[matt]

I have a Simpson Persian Jar 2 and am thinking about trying a Rooney or a shavemac. I have heard that Rooney brushes are superior to Simpson, but am not sure which one to try. Any suggestions? The PJ2 is good, but it is the only silvertip brush I ever had and am wondering what else there is out there.

[icedog]

You won't find a better brush or a better value than this:
Shave Set Named Connie - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

[rshaw]

I've only used two brushes in my time, the first a super badger from C&E and my latest is a Shavemac #436. The shavemac is a great brush IMHO. Somehow it is very soft with just enough stiffness. The shavemac brush has more of a bulb (rounded) shaped bristles which is a unique experience from the more straight cut brushes.

Plus, shavemac gives you the option to personalize your brush. Mine has my initials on the bottom of the handle...I hang it up to dry so it can be seen! I think you can also get them placed on the side of the brush as well.

I didn't use the option to have Bernd make a custom brush for me, but I read many reviews where someone was looking for a very specific handle/bristle combo and they were very happy with the results. Bernd is very accomodating when it comes to customs.

That's my limited experience...hope you find your dream brush

[Seraphim]

Originally Posted by matt

I have a Simpson Persian Jar 2 and am thinking about trying a Rooney or a shavemac. I have heard that Rooney brushes are superior to Simpson, but am not sure which one to try. Any suggestions? The PJ2 is good, but it is the only silvertip brush I ever had and am wondering what else there is out there.

From what I hear Simpsons and Rooneys are similar, densely packed brushes (I have a Rooney Heritage Alibaba, super-dense! I haven't tried a Simpson, so that is hearsay...). The Shavemacs are very different feeling from the Rooney. They both have very soft bristles, but because of the super-density and short loft of the Rooney you feel alot more pressure than you will witha Shavemac. The Shavemac is like a cloud across your face, really very light and soft.

[RayG]

Both are nice. I think it will depend on what you are looking for. The two brushes will be on either side of the spectrum from the PJ2 - the rooney, especially the heritage models, will be denser and scrubbier and the shavemac less dense and have less backbone. Both will have softer tips (especially, again, if you get a heritage vs the rooney supers, which are still very soft-tipped).

[thebigspendur]

I have a Rooney medium in Finest and personally I think it is the perfect brush period. I have several custom silvertips and a Plisson HMW and a Simpson chubby 3 and considering price and performance and all that I'll take the Rooney every time.

[BeBerlin]

Originally Posted by matt

Any suggestions?

Get a Thäter. Outperforms any Simpson, but is more reasonably priced. H.L. Thäter Dachs-Rasierpinsel Made in Germany - Home

[matt]

Well, this may sound interesting but I think I am going to go with a Rooney 3/1 or 1/1 I would like a soap brush and these would be good. I have heard great things about them and while I feel the PJ2 should be better as it is so much more expensive, I would not be surprised if I were to choose the Rooney over the PJ2 most days of the week. I'll let you know how it goes when I get the brush.