Kent Rules!!! [Archive] - The Shave Den

Michael

02-08-2007, 10:45 PM

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?!

TraderJoe

02-08-2007, 11:41 PM

Michael - how would you compare the Kent pure to "other" pure badger brushes.

Meaning, I can't see a pure badger brush being floppy.....

Michael

02-09-2007, 07:27 AM

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!

DragonBoy

02-09-2007, 01:12 PM

SSLSTudio...

02-09-2007, 01:20 PM

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 !

Lyrt

02-09-2007, 01:24 PM

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.

rick

02-09-2007, 01:28 PM

madmedic

02-09-2007, 01:44 PM

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.

Wecktwonicwhizzer

02-09-2007, 11:46 PM

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?

Michael

02-10-2007, 07:57 AM

...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?! :rolleyes:

moviemaniac

02-16-2007, 02:05 PM

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.

Wecktwonicwhizzer

02-20-2007, 03:07 PM

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?! :rolleyes:

For an imagination expanding experience try this (http://tinyurl.com/3yo2wa).

crackstar

02-20-2007, 08:21 PM

my favorite from Kent is the BK8--a monster of a brush that works like a champ!

Jeff

dangert

02-25-2007, 02:07 PM

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.

Queen of Blades

02-25-2007, 02:09 PM

Welcome to The Shave Den dangert!

Nice find on the BK2!

SSLSTudio...

02-25-2007, 02:09 PM

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 .

PalmettoB

02-25-2007, 03:04 PM

Good score, there, dangert! Welcome aboard!

madmedic

02-25-2007, 04:11 PM

Unfortunately.....the discount code doesn't seem to work any more:(

Michael

02-25-2007, 04:29 PM

Unfortunately.....the discount code doesn't seem to work any more:(

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.

Michael

02-25-2007, 04:30 PM

JUst noticed that you're in the UK. Maybe it's just for us Yanks?

madmedic

02-25-2007, 04:32 PM

I had used it before. It has been a long running promotion......perhaps it has come to an end

Padron

02-26-2007, 06:17 PM

Unfortunately.....the discount code doesn't seem to work any more:(

I just tried to use the coupon, It is still working for me....Might have to buy a new brush....

madmedic

02-26-2007, 06:34 PM

I just tried to use the coupon, It is still working for me....Might have to buy a new brush....

I have it on good authority......works in the US...not in the UK.

Stubble

03-08-2007, 10:17 PM

I've followed a lot of brush threads, and seems to me, when a brush is called "floppy", that kills it. Vulfix are not bad brushes for the money, actually a good value. But, hardly any one talks about them, cuz they got labeled "floppy", just like the Kents. Too bad really, I think they are all good brushes.

PalmettoB

03-08-2007, 10:43 PM

Right you are, Ken! I still want to try a Kent. I have the Vulfix 2234, and it is sorta soft, but I really like it. But yeah, you see "floppy" in a thread, and that brush is ostracized like a Greek tyrant!

Michael

03-08-2007, 10:59 PM

Seem to recall saying this before...I love my Kent!!! The BK8 is awesome! :happy088 Oh wait, I started this thread...;)

Stubble

03-08-2007, 11:56 PM

Although, in defense of the Kent brushes, without exception everyone uses the word "luxurious" to describe the feel of a Kent on your face. Personally, I think 'floppiness' is a poor choice of words. Flexible or supple is probably better, floppy just conjers up some real negative images. Too bad really, some of these comments have destroyed the reputations of some of these brushes.

Michael

03-09-2007, 07:45 PM

Not to get off topic here, but is it just me or do any of the rest of you find that the B&B Finest feels and performs like a BK8? I really have a hard time telling the difference. Both are beautiful brushes, both have about the same bloom size (the Kent is a bit larger), both have a luxurious feel to them, both splay out with just the slightest pressure - yet the Kent is considered "floppy" and the B&B is not. What's up with that?! I honestly believe that in a blindfolded comparison test, aside from the weight of the handle (B&B is MUCH heavier!), I'd have a very hard time distinguishing between the two!

Since I love my Kent (or have I already said that somewhere? ;)), I guess that means I love my B&B too! I expected that it would feel quite a bit more dense, what with the 20% extra and all, but it really doesn't. My only real gripe is that I now have two brushes that feel the same to my face.

Contrasting opinions welcome...

Michael

03-17-2007, 08:30 PM

As a follow up to the above, I've read this elsewhere, but really didn't give it much credence. The B&B brush truly does seem to get better with each shave! Can't quite put my finger on why or what's different, but something seems to be. It really is a VERY nice brush, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous!

Oh, and so I won't be accused of flaunting the fact that I have one and you don't, I believe there are a couple for sale on the B&B forum if anyone's interested.

(I know, I know...this is a Kent thread. But I started it, so I'll detour if I want!) :D

madmedic

03-17-2007, 08:40 PM

Keep talking....you may save me some money!

I have the B&B in Finest....but haven't used it yet. I got the SMFIII first and Really like it so I haven't had the motivation to move on.

TraderJoe

03-17-2007, 08:42 PM

Michael

03-17-2007, 08:48 PM

:signs136

Hmmm - I just had an idea....how about a trade: my B&B06 Ltd. Ed Silvertip to round out your collection, against your Kent :cool:

Nice try, Joe...now read my "custom title" and see avatar. I said it was NICE...let's not get carried away here!

TraderJoe

03-17-2007, 08:52 PM

Nice try, Joe...now read my "custom title" and see avatar. I said it was NICE...let's not get carried away here!

But I've not tried a Kent - maybe your brush could convert me :D ;)

Michael

03-17-2007, 09:00 PM

No! No! No! I'm NOT selling the Kent! :D

In fact, I was expecting my new BK4 to arrive today. No luck though. Monday, probably. Maybe I should start a new thread..."Have you received....?" :rofl:rofl

TraderJoe

03-17-2007, 09:03 PM

No! No! No! I'm NOT selling the Kent! :D

Who said anything about you selling it? :confused: :taunt005:D

Michael

03-17-2007, 09:06 PM

Keep trying...

Michael

03-17-2007, 09:13 PM

Joe...$127.62 delivered. :cool:

http://www.kentbrushes.com/usd/acatalog/White_Barrel_Series_Silver_Tip_Badger.html

20% discount code: GBK1777

"Trader" Joe indeed!

madmedic

03-17-2007, 09:16 PM

20% discount code: GBK1777

Unless you live in the UK:mad:

TraderJoe

03-17-2007, 09:19 PM

Joe...$127.62 delivered. :cool:

http://www.kentbrushes.com/usd/acatalog/White_Barrel_Series_Silver_Tip_Badger.html

20% discount code: GBK1777

"Trader" Joe indeed!

Enabler!

:drool What are the knot sizes, and other specs on these bad boys?

BK8/BK4 is what I'd consider :rolleyes:

Michael

03-17-2007, 09:19 PM

Yeah, I remember. That was for Joe though. Tell you what...I'll ask Vanessa what the odds are of getting you the discount. She'll probably say no, but hey - worth a shot.

madmedic

03-17-2007, 09:25 PM

Enabler!

:drool What are the knot sizes, and other specs on these bad boys?

BK8/BK4 is what I'd consider :rolleyes:

Pasted from another site:

The Kents break down this way; 4s are 22mm, 8s are 26mm, and the 12s are a whopping 32mm.

TraderJoe

03-17-2007, 09:28 PM

Thanks Brian :happy088

Michael

03-17-2007, 09:29 PM

Hmm...my BK8 measures 28MM. And I thought the 4 was 24. Can't measure - not here yet! :mad:

madmedic

03-17-2007, 09:30 PM

Hmm...my BK8 measures 28MM. And I thought the 4 was 24. Can't measure - not here yet! :mad:

Actually....I think you are right. Perhaps you can clarify......while you are organising my discount;) .....and make it quick......I have an itchy trigger finger :D

Michael

03-17-2007, 10:09 PM

Joe, my BK8 has a 27mm knot (not 28 as I said earlier), 55mm handle, 60mm loft, 115mm overall (about 4.5"). Bloom is about 85mm.

Damned hard to measure something round with a ruler!

TraderJoe

03-17-2007, 11:21 PM

Damned hard to measure something round with a ruler!

uh - yeah, I can imagine :::happy001:happy097:happy102

Mottern Man

03-18-2007, 01:02 AM

Joe, my BK8 has a 27mm knot (not 28 as I said earlier), 55mm handle, 60mm loft, 115mm overall (about 4.5"). Bloom is about 85mm.

Damned hard to measure something round with a ruler!

Someone fell asleep in Geometry. :rofl

Michael

03-19-2007, 08:54 PM

Someone fell asleep in Geometry. :rofl

Maybe so, but my BK4 arrived today! So who cares?! :rofl:rofl:rofl

And Joe, the specs on the 4 are: Knot, 22mm, Loft, 60mm. handle, 50mm, bloom, not a clue yet. All measurements are +/- 50mm :D

PalmettoB

03-20-2007, 02:33 AM

Michael, glad it finally got there! Enjoy! (And post some pics when you can!)

TraderJoe

03-20-2007, 08:45 PM

Maybe so, but my BK4 arrived today! So who cares?! :rofl:rofl:rofl

And Joe, the specs on the 4 are: Knot, 22mm, Loft, 60mm. handle, 50mm, bloom, not a clue yet. All measurements are +/- 50mm :D

Attention - this thread, and specifically the OP and his cohorts are dangerous. :happy097

I ended up ordering a BK4 :D

Michael

03-20-2007, 08:48 PM

Hey, Joe, at least you didn't buy the whole BK series!

Yet. :drool

TraderJoe

03-20-2007, 08:53 PM

Yet. :drool

I'm already eyeballying that BK8, and when I get that BK4 in here and get a taste for the Kent-life, resistance will be futile ::

IsaacRN

08-14-2007, 06:44 PM

Tried a purchase on a BK8....not to sure if it might be to floppy.....but the promotional code was a no go :(

PalmettoB

08-14-2007, 07:12 PM

Yeah, since they changed their site, the GBK1777 promo code doesn't work anymore.

IsaacRN

08-14-2007, 07:13 PM

you know.i have a SR 3126......i was thinking of trying out a 3824. Do you think i should go with that..or jump for the Kent BK8

Mottern Man

08-14-2007, 09:31 PM

I have a BK8 I say go for it, that is if you want a big ole honkin brush.

IsaacRN

08-14-2007, 09:38 PM

What do you think

BK8 or a SR 3824

Im kinda torn atm....love the handle of the Kent :P

The packaging aint to bad either.

johnniegold

08-14-2007, 10:01 PM

Man, I keep eyeballin' that BK4. Don't know how much longer I can hold out.

Mottern Man

08-14-2007, 10:11 PM

Buy them, if they don't work you can sell em. :D

IsaacRN

08-14-2007, 10:43 PM

How much smaller is the BK4 from the BK8. I already have a big brush with the SR 3126. Is the BK8 about the same size.and is the bk4 to small?

Michael

08-14-2007, 10:46 PM

I have both the BK4 and BK8. FWIW, while I really enjoy them both, I find myself reaching for the 4 quite a bit more often. I don't find it too small at all. I don't own an SR so I can't help there.

johnniegold

08-14-2007, 10:52 PM

Kent website gives the measurements of each. I am starting to lean towards smaller brushes. The B&B Ltd. Ed., the C&E Super and the SR 3226 are all nice large brushes, but I am starting to go for smaller brushes like the EJ Medium, Duke 2 and the like. The BK4, Simpson Chubby 1 or a Rooney Heritage are in my sites.

Michael

08-14-2007, 10:55 PM

Here ya go, boys and girls...

Mottern Man

08-14-2007, 11:04 PM

Some Pix.

IsaacRN

08-14-2007, 11:07 PM

Damn....why cant the SR have the handle of the Kent :P

Michael

08-14-2007, 11:09 PM

Hey, Will...you sure that's not a BK12? Is it my imagination or does your's look bigger than my 8?

Mottern Man

08-14-2007, 11:11 PM

Hey, Will...you sure that's not a BK12? Is it my imagination or does your's look bigger than my 8?

I got it off Joe, via a buffer. HE said it was a BK8.

Queen of Blades

08-14-2007, 11:12 PM

Hey, Will...you sure that's not a BK12? Is it my imagination or does your's look bigger than my 8?

Just part of getting old. It happens to the best of us. ;)

Michael

08-14-2007, 11:27 PM

Will, my 8 has a 27mm knot and is 4 3/8" high. Diameter of the bottom of the base (the end opposite the hair) is 1 3/8".

And as for the lovely JoAnna............ :love029

Mottern Man

08-14-2007, 11:37 PM

UMMMMMMMM I am in the Navy because I failed math (and English, etc.etc.). :rofl

Mottern Man

08-14-2007, 11:40 PM

http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1579

It is this brush.

Queen of Blades

08-14-2007, 11:54 PM

And as for the lovely JoAnna............ :love029

:o Right back atcha, Michael! :love029

Michael

08-15-2007, 08:34 AM

I wrote to Vanessa last night asking about Kent's discounts. Her reply...

Sorry but there is no discount offer running at the moment. We did have when the new web site was started last month.
Regards,
Vanessa

Sorry, Isaac....I tried.

TraderJoe

08-15-2007, 04:04 PM

What do you think

BK8 or a SR 3824

Im kinda torn atm....love the handle of the Kent :P

The packaging aint to bad either.

Go with the BK4

You already have the "large brush" category covered with the vulfix and the 3126.

The BK8 is going to be a great brush, but could have traits that you hated about the vulfix

Leisureguy

08-16-2007, 02:19 PM

qhsdoitall

08-16-2007, 02:45 PM

I had a Kent BK8 but as I grew more experienced, I gravitated toward smaller brushes---and I started lathering on my face, for which the smaller brushes work better for me. So I sold the BK8 and got the BK4, which is one of my favorites these days. It's great with soaps, great with creams, very handsome, and wonderfully presented. Fantastic brush, IMHO.

OK, sure, remind me of that why don't you since I just traded my BK4 to someone. :p That's OK. I still have my C&E BBB and a nice Rooney that "ahem" someone sold me and of course, my SHAVEMACS!!!. :D Seriously, I think everyone should have a BK4.

Michael

08-16-2007, 03:25 PM

...the BK4, which is one of my favorites these days. It's great with soaps, great with creams, very handsome, and wonderfully presented. Fantastic brush, IMHO.

My kind of guy!! :D

IsaacRN

08-16-2007, 10:08 PM

Thanks for trying to get us discounts Fergie :)

rick

08-17-2007, 04:39 AM

:D Seriously, I think everyone should have a BK4.

Me too ;)

TraderJoe

08-17-2007, 12:12 PM

OK, sure, remind me of that why don't you since I just traded my BK4 to someone. :p

Say it ain't so, Rich http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/shocked001.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

qhsdoitall

08-17-2007, 02:31 PM

Say it ain't so, Rich http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/shocked001.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

Ya, I did but it's getting a good home. Just like the BK8 I had in my hands for all of 3 days. :D

Mottern Man

08-22-2007, 03:58 PM

Ya, I did but it's getting a good home. Just like the BK8 I had in my hands for all of 3 days. :D

The BK 8 did not go to a good home. :(

qhsdoitall

08-22-2007, 04:11 PM

The BK 8 did not go to a good home. :(

aaawwww....it did go to a good home. It just met up with a bad candle. Not your fault Doc. It was an accident. I can't for the life of me figure out why it did that. I inspected it for defects (shipping damage and such) before I passed it along to you and did not see anything wrong with it. No hairlines or nothing. Then again you hit a diamond, one of hardest substances in the world, the wrong way and it simply shatters. Just plain bad luck. No chance of gluing it or did the broken piece break into a bunch of pieces?

Mottern Man

08-22-2007, 04:15 PM

I can't find the chiped part, that sucker went flying.

qhsdoitall

08-22-2007, 04:18 PM

Got to be there someplace. How far can one of those things go?

Mottern Man

08-22-2007, 04:25 PM

Got to be there someplace. How far can one of those things go?

I will find it. I hope.

Queen of Blades

08-22-2007, 05:00 PM

I will find it. I hope.

Try sweeping the bathroom floor with a.....now get this.........

broom. :p

Mottern Man

08-22-2007, 05:08 PM

I will have YOU know that I am the one that cleans the bathroom on my days off.

When I get a day off, I will find the broom.

qhsdoitall

08-22-2007, 05:14 PM

Try sweeping the bathroom floor with a.....now get this.........

broom. :p

I'm sure Doc has an appropriate tool to sweep the floor with. It's glasses he needs. :D

jlander

08-22-2007, 05:16 PM

I had a Kent BK8 but as I grew more experienced, I gravitated toward smaller brushes---and I started lathering on my face, for which the smaller brushes work better for me. So I sold the BK8 and got the BK4, which is one of my favorites these days. It's great with soaps, great with creams, very handsome, and wonderfully presented. Fantastic brush, IMHO.

For which I continue to thank you. I am using smaller brushes with soaps, but that big ol' honkin' BK8 with a large dose of T & H Rose, CF Lavender, or JW Fraser.... just bury your face in it... that's luxury!! :ashamed001 :drool:drool:ashamed001

jlander

08-22-2007, 05:18 PM

I will have YOU know that I am the one that cleans the bathroom on my days off.

When I get a day off, I will find the broom.

Use the vacuum cleaner with the leg from a pair of panyhose over the nozzle for a filter.

qhsdoitall

08-22-2007, 05:22 PM

Use the vacuum cleaner with the leg from a pair of panyhose over the nozzle for a filter.

Must be one of those durn blasted engine ears I keep herein bout. :D

Queen of Blades

08-22-2007, 05:46 PM

I will have YOU know that I am the one that cleans the bathroom on my days off.

When I get a day off, I will find the broom.

1. Man you are whipped!! :rolleyes:

2. Find the broom.....:rofl :rofl :rofl