Kent Brushes: The Finest Brushmakers
“Founded in 1777, G.B. Kent & Sons is more than a company; it is a repository of British craft. From delivering brushes by horseback in the 18th century to holding Royal Warrants for nine consecutive monarchs, Kent has defined grooming standards for nearly 250 years. Today, they continue to blend historic hand-drawing techniques with modern innovation at their Hertfordshire factory.”
1. The Heritage
Established in London by William Kent, the business has survived the Industrial Revolution, two World Wars and the 2008 financial crisis through sheer resilience and a refusal to compromise on quality. Known for supplying brushes to the British Army in both of the World Wars, Kent remains a family-owned legacy, currently led by the descendants of Eric Cosby, who acquired the firm in 1932.
2. The Location
Operations are centralised at their historic 5-acre site in Apsley, Hertfordshire. This facility serves as both their global headquarters and a living factory where traditional hand-stitching of bristles still happens alongside advanced robotic precision. Whilst not all Kent brushes and combs are UK-made, their “Handmade” range is manufactured in Hertfordshire and represents the gold standard for brushes globally.
3. The Difference
Hand-Drawn Mastery: For their premium range, every single bristle is still hand-drawn into the wooden handle by master brushmakers; a technique passed down through the generations.
Sustainability Roadmap: Kent has committed to a Roadmap to Net Zero including a 20% waste reduction goal and a transition to 100% renewable energy by 2040.
Ethical Innovation: Kent recently launched a 100% vegan collection using BioniFil® to replicate natural bristles, certified by The Vegan Society.
Royal Provenance: As one of the few brands to hold a Royal Warrant for over 200 years, their products represent the pinnacle of UK manufacturing excellence.
4. The Hero Products
Handmade MG3
Military Oval Brush: The definitive men's hairbrush. Crafted from satinwood or ebony and hand-filled with pure white bristle - it’s designed to sit in the palm of the hand and to last a lifetime.
The MN11 Handmade Hairbrush: A masterpiece of the Hertfordshire factory: hand-filled with pure black bristle and featuring a satinwood back, taking days to complete by a single master craftsman.
The 'Monster' Beard Brush: Specifically designed for thick facial hair, this brush is part of Kent’s UK-manufactured range, utilising hand-stitched bristles and sustainable timber handles.
Hand-Spliced Clothes Brushes: Essential for garment care, these are still UK manufactured using historic methods.
5. The Essentials
FSC Certified; ISO 9001 (Quality); ISO 14001 (Environment).
Product Index: Hairbrushes: 100% Handmade Range, Rubber Cushioned, Paddle, Round/Volumising, Military-Style (handleless), Vented, Baby & Children’s. Combs: Handmade Pocket Combs, Dressing Combs, Tail Combs, Afro Combs, Beard & Moustache Combs. Grooming: Shaving Brushes (Pure Bristle & Badger), Beard Brushes, Nail Brushes, Bath & Body Brushes.
traditional manufacturing techniques combined with modern innovation
