Why do I read so little about Kent Brushes? There are a few posts over at SMF, fewer at B&B, but Kent lovers seem to be in the minority. Can't understand why. I own two brushes. The EJ Medium Silvertip and the Kent BK8. The EJ is very nice, but I find myself reaching for the Kent most often. It's huge. It's a bit floppy. It's never lost a hair. It lathers extremely well. It's supremely soft. It's decadent. In short, it's an AWESOME brush! A bit steep at $128 (delivered) from Kent direct (20% discount code, GBK1777, still worked as of 1/4/07). But WHAT a brush!!! Oh yeah, I ordered on 1/4, received on 1/9. UK to CT in 5 days and two of those were the weekend. I still haven't received my B&B brush (Finest horn ordered on 1/8) and, while I expect it to be an excellent brush, I can't imagine liking it more than the BK8. Anyway, just curious why these don't seem to be any more popular than they are. Kent has been around since 1777 - that's a VERY long time so they must be doing something right! Oh...and they sorta have PRESENTATION nailed...ya think?!
Michael - how would you compare the Kent pure to "other" pure badger brushes. Meaning, I can't see a pure badger brush being floppy.....
The BKs (BK4/8/12) aren't pure badger...they're silvertips. Kent's lesser models (BK2/T4/T8/T12) are pure badger, but I've never seen one. I really have no way of comparing the BK8 to anything other than the the EJ or my old "pure bristle" brush that I used for years before "discovering" how to do it right. I'm sure there are many who would argue with me, but I love my Kent!
I have had almost the same thought about Muehle Pinsel brushes.. Why oh why does it seem that nobody uses MP.. Theyre very nice brushes with a bit lower price than most.. I have a bunch of them and liking all of them.. My absolute fav must be one of my SuperBadgers.. Great Stuff :happy026
Dargon im with you ! I bought a 17 euro superbadger in black handle which performs so well ! its my daily brush I rarely reach for the BK8 of Kent. Both are underrated. The superbadger performs miracles on soaps and creams. it was a sale going on from Muhle when I got it normal price for this brush would be 34 euro ! so why didnt I get two indeed as a back up at Sale price !!! The Kent Bk8 was my 2nd brush in wetshaving journey ! my 1st the Tweezerman you can imagine going from pure badger to silvertip was quite a Shock. The Kent Bk8 is awesome a bit floppy agree but a monster in disguise . Kent and Muhle excellent value !
I have a Vulfix, a C&E EJ BBB, a Simpson Tulip T2, a Plisson pure, the SMFIII by Rooney and the B&B finest. All of them perform well. The BK8 has certainly his own personality and I’ve heard it’s a great latherer. I have yet to find a brush that completely sucks.
I have a BK4 which is a medium sized brush with a 24mm knot. It is floppy.....but absolute luxury. I am inclined to use it only with creams. Highly recommended.
I agree that there seems to be a dearth of chatter about the splendid range of silver tips from Kent. One thing I noticed though, there appears to be only one vendor in the US. While it also happens to be a Brick and Click operation, their prices are obscenely high, e.g. $320 for a BK12. :shocked003 I have a BK12 and enjoy it immensely. Luxury is an understatement when it comes to lathering with this 32mm behemoth, but is it a $320 item?
I can't imagine ANY brush being a $320 item!! Especially when the same item is available within just a few days from the manufacturer (http://www.kentbrushes.com) for $155 plus shipping. BK12 factory list, $194.40 USD, less 20% (coupon code GBK1777 - still valid, I just checked). Shipping is $15.30. Total, $170.82. Just about half price! Who ARE those price gougers anyway?!
Used my new BK4 for the first time today - I immediately fell in love with it. Kent is the company to go for in the future for me.
My BK2 I was lucky to spot a new BK2 on Ebay for about $25. While not a silvertip, it is a great everyday brush. I enjoy it equally with both creams and soaps.
Good Show Dangert I wish I had that much luck on ebay would have been a great beginners brush. Kent doesnt make goofy products so im sure the BK2 is even a great value......... :signs107 PS Where are my manners.. The Queen reminds me luckily .. Welcome and enjoy the Shave Den .
Yes it does! GBK1777. You have to go part way through the order before they ask for it, but I just tried it and it still works. Called a "Coupon Code". Near the bottom of the page where you enter your name and address.