Item Description
This Brush, from Kim Son Handicrafts in Viet Nam, is new on the market. Up to now, Kim Son has only supplied horn handles, but now they've decided to go whole hog and supply a finished brush.
The handles are, of course, hand carved and polished Water Buffalo horn. The quality on this handle is lovely--deep colors swirl in the semi-translucent material. The handle is one piece except for an inset plate on the base, which I think is standard as the horn itself is hollow.
The knot is, according to Vu Kim Son, hand-tied from and Indian company. The knot is quite large--I measure it at around 25mm, with a tall 52 mm. loft. This is a big brush, and the knot is fairly dense. It has good backbone, and was able to handle soaps and creams equally well. The water retention is just right and the tips are smooth and soft--no trimming here. I would have preferred a bit more backbone, but then I am a boar fan, so I have yet to meet a badger that satisfied in this regard.
The quality of the brush is very solid. I can't compare it to the top end brushes, but it is every bit as well made as the Simpsons Duke 3 I tried, and was more satisfactory to use than the Shavemac finest I tried.
It shed a total of 5 hairs in the 10 times I used it, shaving and test lathering. It hasn't shed any for the last three tries, so I don't think shedding will be a problem.
Overall, I have no hesitation recommending this brush for those looking for something a little more aesthetically pleasing in a new brush, especially at this price point ($79 for a horn handled silvertip!).
Give Kim Son Handicrafts a try!
The handles are, of course, hand carved and polished Water Buffalo horn. The quality on this handle is lovely--deep colors swirl in the semi-translucent material. The handle is one piece except for an inset plate on the base, which I think is standard as the horn itself is hollow.
The knot is, according to Vu Kim Son, hand-tied from and Indian company. The knot is quite large--I measure it at around 25mm, with a tall 52 mm. loft. This is a big brush, and the knot is fairly dense. It has good backbone, and was able to handle soaps and creams equally well. The water retention is just right and the tips are smooth and soft--no trimming here. I would have preferred a bit more backbone, but then I am a boar fan, so I have yet to meet a badger that satisfied in this regard.
The quality of the brush is very solid. I can't compare it to the top end brushes, but it is every bit as well made as the Simpsons Duke 3 I tried, and was more satisfactory to use than the Shavemac finest I tried.
It shed a total of 5 hairs in the 10 times I used it, shaving and test lathering. It hasn't shed any for the last three tries, so I don't think shedding will be a problem.
Overall, I have no hesitation recommending this brush for those looking for something a little more aesthetically pleasing in a new brush, especially at this price point ($79 for a horn handled silvertip!).
Give Kim Son Handicrafts a try!
