Seeing as the BK4 performs so well with the DRH soaps, I would like to have another one to use in rotation. The problem is they are no longer available. So, I am considering one of the other Kent brushes to try out and see if it can allow the BK4 some much needed rest every other day.
I see the H4 is also no longer produced, but some can be found as they were not as popular. It is in between the BK2 and BK4 in quality of badger hair. Not many reviews on them though. There is also the BK4S, which is Kent's current (synthetic) offering. I wonder if either can even remotely compare to the BK4 in performance. I do not expect an exact replacement and assume I will have to lower my expectations as there will be compromises with them. But will they be decent substitutes?
Any thoughts?
Kent H4 or BK4S??
Kent H4 or BK4S??
~ Tim ~
"Always do right. That will gratify some of the people, and astonish the rest."
~Mark Twain
"Always do right. That will gratify some of the people, and astonish the rest."
~Mark Twain
Re: Kent H4 or BK4S??
Tim, a synthetic can be a good brush, but its performance characteristics will be different from those of your BK4.
If you want similar performance, I think you'll need to stick to badger.
- Murray
PS. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try out a synthetic brush for a new experience.
If you want similar performance, I think you'll need to stick to badger.
- Murray
PS. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try out a synthetic brush for a new experience.
Re: Kent H4 or BK4S??
The BK4 is not a dense brush, but performs better than you would expect on hard soaps. If you want a new experience I would consider a denser brush for a different face feel. I'm out of touch with brushes these days, having sufficient from the past. I would have suggested, back then, a Duke 3, a Beaufort 4 or even an Omega boar.
"Je n'ai pas besoin de cette hypothèse."
Pierre-Simon de Laplace
Pierre-Simon de Laplace
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Re: Kent H4 or BK4S??
Tim,
It is mournful that Kent has gone completely synthetic as I think their badger brushes were quite excellent.
I had a BK4 myself and gave it to my youngest son. He's only 11 years old so he still let's dear old dad use it once in a blue moon. It is an excellent brush.
If you don't mind ebay you could set up a saved search there for one of these. They do pop up on there every now and then. You'll get a notification when one comes up. Of course, because of their heritage value and high demand, their price will reflect these things accordingly. But you never know because you could have one pop up that the seller has no idea with regards to what they have and will list it with a buy it now option which will allow the early bird to snatch it up at a reasonable price. Similarly every now and then you get a time period when the usual seekers aren't paying attention and the price doesn't go through the roof. These circumstances are relatively rare though.
The Kent BK's were an excellent value IMHO. They rivaled Plisson HMW's in many ways. To me those two seemed very similar with the Plissons having greater density and back bone. The feeling on the face is very similar to me, nigh identical. The Plisson is superior but gosh those brands of brushes were close.
You could just splurge and get a Plisson in size 12 HMW but they are mighty expensive. And you may have to deal with the occasional quality control issues (my knot fell out of my handle after a few months and I had to re-cement it with marine grade cement). But once you get the kinks worked out you should have another life-long performer.
Here's hoping you find something that works for you.
Chris
It is mournful that Kent has gone completely synthetic as I think their badger brushes were quite excellent.
I had a BK4 myself and gave it to my youngest son. He's only 11 years old so he still let's dear old dad use it once in a blue moon. It is an excellent brush.
If you don't mind ebay you could set up a saved search there for one of these. They do pop up on there every now and then. You'll get a notification when one comes up. Of course, because of their heritage value and high demand, their price will reflect these things accordingly. But you never know because you could have one pop up that the seller has no idea with regards to what they have and will list it with a buy it now option which will allow the early bird to snatch it up at a reasonable price. Similarly every now and then you get a time period when the usual seekers aren't paying attention and the price doesn't go through the roof. These circumstances are relatively rare though.
The Kent BK's were an excellent value IMHO. They rivaled Plisson HMW's in many ways. To me those two seemed very similar with the Plissons having greater density and back bone. The feeling on the face is very similar to me, nigh identical. The Plisson is superior but gosh those brands of brushes were close.
You could just splurge and get a Plisson in size 12 HMW but they are mighty expensive. And you may have to deal with the occasional quality control issues (my knot fell out of my handle after a few months and I had to re-cement it with marine grade cement). But once you get the kinks worked out you should have another life-long performer.
Here's hoping you find something that works for you.
Chris