Kent Combs

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Images

—01. Folding comb.
—02. Wide tooth comb.

Words

For those of us who like to match our Vibram soles with neat hair cuts, you might need to get yourself a neat little comb. I kind of hate the classic black combs I'd been using, and brushes are often too big to maneuver a fine part. Maybe that's why I cut my hair off, but if I'd spotted these hand finished combs by Kent, perhaps I'd have a good use for one of these.

—Available at Brook Farm General Store

Comments

[Headless Hawk]

I've had one of these for a while, not because I saw it on some internet style blog, but because they're pretty ubiquitous in England and it's all my local chemist had. When my Dad once saw it, he remarked that my Grandfather/his dad used to only use Kent combs and brushes. He was an extremely difficult man but was as discerning as can be about such things. He worked as a pharmacist on Jermyn Street in St James's here in London (a street known for it's fine clothing amongst other things; Tricker's for instance have their London shop there). Anyway, he wasn't a dandyish guy in the least bit, but he valued quality, properness and ritual. A few weeks ago I found his original Kent clothes brush, which he would brush his suit down with, when I was rooted through my Dad's shoe-cleaning box. It's a lovely thing, with a wooden handle and real bristles. It must be seventy years old or more. Back then Kent made all their stuff in England, but now I'd imagine it's made in China, which seems a shame, but they still feel great to use and have the royal seal of approval!

[/stream of consciousness]

[snark]

Recession? What recession? Come on guys, let's have a bit more style and a bit less stuff we don't need. Posts like the James Ellroy or Picasso posts. Posts showing guys wearing the clothes they already have, instead of yet another meaningless acquisition. I appreciate you guys are busy creating great product, and the blog cannot be as evolved as hyr collective, but shopaholism in this climate is distasteful.

[Tim]

I'll never forget how cool my grandpa would look when he would whip out his kent comb and put that wave in the front of his hair while gently following it with his left hand. A true gentleman of style.

[Brian Braddock]

As far as I am aware Kent still manufacture their brushes in Hertfordshire. I'm not sure about the combs. It's also one of the oldest businesses in the UK, hence the royal warrant.

[Justin, London]

I used to use Kent, but for years have sworn by Trumpers' combs. http://www.trumpers.com/shop_detail.cfm

[Sorrybut]

Does that come in red brick to ?