I used a cheap plastic comb for awhile but as my beard continued to grow and get dense it just wasn't working. It would pull out hairs, and actually cause some discomfort. I bought a Kent due to the overwhelming positive things I've heard about them. When it got in the first thing I noticed was the weight. It weighed much more than the cheapy. The Kent goes through my beard like butter after I get out of the shower. It'll still pull out hairs and is hard to use when my beard is dry. I will never put a cheapy through my beard again...it just feels "right" with the Kent.

I also use a Boars Hair brush that I got at Wal-mart for $3. It works well and seems to distribute oils/balms very well.

In 1567, Hans Steininger, the burgomaster of Braunau (then Bavaria, now Austria), died when he broke his neck by tripping over his own beard. The beard, which was 4.5 feet (1.4 m) long at the time, was usually kept rolled up in a leather pouch. --source (Beard Responsibly, my friends)