Thread: Stevenson's vs Simpson vs Rooney

I have a Stevenson's 26mm Silvertip (non over-stuffed) from SRD. I'd like something a little stiffer. Can anyone compare it to the Simpsons & Rooney's in a $75 (more or less) price range ?

Thanks.

I think you mean Stephen's Woodworking brushes. I have never used one of these brushes. However, I know that Simpson and Rooney make stiffer badger hair brushes. A Rooney Style 1 is usually considered a stiffer brush. Simpson (Vulfix) also makes stiffer brushes. The Simpson Chubby models of shaving brushes would be considered stiff brushes in Best and Two-Band Super Badger typically.

Brush stiffness is really a function of knot height to knot diameter ratio (i.e. density) and badger hair grade. A stiffer brush will usually have a knot height at 50mm or less for typical knot diameters. Best-Badger and Two-Band badger hair grades will also typically provide stiffer knots. However, the knot height to knot diameter ratio usually trumps the brush's hair grade in my experience. For example, I own a Simpson Chubby 2 in Three-Band Super Badger. This brush has a loft lower than 50mm, which is a little lower than typical. This brush provides just as much "backbones" as my Simpson Chubby 2 in Best badger lofted at the nominal 50mm in knot height.

If I were you, I would look at brushes and find one you fancy, and then ask about it on the forums. You'll get much more specific information from the members this way. That said, your typical Rooney and Simpson brushes will provide a stiffer feel than a Vuflix-branded brush usually.

Also consider a high quality boar brush. I own a nice Semogue brush. Omega is also a considered a good brand in boar brushes. The rules for boar brushes are different than badger brushes given that the hair is completely different.

Good luck.

Hey JohnG

I have both Rooney AND Stephens Woodworking brushes. They are both wonderful. The brushes aren't floppy but are very soft and plush. The Rooney is Finest Badger, the hair in that one is finer, softer and more dense than the Stephens but the Stephens is still very nice. If I was to go with another Stephens I'd buy one with the 26 mm knot (overstuffed). Overall I like them both, they are a pleasure to use, not too thin and wimpy or too stiff. One of the draws for me in the Stephens brush is that it is made with natural handle materials (ie wood handle) not plastic. Hope this helps you.

Phil