Well, Jim, your birthday has come and gone. What did you wind up with? See avatar and below - BK and BLK4 - for my vote (a shocker, ain't it??!)
The Fabulous Rooney Super 1. Mr Scrubby is in the house! Great backbone, with soft tips. No flop here.
Ya did well. Beautiful brush. Happy Birthday. I have always liked the looks of Rooneys, but at this point I doubt I will purchase one. Too many brushes in the house now between two Shavemacs, two Plissons, one Vilfix, and the B&B limited edition. Plus one no name badger I keep at the hunting lease.
Happy Birthday and congrats on the Rooney! Guess I didn't need to add my 2 cents because that's what I was going to suggest! Just to help you with any second thoughts on whether you picked the right brush...I got my Rooney Style 1 Size 1 (small) in Super from Jim at Vintage Blades. Jim was dead on comparing and contrasting between the Shavemac 944 in Pure and the Rooney. And to make sure I felt good about my choice he sent me the Shavemac 944 with my Rooney for comparison. (Btw he also paid for the Shavemac's return shipping. Now that's customer service!!!) The Rooney won for what I need, a dedicated soap brush. Very sharp looking brush I must say. Yes it's more money (about $20) but it's denser and the tips don't compare. Soft compared to very scritchy. Also the density, shape and length of the hairs make the Rooney stiffer at the end. The Shavemac gives quite a bit. Do not take this comparison as a knock against Shavemac. John