The Victorian is clearly well constructed from quality materials, and has a solid, durable feel. It's pleasing to hold and view. The only flaw IMO is the printing, which is lampblack or something similar that I am sure will eventually rub off. Still, it has stood up fine so far, and at least Rooney doesn't use those decals which inevitably chip and peel off.
Rooney's Super Badger hair is excellent. The tips are soft on the face. Yet it has excellent backbone, probably due at least in part to its very high density. It stands up very well for face lathering, whips up lather effortlessly in either face or bowl lathering, and in paintbrush mode lays down a thick, even layer of lather. And it always holds enough lather to give you another pass.
The handle's proportions look awkward in contrast to the knot, but in practice it is well-nigh perfect. It has a substantial, quality feel. Its length and the rings make it easy to grasp for bowl lather whipping and face painting; the slight flare at the bottom and large flat surface make it perfect for palming for face lathering; the broad flat bottom and weight make it easy to set down on a countertop and stable once it's there. I know the Emillion's handle has a cult following. The stately Vic is better.
There is no "perfect" brush, but this one is mighty mighty good and is one of my favorite brushes ever. Is it worth four times what a Vulfix 660S costs? For one shave, no. For ten shaves, no. For a lifetime of shaves, definitely, without question.
Rooney's Super Badger hair is excellent. The tips are soft on the face. Yet it has excellent backbone, probably due at least in part to its very high density. It stands up very well for face lathering, whips up lather effortlessly in either face or bowl lathering, and in paintbrush mode lays down a thick, even layer of lather. And it always holds enough lather to give you another pass.
The handle's proportions look awkward in contrast to the knot, but in practice it is well-nigh perfect. It has a substantial, quality feel. Its length and the rings make it easy to grasp for bowl lather whipping and face painting; the slight flare at the bottom and large flat surface make it perfect for palming for face lathering; the broad flat bottom and weight make it easy to set down on a countertop and stable once it's there. I know the Emillion's handle has a cult following. The stately Vic is better.
There is no "perfect" brush, but this one is mighty mighty good and is one of my favorite brushes ever. Is it worth four times what a Vulfix 660S costs? For one shave, no. For ten shaves, no. For a lifetime of shaves, definitely, without question.