Kent H8 vs. Kent BK8

[vocalistbob]

I always wanted a Kent BK8 brush, but the retail price was a bit too high for me. I had never heard of the (Super Badger) H8, but when I found the H8 at a big discount, I jumped on it. A few weeks later, I found an excellent deal on the BK8, and couldn't help myself....so now I own both.

I figured that the less expensive H8 was the practical choice because I assumed that its stiffer backbone would work better than the Silvertip with soaps. So I was surprised that it seems to work as well as the H8 with soap and of course was softer on my face when lathering. They are both a tad floppy, but I kind of enjoy it.

I really liked the H8 a lot - until the BK8 arrived. As a matter of fact, I still like it - it's just that the BK8 is a better brush and really lives up to its reputation. As for softness, the BK8 rivals my Thater (softest of all my brushes).

I'd love to get feedback from anyone who owns one or both of these brushes.

[Face&Head]

First off, it is important for anyone considering the purchase of a Kent Brush to understand that due to their distribution channel in the US, it is almost always cheaper to buy in GBP directly from them or a UK vendor. For example if you price the BK8 on their website you'll see that it is £85.00, at the current exchange rate that's~$133. If you price it in USD it's $212 and it is generally found on Amazon for ~$190. I've bought directly from Kent and their service is excellent.

I've never tried the H8 but you're right the BK8 is floppy. That said, I find it wonderful to whip up creams in my scuttle. Due to the enormous blooms on both my BK8 & BK12 they see service most often when I'm doing both a face & head lather. But my favorite Kent by far is the butterscotch B&B LE below.

[Rivguy]

I only have experience with the BK8 and BK4. I find that the BK8 is a fabulous cream brush that works well for soaps as well. I face lather and find the wonderfully soft hair of the Kent silvertips to be extremely pleasurable to use. I like variety in most things and shaving brushes are no exception. The full size of the BK8 gives my face a great massage as I lather and I look forward to using it in rotation. I hope that you will enjoy your new brushes.

Regards,

Doug

[little Big feather]

Best price for a BK-8 try FEEL UNIQUE...in England...I love mine...Does everything with ease..

[vocalistbob]

That's where I got mine too. I got the BK8 and the H8 for less than US retailers charge for the BK8. I am not slamming US retailers; it's just a sad fact that the UK sellers are so much cheaper on a lot of shaving items.

[vocalistbob]

I agree that it seems to do everything with ease. I have decided that I don't understand the attraction of stiff, scritchy 2-band Supers. Is it because they can load soap easier due to their stronger backbones? A well-packed silvertip might take an extra 10 seconds to load the soap, but then the application of the lather is so much more enjoyable.

[oakeshott]

I have a BK4 and concur that it is the softest of all my brushes and a real treat to use. The softness doesn't seem to negatively impact it's performance on the soaps I've used it with.

Just checked the Feel Unique web site and not only is the BK8 only 72 GBP ($112 USD), but shipping is free...even to the states. I think I'd have impulse bought it, but after seeing the Kent B&B LE above, I think I'll wait till another member gets weary of his or Kent makes another one like it.

[edgerunner]

The BK8 is a wonderful luxurious brush. When I use it, I'm always surprised by its backbone. It doesn't splay out of control. Sometimes, I face lather with it with no problems. It's a big and soft brush by nature but I don't find it too floppy. Against most opinions, I don't feel it as soft as Thater, Rooney Super, Simpsons 2-band, or VL Silvertip. To me the softness is comparable to Simpsons Best and Shavemac Silvertip. The handle is very stylish and pure elegance.

[Face&Head]

The handle is very stylish and pure elegance.

+1

[maxman]

I have a BK8 as well as a few other Kent's and I love it.
It can handle everything from the hardest soaps to creams.

Kent makes a quality brush top to bottom.

[vocalistbob]

The Kent seems to be the complete package - it does more things well than any other brush I own or have owned. Of course, I'm still seeking nirvana...

[maxman]

Do you face lather?
If you ever see the B&B Kent LE '08 it is the best face lathering brush I've ever used.
That includes my Rooney Finest.

[vocalistbob]

I am a bowl latherer, but I can definitely see how this would be a great brush for face-lathering. Hmmm....I'm tempted to try it...