Thread: ZEN Shave Brushes

After seeing a few SoTD photos of these, I've become captivated by the craftsmanship of the handles. But how about the brushes themselves?

I'd like to buy a quality brush once I can afford it. I own a Kent suit brush that I've happily used for several years, so I'm leaning towards a Kent BK4 right now. However, I find the ZEN Shave brushes aesthetically superior, and they're more affordable too.

I'll definitely go with a ZEN Shave if I find out that it can perform comparably to a Kent.

Kent brushes have a rep for being floppy. Check that out if you decide to buy one.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Kent brushes have a rep for being floppy. Check that out if you decide to buy one.

Judging by my Kent brushes, I'd have to agree, but they are nice for soft soaps and creams.

Thanks for the info, thebigspendur and Druid. I definitely do not want a floppy brush. I've yet to use a shave brush, so I have no experience to base this on, but I strongly feel like I'd enjoy a smaller brush with a bulb knot that allows for great precision. Plus, I want a brush that will make a good lather with the widest possible variety of soaps/creams. Any suggestions?

Also, I'd still really like to hear about anyone's experience with ZEN Shave brushes.

Originally Posted by vileru

Thanks for the info, thebigspendur and Druid. I definitely do not want a floppy brush. I've yet to use a shave brush, so I have no experience to base this on, but I strongly feel like I'd enjoy a smaller brush with a bulb knot that allows for great precision. Plus, I want a brush that will make a good lather with the widest possible variety of soaps/creams. Any suggestions?

Also, I'd still really like to hear about anyone's experience with ZEN Shave brushes.

If you do not want a floppy brush you might want to check out reviews of 2 band badger knot brushes. They usually have soft tips and a good amount of backbone making for a good face lathering brush and they will work for bowl lathering too.

One of the 2 banders I have is a Semouge Owners Club, SOC, that has a 24mm knot which for most people is a sweet spot sized knot. It also does not have a huge bloom after several uses like some 3 band silvertip badger brushes do keeping it compact. It is also, I think, offered at a reasonable price for a factory brush considering the type of knot it has. For me it easily lathers hard soaps, creams and croaps.

Sorry no experience with ZEN brushes.

Bob

The brush will be as good as the knot in it. The handle design is secondary as far as function is concerned.
If they use quality knots then the brush will work great.

if it's in your budget check out Thater. I have a couple and they are very fine brushes.