lather on the face, but it is noticably more stiff than my Polo10.

I am happy with cream or soap with this brush. I think it is a bargain, especually compared to the simpson.

+1

I have 2 SR's silvertips and the Sr100 travel (which I actually got off of Chris). Excellent brushes in their own right. When it comes to face lathering, that 28 is some serious luxury, but I can't help sometimes going back to my 3122.

Out of curuiosity, Petr, your polo10 - super or best?

**Antique Hoosier** · 06-09-2008, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by Suzuki

The only problem is that the Simpson Polo 8 costs DOUBLE what the Rooney #3 small does!

WOW! Double the cost is a lot! I guess placed side by side and against the face, the Polo series of brushes just seem to me to be one of the more "special" brushes ever made. Now that they have packed up the contents of "the shed" and moved to the Isle of Man, I expect the "original" Simpson brushes to be a real catch. I know I watch the BST for those "shed---ders").

**petr** · 06-09-2008, 09:23 AM

The polo 10 is super.

It was my first brush five years ago. Until last week it was the only brush I had ever used.

Pricey, but it has given me much enjoyment.

**yomuppet** · 06-09-2008, 12:08 PM

Ditto on the Rooney smalls being excellent all-around brushes. Can't go wrong there, especially at the $65-75 price that they will run you. I have yet to find a significantly better performing brush (for me) at any price.

Best of luck.

J

**Perfect_shave** · 06-10-2008, 10:14 AM

I have a Rooney 3/1 in super badger and it is brilliant really. Real dense, not prickly and is good with both creams and soaps and can be used to face lather too. That said, i want to try a Saville and Shavemac just to see the difference.