i have a small Kent comb, and a Kent boars hair bristle brush. As much as I love the feel of brushing my beard and evenly distributing the oils, I can't bear how flat it makes my beard look around the chin area, which is when my comb comes in useful, by combing the flat hair in the opposite direction and then pat it down with the palm of my hands. I did have a cheap comb but started to notice split ends, so bought a proper comb.