Kent Silvertip or Something Else?

[Jeff_H]

Sometime this summer I'm looking to get a silvertip brush. I typically like to buy something of good quality that will last and last. I'll likely only own one brush, maybe 2. I've been using a cheap boar brush died to look like a silvertip while I learn and evolve as a DE shaver. Over the last 2 years it's softened up nicely and I really have no complaints.

I like simple handles without a lot of ridges or funny shapes. Kind of an hourglass shape, with a small base and a smooth transition into a larger middle tapering in again slightly at the knot. If I buy Kent, I've almost certainly decided on the BK8. Not too big, not too small. Built to last a lifetime, or longer.

However, my wife really likes the new rosegold Muhle handles and brushes, and is pushing me to get the matching set. I currently have an R89 Grande and would order the rosegold in the R41 head. I could actually end up with either the matching rosegold set or the matching silver set using the R89. Also, creme or white for the handle is a must, or a light colored bone handle would do as well.

So, knowing that opinions are like noses, is Kent the best of the best? The most expensive doesn't mean the best to me. I like classic lines and styles, this is why I'm drawn to the Kent over the more modernistic matching Muhle silvertip....but I do like to have a matched set. I want the knot to be soft but not floppy. Some backbone but not stiff or scratchy. Furthermore, I just want whatever I end up with to look classy and last a lifetime. I want even someone who knows little about brushes to look at it and say, wow, that look like a great quality brush. I'd like to be able to pass it down to a grandson if I'm ever fortunate enough to have one....or perhaps some other future relative or friend I deem worthy.

What are the pro's and con's of Kent, and what else should I look at...and why?

Many thanks in advance.

**oh, and I almost exclusively lather in a bowl and then apply to my face. Something about taking the time to whip up a thick lather in a bowl relaxes me.**

 

[Mick]

Sometime this summer I'm looking to get a silvertip brush. I typically like to buy something of good quality that will last and last. I'll likely only own one brush, maybe 2.

If I buy Kent, I've almost certainly decided on the BK8. Not too big, not too small. Built to last a lifetime, or longer.

What are the pro's and con's of Kent, and what else should I look at...and why?

I am a big Kent BK8 fan boy. It is my favorite bowl lathering brush. Hands down. There is not even a runner up and I have a lot of brushes and have had many more that were embarrassed out of my shave den by the BK8

If you are exclusively a bowl lathering person (i.e. you make your lather in a bowl using mostly shave creams and some soft soaps) then by all means get the BK8. If you intend on using any hard (triple milled) soaps or you even think you might want to try face lathering, walk away from the Kent right now before you get your heart broken.

If you want to own a single brush. A brush that you can use to face lather hard soaps and shave sticks. A brush you can build lather in a shaving bowl or scuttle using any soap or cream....

Then get a Da Vinci 293.

The Da Vinci is NOT my favorite brush but it is the only brush I have owned that can do it all and do it all respectably without falling flat with any product.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/297253-Da-Vinci-293-Bead-Handle-Brush-Review

As to your wife's suggestion to get something pretty because "she" likes it. Tell her you like 6" stiletto heals and want her to wear nothing but those all the time because you think they look nice and see what she has to say about your "I like this honey why don't you use it" suggestion.

DO NOT buy a pretty brush unless you want to get a shadow box and hang it on the wall.

Left to right: Kent BK8 - Da Vinci 293 - Duke 2

 

[Jeff_H]

Thanks for the reply Turtle. Does the Kent "bloom" out nicely? I like the look of the head shape and bloom on the daVinci, but the black may put me off a bit. I don't want a fan shaped flat top, but I do like a nice bloom. Like a nice pair of "C" cups.

 

[Mick]

Thanks for the reply Turtle. Does the Kent "bloom" out nicely? I like the look of the head shape and bloom on the daVinci, but the black may put me off a bit. I don't want a fan shaped flat top, but I do like a nice bloom. Like a nice pair of "C" cups.

I almost didn't buy the 293 because of the handle appearance. I am glad that I did as it never fails to impress me regardless of what I use it with. Da Vanci makes some white "normal" shaped handles if you want something that "looks" like all of the rest of the brushes out there but performs the same as the 293. As far as I know, Da Vinci is the only brush company that gets their badger hair from Turkey instead of China.

I have an exceptionally fine BK8. They are going to all have some variation in them but this is what mine looks like in bloom

Da Vinci 293 is a bulb shaped knot. Here it is dry

 

[branford]

Thanks for the reply Turtle. Does the Kent "bloom" out nicely? I like the look of the head shape and bloom on the daVinci, but the black may put me off a bit. I don't want a fan shaped flat top, but I do like a nice bloom. Like a nice pair of "C" cups.

FYI, daVinci's new catalog shows the new model 297, which is identical to the 293, except with a wedge-wood handle in place of the black Plexiglas, as well as the more staid ivory imitation handles in both 22 and 25mm knots.

 

[Jeff_H]

Thanks for the info gents. I did some searching for the Da Vinci's and found a couple that I like. For some reason the plain Jane imitation ivory suits my eye. Classic look I guess. I'm intrigued by the performance traits you've described as compared to the Kent. I haven't used soap since I discovered Proraso Red and honestly think I'll be a cream guy for life, but it would stink to one day want to try a puck of great soap and feel my $150 Kent failed in the attempt.

Overall I'm drawn to the Kent because of their reputation for quality and the classic look and presentation. I've got one of their clothes brushes that I picked up at an antique shop and love it for brushing my nice wool dress slacks. I'll likely buy the BK8 and then perhaps keep my eye out for a used Da Vinci in creme or wooden handle. I think with those two brushes there is no product I couldn't use.

This DE shaving thing is going to get expensive, I can tell. So much for saving money by ditching the carts. However, it's sure fun to have a new hobby.

 

[Crook]

but it would stink to one day want to try a puck of great soap and feel my $150 Kent failed in the attempt.

I have the Kent BLK8 and I experience no trouble whatsoever loading enough product into the brush to create a great lather with hard triple milled soaps.

I'm sure brushes with stiffer bristles will pick the soap up a bit faster but you will most definitely not feel the Kent fail when you try a hard soap.

I have no experience with the Muhle brush or any other silvertip brushes but I really love the Kent.

 

[rockviper]

I acquired a BK4 a few months ago and I must say that it is by far the best brush I've used. For bowl or face lathering, soaps or creams, it doesn't matter. Where it really hits the home run is how it feels when applying the lather to your face; soft and pillowy, but it isn't a lather hog and easily releases its lather to your face, which is where it belongs.

 

[branford]

Thanks for the info gents. I did some searching for the Da Vinci's and found a couple that I like. For some reason the plain Jane imitation ivory suits my eye. Classic look I guess. I'm intrigued by the performance traits you've described as compared to the Kent. I haven't used soap since I discovered Proraso Red and honestly think I'll be a cream guy for life, but it would stink to one day want to try a puck of great soap and feel my $150 Kent failed in the attempt.

Poraso Red also comes in as a soft soap in a tub. One of my favorites.

 

[wagstaff]

Are the knots on the DaVinci brushes all the same? (I mean, apart from the two sizes).
I like the plain-jane faux ivory more than the others because I don't like the look of the metal collar with the logo much.

But I also think this is only an "all else being equal" consideration.

 

[brucered]

I have the Kent BLK8 and I experience no trouble whatsoever loading enough product into the brush to create a great lather with hard triple milled soaps.

I'm sure brushes with stiffer bristles will pick the soap up a bit faster but you will most definitely not feel the Kent fail when you try a hard soap.

I have no experience with the Muhle brush or any other silvertip brushes but I really love the Kent.

My sentiments as well. No issues face lathering with hard soap.

I have a BLK8, but may look to add a 4 in the future.

 

[Jeff_H]

That's some great feedback on the Kent brushes, thank you gentlemen. I love the look of the Kent, love the reports I'm hearing and I really like the reputation and tradition of the Kent. I also feel like they would stand behind their product if something were to occur. I don't mind paying for a top shelf item I really want (although I do still look for the best bargain possible), but I expect that company to give top shelf service and stand behind their product.

I really think the Kent will serve my needs well and if it can stand up to soaps as indicated, should be a go to brush for many, many years. I'd rather have one top of the line brush than 3-4 average ones....all the while wanting just a little more then they can give.

I appreciate all the feedback and advice. I am really enjoying my time here at B&B. I do have a feeling you guys are going to cost me some money though. Someday I hope to return the favor.