Thread: Kent bk4 or bk8

looking to buy a Kent. Have not owned one and would like feedback if I should get a BK4 or BK8?

Can't tell you about the BK4, but I have the BK8 and it is exceptional. I use it every day. It builds and holds great lather and I don't think I have ever seen it shed a single hair. It is well stuffed - no limpy brush here.

The bk4 is loved by many. Do not have one, but do have the bk8, and it is my favorite. It is on the floppy side, but makes lather beautifully. Would rate it above my Rooneys, Simpsons, Plisson etc (all silver tip, btw). I don't think you'll be sorry with either.

I've tried both and altough considered floppy brushes I found the BK8 to be better. The thicker knot size gives for somwhat better backbone and density.

Got rid of all my Kents.

Definitely found them to be too floppy for my liking. Would have made nice paint brushes though.

Have fun,

Lynn

I really like Kents. Say what you will about floppiness, I challenge you to find a softer brush. It's been said before, they have the best lather flow through.
I say BK4, I think the BK8 is too big, but it's YMMV.

I don't own a Kent BK4, but lately I did some "brush surgeries" on BK4 brushes. They are extremely floppy and in my opinion great as a make-up brush...
I removed the knots and set them at a much lower loft in newly made handles, one at 42 and one at 45 mm, and now they are usable brushes.

I have had both at some point, and like Max, I favored the BK8 for the thicker, denser knot. Both were still floppy, and have long been sold as my preferences narrowed.

I agree that both have good flow through. As regards softness, the the bristles are soft and thin, hence the floppiness. The tips, on the other hand, I found scritchy like any other pure badger.

As for the softest tips, I have found none as soft as the Thaters. Softer tips also on the HMW, Rooney Finest, current Simpson Supers, and even Shavemac silvertips, in my experience. YMMV and all.

I tend to like a sloppy feel when I make an uberlather, and slap the stuff on! I prefer a stiffer brush if using only soaps. BK8 it is. Thanks!

Never had an 8 and found the 4 to be too soft for my liking and sold it. Strictly a cream brush AFAIC. Good luck with it, may be a brush you'll like.