Need Advice on a Badger Brush (new DE user!)

[andyx1205]

Hey there, I've just learnt about DE shaving and have jumped upon the ship.

I've gone ahead and ordered the following:
Merkur 34C (HD)
Taylor of Old Bond Avocado Shaving Cream
Tabac Shaving Soap
Taylor of Old Bond Alum Block
Derby Blades

All I need now is a good after-shave and above all, a good shaving brush!

I have no idea what is the best to get for my price range (around $90), besides that Vulfix and Rooney are the way to go.

If you can help choose one for me, that is around ~$90, then that will greatly be appreciated! Here's 2 links, one for Vulfix and other for Rooney.

http://www.classicshaving.com/Vulfix_Shaving_Brushes.html
http://www.classicshaving.com/Rooney_Shaving_Brushes.html

Thanks! (if you've also got a recommended after-shave, toss the name out!)

 

[Bertilak]

I prefer the Rooney to the Vulfix.

My favorite is: http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/2053630/2182721.htm

That is only $75. I sold off two of my ~$150 brushes because I prefer the the Rooney.

Some may consider the above brush a little small. There are larger sizes of the same design available at Classic Shaving. I prefer the small size I linked above and actually sold my medium to fund the purchase of the small.

Vintage Blades also has a nice selection of Rooneys.

 

[Eman]

+ 1 for the Rooney. I purchased a Rooney 1/1 in super from Vintageblades a couple of weeks ago and I have not been disapointed. Yes, the brush is small but have been able to make tons of lather from cream or soap with it. I personally like the smaller size because I don't feel that the brush is swallowing my face like the larger ones can do. And for the price you really can't go wrong. IMHO.

 

[razor_n_blade]

I concur with the Rooney advice, they are fabulous brushes. I have had this one in my rotation for about a year-and-a-half, and it works equally well with soaps and creams and has not shed a single hair.

For an AS, I like Nivea balms which are inexpensive and easy to find locally (Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, etc.).

 

[Kmitch]

Go with the Rooney! I like QED aftershave conditioner as my everyday aftershave. I love Penhaligon creams and balms for special occasions.

 

[andyx1205]

I prefer the Rooney to the Vulfix.

My favorite is: http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/2053630/2182721.htm

That is only $75. I sold off two of my ~$150 brushes because I prefer the the Rooney.

Some may consider the above brush a little small. There are larger sizes of the same design available at Classic Shaving. I prefer the small size I linked above and actually sold my medium to fund the purchase of the small.

Vintage Blades also has a nice selection of Rooneys.

Thanks for the suggestion, it's now ordered!

 

[Darjeeling Express]

Rooney 1/1. Excellent decision.

 

[rm71]

Have you considered a Shavemac from Westcoast shaving or a Saville Row from QED? You can get great brush for $90.

As for aftershaves, I like my Old Spice and Tabac. If you can get some, Boosters have some nice stuff. Shavingessentials.net carries their range.