Thread: Upgrade to Simpson or Rooney?

I recently picked up a Simpson PJ2, awesome brush...It seems to be in between my Thater and Rooney...which is exactly what I was looking for.

I started with a Rooney Style 3 Super Silvertip and have been perfectly happy with it for close to a year. A couple of weeks ago I picked up a Franks Shaving Company Fine badger because what the heck it was only $19 plus shipping. I have been very surprised by it. I like everything about it better than the almost four times as expensive Rooney. It is bigger, loads better, holds more lather, it the perfect balance of body and softness (both better body and better softness than the Rooney) and it works fine both with hard soaps like MWF and soft creams like Castle Forbes. It lost one hair the first time I used it and has lost one more since. The Rooney dropped a few hairs out of the box and loses another hair from time to time. When I ordered The Franks I was hoping it wouldn't be too markedly inferior to my Rooney. To have it perform better in every area that matters to me just blows me away.

I've owned a Rooney 3/1 Super, 1/1 Finest, and 1/2 Finest.

I sold both the 3/1 and 1/1. The 3/1 was too dense and the 1/1 was a combination of too dense and too stubby. I really love the 1/2 but you cannot get the finest anymore. Not sure how the Super in this size would be, but this is my favorite size for rooney's.

For simpson's I've owned a CH1 best, CH2 best, CH1 super 3-band, Simfix Grosvenor 2-band, and a Tulip T2 super 3-band.

The CH1 super in 3-band is my favorite, though out of your price range. Simpson's best grade of hair is very good though and I've heard great things about the colonel X2L and Duke 3, which seem to fit your price range more.

Shavemac's are another brush to look at and seem to be as well regarded as the Thater's.

Best of luck in your pick, but you really can't go wrong with any of these brands.

What are the Simpson Beaufort brushes designed for? Soap, Cream, All 'Round.

Originally Posted by bconl205

What are the Simpson Beaufort brushes designed for? Soap, Cream, All 'Round.

This brush will probably work with whatever you throw at it. Many people consider this brush a beginner's brush due to its price point and grade of badger hair. This brush only comes in Pure Badger, which is considered the coarsest of all badger grades. Given that, most people would consider it a "soap brush." I have never used this brush and hope that someone with experience with this brush will chime in to help you out.

Again, good luck!

I think I've settled on a Simpson as I will be ordering from SRD. Is is worth the money to spend the extra 50 to get a super as I'm looking for something I will be happy with for a while, or will I even be able to tell a difference in the next few years?

Originally Posted by bconl205

I think I've settled on a Simpson as I will be ordering from SRD. Is is worth the money to spend the extra 50 to get a super as I'm looking for something I will be happy with for a while, or will I even be able to tell a difference in the next few years?

I would stick with the simpson's best grade of hair. I've owned several simpson's and have sold many off. The only 2 I own now are in best and I don't think at this point it is worth it for the "upgrade" to super.

Then again I'm completely sold on shavemacs so take that as you will.

Why not upgrade to a New Forest?

I've got Simpson's, Kent's, Semogues etc, but they've seen little use since the New Forest brushes have arrived. I've used them almost exclusively since I got them and been very happy indeed!

They'll also leave you with a bit of change in your wallet, which never hurts!

I was just reading about them. Does anyone know anything about the High Mountain Brushes he will be releasing next year and when next year?

All I know is what is posted on the website..

It looks like early in the New Year. But, I've got the current brush, the Finest Silvertip, and can vouch for it's performance and quality. I just don't use much else anymore...