This one is for all you Kent brush users, I am trying to get an idea of the difference between the pure grey, best and silvertip hair grades. I am familiar with Simpson best knots, the Commodore X3 and Special in particular and would love a comparison to those brushes. A general description of how they compare to each other will also suffice. I have never owned a Kent and would really like one but don't know where to start.
Kent Comparison
- Thread starter seanusa
- Start date
- Thread starter
- #2
Any thoughts? I know these are quality brushes with the silvertip being very soft but I know little else, any info would help.
Kent does make a really top of the line brush. IMHO I'd start with one of their silvertip brushes, and judge from there. I have the BK4, and its a perfect brush for me. I also have others in various grades of badger, but the Kent was my first quality brush. I now have a 5 brush rotation, and I used my Kent as my starting point.
I have a Kent T4 and BK8. They are nicely made brushes and were my first and second brushes when I started wet shaving. It has been a long time since I used either as they lack any backbone at all. Way too floppy. I picked up a much cheaper Simpson Special a couple of years ago and it is still in regular use even though my rotation has grown. The special is not very pretty, especially compared to the Kents but it works much better. I use exclusively Kent hair brushes and combs but I would not buy another badger from them on a performance basis.
- Thread starter
- #5
I think softer and floppier oddly enough are what I'm looking for, I find that floppy in some regards = more flow through and I like this, maybe I am wrong.
No wrongs in this game, just a wide range of preferences. Kents are sought after so you aren't alone in your pursuit.
I'd recommend starting with the Silvertip in size 8. mid size, softest and a great all around brush. I've had a few Simpson Best grade brushes and there is not point trying to offer a comparison as there is none, Kent wins hands down for me.
It's one of my favourites and don't be worried about the "floppy talk". no it's not ultra dense, but it has amazing flow, ultra soft and works well for both bowl and face lathering and can be had for just over $100 from UK vendors.
I think it's comparable to my Shavemac Silvertip in terms of density and softness, as I had posted here
here is a pic of it soaking wet, left upside down for a few seconds for excess water to drain out. as you can see, it holds it's shape quite well.
hooked tips on mine makes it a dream to face lather with:
It's one of my favourites and don't be worried about the "floppy talk". no it's not ultra dense, but it has amazing flow, ultra soft and works well for both bowl and face lathering and can be had for just over $100 from UK vendors.
I think it's comparable to my Shavemac Silvertip in terms of density and softness, as I had posted here
here is a pic of it soaking wet, left upside down for a few seconds for excess water to drain out. as you can see, it holds it's shape quite well.
hooked tips on mine makes it a dream to face lather with:
Last edited by a moderator:
Bruce, what is a "size 8"? What model is this brush, a BK4? I've had my eye on that one for some time, now.
8 is actually referred to as the LARGE on the Kent site, but I consider it a Medium based on the knot diameter.
Description of the 8 in Silvertip from Kent:
Traditional large sized, pure silver-tipped badger brush.
Find the BK12 simply too big? Then this is the brush for you. All the hallmarks and quality of the BK12 but with a slightly narrower barrel and a slightly smaller head. Also filled with pure silver tip badger bristle the BK8 is our most popular brush. The brush is housed in a felt lined red presentation case with gold pin stripe detailing.
Last edited:
Gotcha. Thanks. The BK8 certainly gets a LOT of love around here. Seems a bit big for me, then again, I've never tried a larger knot. I'll have to check one out one of these days. But with the full goatee going on, I really don't have all that much face to lather.
- Thread starter
- #11
Just pulled the trigger on a BK8 from a fellow member, it will be my first silvertip brush and my first Kent
Congrats! I predict your X3 will be neglected soon.
- Thread starter
- #13
In fact the X3 partially funded the BK8 so if it is neglected it wont be by me 
but that's good to hear
but that's good to hear
Congrats on your new brush, I think you made a great choice! I absolutely love my BK8 and laugh every time it takes cuts in my rotation!!!
I have the BLK4 (same as BK4 and H4, but a different color), and love the thing. It's as good a brush as any I have, and handles hard soaps and creams with equal success. The "2" is the same size as the "4", but uses a lower grade of hair. Congrats on an excellent purchase.
I stand corrected on my above post with regards to the 2, 4, 8 and 12 all being the same except size. It does appear the "2" is NOT Silvertip, but rather "GREY" badger, which is a lower grade and the 2 & 4 differ in size slightly according to the Kent Dimensions.
But when I look at the "H" series brushes I am seeing them listed as "BEST" badger and not Silvertip. I think the "H Horn" series are a lower grade of hair then the BLK and BK series counterparts.
One thing I have noticed, it appears the new Kent brushes are being branded "SILVERTIP" on the actual handles, instead of PURE BADGER nowadays too to clear up that whole "Pure Badger" confusion some have had.
- Thread starter
- #18
I have noticed different Kent logos and the BK8 brand by the knot and sometimes on the bottom of the handle, I assume these different styles = different years or sets of years, I am curious if anyone has this documented for future reference?
Very nice brush!
Similar threads
- Locked
- Article
