Brush Pens with Bristles (Comparison Review) 

The first time I used brush pens I was like ugh this looks terrible when I use it. But I tried them again later on and it just seemed to click better, and now I like them. The Pentel Pocket brush and the Mangaka flexible felt pen are my main inking pens depending on the look I want and how small I'm working. I've moved away from using a black gel pen, which used to be my favorite. I mostly use the Pentel Pocket just because it is the easiest brush pen to find and get refills for, and the default ink is waterproof. I tend to use a smoother paper unless I'm trying for drybrush. I originally tried out brush pens with the Kuretake long one you have, a friend gave it to me. I like it, I'm not sure which pen I like more- I think you tend to get used to what you use most. I do tend to like Kuretake stuff. I don't usually use that pen because the ink isn't waterproof and I haven't bought a replacement ink, and it's too long to fit in my normal pencil case. I did get those Pentel color brush pens- the black, sepia, grey, and red set. I have mixed feelings, for some reason the ink seems to be resisted by the paper some, whereas I don't have the problem with my other brush pens. I do really like the red. These pens are also fun to use on brown or grey toned paper. Because of you I'm thinking of getting another black Pentel color brush pen and switching the ink to something waterproof. Additionally I have a few pens you didn't cover- the Kuretake metallic gold, silver, and white brush pens. They're a lot like the Pentel color brush pens but a bit longer. I'd give them just an ok review. The gold and silver are a little odd color and a little on the watery side but flow well. The white ink is thicker and it seems to run out quickly, it's more like a paint. But it's neat to have a white that lays down thick. It still seems like a good option for white accents on a piece, I think this pen would stick better than a white gel pen. I had no idea the tips were so long with the barrel removed! That was really neat.

You can just fill the entire barrel of the pentel brush pen with ink. It's called an "eyedropper conversion" in the fountain pen world.

oh my god i had so many problems with brushpens and couldnt find anyone who was using them and now i found your channel! its a blessing thank you!

I have most these and agree w everything you said. I also have the platinum carbon brush pen and enjoy it as well. Thank you Teoh!

You're one of my favourite youtubers! Your videos are great quality, you get right to the point without rushing and your voice and accent are very soothing. (Could you add the link to the refilling video you mentioned in this video? :)

Thanks for the video. FYI, you can also similarly refill liner like Staedtler or Sajura Micron. You'll have to use a knife blade to remove the top metal part of the liner, then put a few drop with a Syringe. Reassemble, wait a few minutes with the point downward and it's done

If you want a brush pen that can make REALLY thin lines which could be ideas for lettering and when drawing smaller sketches check out the Pentel micro brush sign pen. It’s like the other Pentel brush pen but it’s really thin hence the name micro brush. I really like it because when drawing I can get really fine details in my drawings.

Thank you! New to brush pens and this was incredibly helpful. I’ve been using Micron and wanted an upgrade.

After watching this video hundreds of times since the past couple of yeras, I am the proud owner and regular user of all the Pentel and Kuretake brush pens mentioned here! Thanks a ton just for this one video. ❤❤❤❤❤

Thanks! This is super helpful! Appreciate the honest reviews.

Great demos and very useful information. 👍 😄 Thanks Teoh.

The Kuretake sable pen looks like it would be excellent to use for comics/manga

Thank you for this review. Very informative! Many of tips are very useful too. The one pen that you cleaned and it became "sticky," maybe give a coat of spray can lacquer or a coat of latex/acrylic paint (then seal this coat).

Love your channel. Im starting Suibokuga so im using brush pens and doing research to really get into it.

Great video. I have been using the Pentel color brush pens and sometimes the sakura pigma micron brush. It is good to know what the alternatives are and the differences and specificities.

Fantastic video! Thank you! 👏

You can also get replacement heads for the synthetic Kuretake Sumi. It's number 13 I do believe. I have one of those and enjoy the dry-brush effect when it is running out. So far I've only tried refilling it with Higgins Eternal which gave me no trouble. Very hard to find such things in NZ. Not as much of a range because there aren't so many calligraphers and the importers can't sell enough.

I use the Pentels mostly but recently got the Copic one to work with my Copic drawings. Works good for me 👍🏻

Nice round up of brush pens !!

Another great video Teo. Have you considered small o ring washers to replace that gold ring you lost? One small enough might provide a sufficient seal for the ink. Just an idea.

I have 2 of the Pocket Brush pens from Pentel and use the FP10 cartridges and have no ink flow problems at all.

Having problems with the humidity here in Hawaii too. You can try using regular rubbing alcohol to clean it. It works for computer devices, like keyboards, as well. Test it first before wiping the whole things down.

To fix the trimming that was lost on the long Kuretake you might want to try superglue + baking soda. It solidifies instantaneously and you can lightly sand it down as needed. There are quite a few videos online showing its use for different purposes, including luthiers repairing guitars. I wonder if these might be useful as portable watercolor brushes. Would any of them have an advantage over something like the Pentel Aquash brushes for watercolor? Of course, the capacity is a limiting factor but maybe as a dip-style water color brush…

bro you really help me out of the dilemma between choosing pocket or the standard one of pentel brush pen , thanks bro, I almost get fooled be the seller to buy the pocket brushpen even the standard one is much way better. you are life saver as now i didn't find anyone quite informed about brushpen :)))))))

Teoh always has the best reviews. Want to know more about an art supply? look through his video library.

I've come to prefer the Pentel color brush over the pocket brush. Maybe because of the longer handle it seems easier to control. Will have to check out your refill video.

Greetings from America. I can only get the Pentel Color Brush at a local art store (Not online) in my area. I’m trying to teach myself Oriental brush writing with it and works like a charm. Thanks 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬

I don't use any ink at all only a black color pencil to bolden my lines but I really like Teoh so I'll always be here for the content

Very comprehensive; thanks

I recently got the Kuretake sable pen as well as those Pentel big ones. I'm shocked because the Pentel ones seem to be easier to use to achieve really fine lines than the sable! I could have saved forty bucks. But the Kuretake pen is still very nice to draw with.

Hi! I've got a few brush pens, apart from Kuretake. I will defo try it in the future. My problem with the Pentel pocket brush pen (6:15) is the opposite, the ink flow is a bit too much. They might have listened to the feedbacks and changed something. I can't even keep my one vertically, otherwise it leaks out from the cap. I'm very happy with the Pentel fude line though. I have the medium and the fine tip pens, and it's very convenient for oriental calligraphy or just to play around painting small pictures. Lovely video, thanks for sharing your experiences and tips! :)

Thank You!

These look fun. I imagine adding and mixing ink would give interesting effects. Too bad there doesn't seem to be a "perfect" one between these that lasts forever and has all the good qualities. Is there a kind of perfect pen for perhaps a little more money?

My area doesn’t sell a large range of bristle-brush pens, but I am determined to find a good one! I love the look of “painted” lineart, like you’ve outlined a drawing with a fine paintbrush, and these pens are perfect for it when you don’t have a tiny paintbrush for it

It's too late now, but if something falls down a sink drain again, it's easy to get it back. There is a section of the pips under the drain that is specifically designed to catch debris like that and it's called the "trap". All you have to do is loosen the fasteners for the trap and remove it. put some towels down, because the trap is going to have water in it as well and it's going to spill. Some traps have a "drain bolt", that you can first use to drain any water sitting in it first, so that you don't spill it, you can bring a bucket or large plastic cup for that. If you haven't cleaned it before, it's going to be pretty gross, I'd suggest using gloves. You will find the metal ring in there. I recommend clearing these traps out often, as smells from your drains can come from prolonged build up, but once you've done it once or twice, it's not big deal, you can do it in 5 minutes. Cheers.

I have the Platinum sepia pigment ink, def the best sepia ink I've used. I should really get the black one sometime, to use in fountain pens, dip pens, or otherwise. It's so versatile. Too bad it is always sold out when I order new inks 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤣

great stuff!

The matte/sticky coating on the Kutetake 40 can possibly be removed using alcohol. I've had several remotes with a similar finish that developed the same issue after a while. With some alcohol, a cloth and some patience all the sticky finish came off.

I really enjoyed your reviews. I've been practicing Chinese Calligraphy for 9 months and do you think the Kuretake brush pen suites my purpose? What size did you say the ink converter is for that pen?

Thanks a lot.

Very informative.

Hey Teoh, you said the Kuratake accepts the Platinum Carbon convertor. Does that mean it will also accept the disposable Platinum Carbon cartridge ink?

I use Dr. PH Martin’s Black Star Hi-Carb on Pentel Brush Pen. It flows better compared to Platinum Carbon Black.

The Pentel Pocket Brush Pen does get sold very regularly in US Stores like Michaels. I think it's usually sold for under US$20. The regular Pentel Color Brush Pens are also sold for roughly US$10.

The sticky rubber thing is such a constant agony in Florida. I was looking at that pen before finding this video... at least the No. 50 seems to be fine!

you can remove that rubber coating, that inevidably turns into sticky gunk at some point, quite easily with nail polish remover, degreaser, petroleum or acetone. (if using acetone, first make sure it wond dissolve the [ABS] plastic underneath. )

I bought the Pentel Pocket brush pen and I also have the inkflow issue. I also feel it is dry. Maybe if I accept that it gives dry brush strokes, I will use it for that effect and enjoy it more. Wish I had watched this before buying :-)

My favorite brush pen is tachikawa

My very first introduction to bristle-brush pens was in middle school. The art teacher must've seen something in me to let me try it out for a week. It only recently popped back into my mind to try one again, but every other pen (and review video) I'd found had the sponge nib rather than bristles. Thanks for including the word 'bristles' in the title of your video. I'll take into consideration what you recommend before getting a bristle-brush pen.

sensei...can i thin carbon ink with water ? and use it in those sailor brush pens? the more economic ones :)? i mean i know it's expensive ink to use but , i'm thinking to mix a lighter version of it and keep a healthy amount of it to refill the cheaper sailor and always have the same light marker for a initial outline of any sketch ,instead of using pencil :)

Thanks for another interesting and helpful video, Teoh. I see that you didn't replace the Copic feed after refilling the ink. Will this make a difference to how the pen works?

Can you take off the ring on the cheaper Kuretake brush pen to get access to longer bristles?

Cool thanks.

Hi, have you ever tried Blue Heron Arts pocket piston filling brush pens? Would love to see your opinion on those.

The slow flow on the Pentel might be remedied by simply keeping it stored vertically with the tip down. I just did it for a few hours and the flow was fine.

I know you are talking about brush pens but I have a question about regular watercolors brushes that I already have. Do I need to have dedicated brushes for ink or can I use my watercolor brushes without them getting ruined by the ink? Im about to buy my first set of inks and dont know if I should buy some brushes too just for them. Dont wanna hurt my brushes and I dont know how inks work! Please let me know. Thanks! 😊

you can try my pentel pocket brush when we meet! its inkflow is pretty different from the one you've shown.

Are refillable brushpens really worth it? I'm always afraid that the bristles would fray out too quickly before I get the chance to refill it a bunch

I think the Tombow ones are the best so far

Is it normal for the #13 brush to be a little stiff toward the top?? I bought it last week and it works fine but was curious.

if u like the pentel colour brush pen check out the kuretake zig cartoonist, similar style very nice :)

How best to store them? horizontal? tip down? Thanks.

My Pentel Pocket Brush Pen is definitely much wetter. I wonder if your pen isn't partially clogged? What are your favourite permanent black inks for brush and fountain pen? (I'm sure you've said, so my apologies.)

Is the Kuretake brush pen the one that you can find replacement brush tips fot?

You can use a platinum convertor with the pentel brush pen too

Can you refill the brushpen with waterproof ink?? I always thought that they dry out like feltonpens

Is there a difference in brush tip quality between Kuretake's No .13 and their No. 50? Thank you

Can the kuretake fountain brush pen 85 use other tips

Did the pentel pens always have slow ink flow? I wonder if there is some dried ink in the mechanics of the pen? I have issues with ink flow with my fountain pens sometimes because of dried ink clogging the flow. Sometimes I soak my nibs in rubbing alcohol to get the clogs out and that helps!

Kuretake available from JetPens.

brush pens are the best for inking lots of variation in your strokes.

Hello!😃 can i ask a question? What brush pen that doesn't fray? Thanks!😁 btw this video also helps 😁

I sure wish you could leave links or a list of the pens you used...still I look to your videos for honest reviews and information.

I have a Pentel Pocket Brush Pen and my experience is the opposite, the ink flows much too fast and causes the bristles to not be able to maintain a sharp point. Even worse, it lays down too much ink creates almost blobs on ink

Is it possible to just put ink in the body of the pentel pocket brush pen, avoiding a cartridge all together?

your local hardware store might have a small ring that will fit the brush pen so it stops leaking.

Hey Teoh do you know if it’s problematic to carry a brush pen with ink inside like the Pentel on an airplane with you because of the air pressure?

Could you please recommend a red (or orange) color ink refill for weasel hair brush pen? Thank you!

I have a pentel color brush pen and i love it . what do you all think

As far as brush tip characteristics have you found that the Kuretake brushes are soft/mushy and Pentel springy / snappy / flexible?

2:21 I recommend be very careful in this step, you don’t want an accidental tattoo like me 😂😂😭

Can I use carbon ink like rotring ink in pantel Color brush pen as refill???

Anyway you could put links in the description for ones you review put USA and any others many just put UK then I can't find it in AMAZON USA ones I appreciate it so much just makes it easier for us to get the right ones. Appreciate it so much. ❤Love your video's you are amazing. So talented Wowzie are you ever. 😃 ❤

Here I am, looking for a brush pen to get. Dreaming that I can draw like Kim Jung Gi.

The pentel pocket brush pen is great but it's slightly expensive.

Hello Teoh I have some questions for you. Is the Kuretake Sumi Brush Pen (model: DT140-13C) the same as the Kuretake #13 Sumi Fountain Brush Pen. And also the ink converter you use for Kuretake Sumi Brush Pen, you call it " platinum ink converter" but when I search for it online I can only find it for fountain pens.. thx for the help. I like your vids. :)

What is the best brush pen and the cheapest brush pen

that matte, rubberized "soft touch" coating is well known to degrade, and turn into sticky gunk. it's hated by electrinics collectors. the good news is, that it easily comes off with rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover or acetone. (depending on the composition. watch out, acetone melts into pens made of ABS)

nice, my kuratakis are leaking everywhere for some reason

Hello! Is Kiwa-Guro waterproof?

You can refill

Do the tip wear out overtime?

Thanks for this informative video. Now I can refill my disposable brush pens 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

👍👌😍

Kuretake is so sexy looking! Love it!

interesting because none of them make a clean line as nice dipped bristle brush....

put a little steel ball in the pentel... and the ink will flow like the original one

put little hot glue used copper wires ⭕ the ink no comeout

Is a muji brush pen a good brush pen?

My pentel has no ink flow problem yet. I've been using it about a year. I think you might be cursed.....