Currently have a Simpson Colonel X2L and am thinking of adding another brush. Found two deals on a Kent BK2 and BK4. In one case 50% off. What is the opinions of these two brushes? Better or worse than the Colonel?
Kent vs Simpson
- Thread starter LouieGrandie
- Start date
They're fine brushes, I have the Bk4 and it works. For me, it's just a bit too soft. The only way I like to use it these days is with my fingers supporting the bottom of the knot to keep it from splaying out to much while I work up a lather. If you're looking for an extremely soft and loosely packed brush the Bk4 is it. If you want something with more back bone and a densely packed knot I'd look elsewhere.
I've never used the Colonel X2l so I can comment there.
I've never used the Colonel X2l so I can comment there.
More imoprtantly...where did you find 'em 50% off?
Kent is a much softer brush. Some may characterize it as a bit floppy but it works well. The Simpson in best is a different brush altogether in that it has more backbone.
- Thread starter
- #6
Thanks for the info as I like the backbone of the colonel.
The Simpson Colonel X2L Best is a great all round brush, suitable for soaps and creams, and it face lathers excellently. The Kent BK4 is an extemely floppy brush, and having little backbone, I use it exclusively to face lather my Valobra and La Toja sticks. Great feeling on the skin but not as practical for hard soaps in puck form.
David
I have the Kent BK8 and works great with creams. It's a little big for me should have gone with the BK4.
Ya no kidding. That set my cc to vibrating when I saw the 50% part.
For the money I would get another Colonel X2L in 2-band. Then you'd have a great cream brush and a great soap brush. I personally like the Morris and Forndran Blonde Badger, but that's just me.
- Thread starter
- #11
Since everyone is asking, go to Ebay and do a search on Kent BK2. One is listed as BuyItNow for $53.25
The Colonel was designed as a good allrounder. The Kent's in question are great brushes but much more suited for face lathering/creams.
(Not that I am biased
)
Gary
(Not that I am biased
)Gary
I have both the X2L and BK4 and while quite different, they are both very good brushes. The BK4 is much softer and less scrubby, but I would not characterize mine as floppy. I have several floppy brushes, and the BK4 is not one of them. The knot is soft and compliant, but at least mine is shaped in such a way that it does not splay excessively unless I mash it. While it takes more effort and longer to load hard soaps than the Colonel, it is up to the task, and it holds and releases the lather well. I also really like the look and feel of the handle and the nice display case it comes with.
(Not that I am biased
No, of course not.
I like my Colonel. My second brush was/is a Wee Scot (recommended!). However, I'm now drooling over the Chubby 2 in Best.
A very good brush to drool over!!!
I'm having a hard time understanding how much bigger it is than the Colonel.
Better or worse? --neither, they are completely different brushes. The Colonel is excellent and I'd favor the BK4 over the BK2.
The expected B&B recommendation would be to buy both.
-- John Gehman
