Brad Sears Handle and Knot Appreciation

Ken, help me understand why an artisan is stalking the thread of another artisan?  I remember the unprovoked and highly disparaging posts you made regarding Brad on TSN; it was shocking originating from a fellow artisan, both for the nastiness of the posts and the reputation of the character of the target. 

The post in question has zero to do with you; in fact, I try hard not to think of you.  To make it crystal clear, I was referencing that Brad isn't as well known nor credited for his excellent brushes, positive customer service and generally being a decent human being as he deserves.  How is that for clarity?

Ken, help me understand why an artisan is stalking the thread of another artisan?  I remember the unprovoked and highly disparaging posts you made regarding Brad on TSN; it was shocking originating from a fellow artisan, both for the nastiness of the posts and the reputation of the character of the target. 

The post in question has zero to do with you; in fact, I try hard not to think of you.  To make it crystal clear, I was referencing that Brad isn't as well known nor credited for his excellent brushes, positive customer service and generally being a decent human being as he deserves.  How is that for clarity?

I sometimes browse Brush Forums. I don't stalk anyone. And I think I have just as much right as anyone to post. I asked a simple question in response to a post that struck me as cryptic.

With regard to the thread you're referring to on TSN, there's a lot you don't know. What I posted was absolutely not unprovoked. And setting the record straight, not disparagement was my purpose. 

I said nothing there that wasn't 100% true. I remember at the time you characterized something I said as innuendo. There was no innuendo anywhere in what I posted. But I wondered if there might be some of that in your post here. So I asked. 

What do you believe I have said anywhere with reference to anything that wasn't truthful?

ChiefBroom   and DanLaw  if you’d like to take your discussion offline into PM it would be appreciated. I’ll leave the posts as they stand for now but if the discussion continues to deteriorate I will delete posts and possibly close the thread. 

And ChiefBroom you might want to clean out your PM space. I had intended this message as a PM but your inbox is full and not accepting any more messages.

I wanted to say that I had a top notch experience commissioning my “Pug” from Brad. I noticed that the “Brad Sears Shaveworks Finest” knot photo looked as close as anything I’ve seen in a long time to Rooney Finest. It turned out it isn’t just the look—they have a similar feel in every respect IMO. I got last 28mm knot that Brad had from this batch; I hope Brad will be able to continue offering this type of hair since it is uncommon to find anything similar to Rooney Finest these days.

Brad makes hand turned, quality, unique brushes.

I used a custom Scotsman XL today in fact.

I assume most who have purchased directly from Brad, or signed up for email notifications, received this update in early April, but just in case:

" Gentlemen,

I wanted you to know first: that I expect to turn 75 this year.  It is tough to accept, but I am beginning to slow down.  So, secondly:  for that and other reasons, Nancy and I plan to semi-retire from the brush making business by this Fall.

We want to bow out gracefully and so plan to take custom orders for Morris & Forndran brushes until July 31st to allow sufficient time to have those brushes ready for delivery by—and hopefully before—early-to-mid Fall.

Afterward, we plan to continue the BSSW website and BSSW brushes until at least the Fall of 2024 both to maintain Morris & Forndran warranty service and to keep me from driving Nancy crazy(!).

The past 11 years have been a great run.  Yet, as Solomon wrote some three thousand years ago: “There is an appointed time for everything.  And there is a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).  This particular time is approaching an end.

Nancy, Lee, and I (and, of course, Gus) have thoroughly enjoyed not only creating these brushes for you but also the opportunities this effort has afforded us to interact—and become friends—with many of you.

Thank you all, Very Much!


Best regards,

Brad Sears
Founder, Co-Owner
Brad Sears ShaveWorks "

Not a glamour shot - uncle Rico would like something “billowy” in the background. 

Brad Sears - 3 band 26mm custom Scotsman XL. 

I have six of his brushes. Every one is a winner.

Ken, help me understand why an artisan is stalking the thread of another artisan?  I remember the unprovoked and highly disparaging posts you made regarding Brad on TSN; it was shocking originating from a fellow artisan, both for the nastiness of the posts and the reputation of the character of the target. 

The post in question has zero to do with you; in fact, I try hard not to think of you.  To make it crystal clear, I was referencing that Brad isn't as well known nor credited for his excellent brushes, positive customer service and generally being a decent human being as he deserves.  How is that for clarity?

Brad Sears oh my gosh simply known for his excellence in his brushes and Customer Service is the best I have experienced amongst brush makers, I have nothing but the best to say about Brad Sears