What to buy: a Shavemac or Rooney?

[rsaltonstall]

I have been away from B&B for about a year in order to keep myself from buying more equipment, and after waiting a year, it is about time I tried something new, so here I am. Which one should it be: a Shavemac 167-23 in silvertip, or a Rooney 1-2 in super silvertip?

Here is some information to help you all give me advice on my next purchase: (1) I do not want a Simpsons, so please do not tell me to get a one. (2) I do not like a scrubby-feeling brush on my face. (3) An ideal brush for me would be a cross between my two current favorites: a Kent BK4 and Shavemac finest (23knot/50loft). I like the plush softness of a Kent and the fullness/density of a Shavemac. (4) I exclusively face lather and use soaps and creams 50/50. (5) I want to keep within the price range of a Rooney 1-2 super sivertip and Shavemac 167-23 in silvertip.

Initially, I was going to get a Shavemac because I already own one in finest, and thought that a silvertip would give me the plush softness that I like so much from my Kent, but I did not pull the trigger because I am a bit of an Anglophile. I already own a Simpsons and a Kent, so I was thinking that I should add a Rooney, and I love the look of the horn-handled Rooney 1-2.

Which is softer and plusher a Rooney super silvertip or a Shavemac silvertip? Are they equal in softness and plushness? Which one is more full/dense the Rooney or the Shavemac, or are they equal with this regard? Will I notice the difference between a Shavemac finest versus the Shavemac silvertip?

 

[edgerunner]

I have a Rooney Silvertip 1/2 and a Shavemac Silvertip 24/52. I like them both, and although not my favourites, I can't pick a winner between the two. The Rooney knot is a fan shaped, splays more, and feels bigger on the face than the Shavemac. Also, it's soft but not as soft as the Shavemac. The Shavemac Silvertip is one of the softest brushes in its price range about $110-120. The Rooney is denser but both have great flow through. If you're inclined to prefer the softer bulb Shavemac, I'd suggest buy a Savile Row 3824 from Charles at QDE. IMHO, the SR brushes have a slightly better density, the same overall properties, and it's a general consensus of opinion they are also made by Shavemac. For the record, I own a Savile Row 3722. Good luck in finding the right brush for yourself!

 

[RCC]

Hi Ramon,

I'm not around here much anymore either.
But...
I do have a 1 / 2 in super and 23 mm 163 (clear acrylic)
IMO they're very very similar. the ShaveMac is a longer bulb knot (54mm). the Rooney a shorter fan shape.
Given that you like the Kent (me too) I would say the ShaveMac is the closer to that experience of the two.
Plushness definitely goes to the ShaveMac.
That being said... IMO the Rooney style 1 is my favorite handle design period.
I have all 3 sizes and gave away a M & F with the same handle.
Hard to go wrong with either.
why not get both?
or a Vie Long 16510 - same knot as Plisson.
HTH

bob

 

[Scritchnscrub]

I have a Rooney Silvertip 1/2 and a Shavemac Silvertip 24/52. I like them both, and although not my favourites, I can't pick a winner between the two. The Rooney knot is a fan shaped, splays more, and feels bigger on the face than the Shavemac. Also, it's soft but not as soft as the Shavemac. The Shavemac Silvertip is one of the softest brushes in its price range about $110-120. The Rooney is denser but both have great flow through. If you're inclined to prefer the softer bulb Shavemac, I'd suggest buy a Savile Row 3824 from Charles at QDE. IMHO, the SR brushes have a slightly better density, the same overall properties, and it's a general consensus of opinion they are also made by Shavemac. For the record, I own a Savile Row 3722. Good luck in finding the right brush for yourself!

+1 - Shavemac regular silvertip or Savile Row silvertip sound like what you are looking for. Shavemac might be slightly softer and Savile Row might have a touch more backbone but they are very close.

 

[rsaltonstall]

Thanks for your detailed replies. Although I have not yet bought the brush, I am going to get a Shavemac, and possibly a fan-shaped custom-made one. A couple of questions have come to mind while trying to make my final decission: (1) Is a bulb softer than a fan?, and (2) Since a fan-shaped brush will feel larger on my face, what fan-shaped knot size would feel like a 23mm bulb?

 

[dreadpirate]

Rooney 1/2