i got a SMF brush yesterday and it is a wonderful brush. not like the kent bk8 i have. the handle has the more bulbous look at the end, where the heft of the handle is against the meat of the palm, and not the other way around with most shave brushes, where it is bigger and heavier near the knot. the bristles themselves are longer and it kinda like sucks my face. true silvertip, very soft, holds a lot of water. that first lathering with hot water, you feel the heat against your skin

sam