Brad Sears Manchurian

I know I'm not the only new owner of one of these brushes so please feel free to contribute your own opinions and experiences! 

I have been watching Brad's work in the Artisan forum for a while.  Some of his early designs were downright boring and unattractive to me (sorry Brad).  When he came out with his Beehive and a few other designs I started appreciating his work more.  Still, I wasn't really prepared to go forward with an order as I have already owned my share of various Chinese two-band and silvertip knots (I still own several, just don't want more).  When I saw that he was coming out with a hand tied Manchurian knot my interest intensified and then pegged once I saw Erik's (Mr_Smartepants) glowing review as our tastes in brushes run pretty parallel.  


Having made up my mind to order a couple of brushes I sent Brad a PM with a couple of design requests.  The Beehive concept came together rather quickly, but the second brush took a bit more work to get the design just right.  The results are striking, I can't even thank Brad enough for making my visions come to life!



The new brushes arrived yesterday and were test lathered. Both have more backbone than I expected.  The handles are heavy and large in hand and have excellent ergonomics.  The true test comes this weekend when I get to use them for the first time.

Beautiful brushes Dave.




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Wow!  Amazing amazing job.  I love those brushes.

Those came out great Dave!  I'm already thinking about designing a new one for myself.

These look great! How long did the entire process take from start to finish (Planning to your door)?

Very nice brushes Dave.

I have been using my newly purchased Brad Sears beehive in two-band this week. Very impressive handle and nice large soft knot with zero scritch. I have only one other two band brush that has remained in my den the rest being sold of because of scritch or intense scritch. The Brad Sears is a very nice brush and will remain in my mini cete for quite a while.

(02-19-2016, 10:43 AM)PaneledZero Wrote: These look great! How long did the entire process take from start to finish (Planning to your door)?

We spent a few days going back and forth on the design, once we settled it took about ten days for him to get them in my hands.

My Manchurian first hit water yesterday.  Way stronger backbone than I was expecting (heard stories about borderline floppiness!) and the tips are pretty darn gentle.  Also much better density than expected!  Brad seriously understates how good the knots are!

I compare it favorably to my Shavemac Silvertip in terms of softness (some sensation, a little bit of "squish", but no gel tips), just more backbone.  Mine is in bulb shape so I imagine a fan shape would be superbly gentle on the skin.

Does he have plans to sell the knots by themselves in the future? Bloom shots look fantastic!

(02-19-2016, 02:04 PM)zaclikestoshave Wrote: Does he have plans to sell the knots by themselves in the future? Bloom shots look fantastic!

I doubt it.  From what I understand, these knots are hand-tied to order and Brad is getting these made to his specification for his brushes.  
You wouldn't go to that much trouble just to sell them individually would you?

Really nice brushes and knots!!!

Congrats!!

I agree his hand turned handles have been very nice of late, the 3 handles shown here are beautiful. I'm really taken by the one to the left of that truly unique beehive!

Those knots look so luxuriously soft.

Dave, both handles are resin handles right? What size knots did u pick for them?


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(02-19-2016, 05:25 PM)refles Wrote: I agree his hand turned handles have been very nice if late the 3 handles shown here are beautiful, I'm really taken by the one to the left of that truly unique beehive!

Those knots look so luxuriously soft.

Dave, both handles are resin handles right? What size knots did u pick for them?


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The Beehive has a 26mm knot and the other a 30mm. The handles are both resin, faux briar and faux ivory.

Brad earned my respect after I criticized one of his pieces and he actually answered me with deep respect and gentlemanly concern about what I specifically disliked about the handle style. It shows true character to take criticisms constructively and be respectful while doing so. Turns out his design was pretty darn good as I acquired what I call his "pepper mill" handle and though it looks like a pepper mill was surprisingly ergonomic. I eventually traded it, but still think about that handle from time to time.

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Ive met brad in person and bought a brush from him from him. Great man with great service and fine designs.

Anymore up dates about, Brads Manchurian?

Brad does amazing work.  Here's his 3-band manchurian along with a custom soap bowl for the smaller Calani pucks.

(02-22-2016, 01:27 PM)morecolor Wrote: Anymore up dates about, Brads Manchurian?

I don't like giving reviews after only one use, preferring to give a product a chance to break-in and myself a chance to learn its nuances.  However, since this is such a new product and others are probably waiting for some kind of feedback, here are my initial thoughts.

Moderate density but firm backbone, essentially on the good side of almost too firm (this may relax after a few more uses).
The tips are scrubby with a very small hint of scritch (this too may fade away)
Both of the above are due to what I believe are thicker than usual hairs providing extra resiliency and may take a while to break-in.
The brush is not a lather hog at all so shouldn't need extended loading times or additional work trying to get the lather to release.

My beehive has a 26mm knot set at a 52mm loft (measured by my calipers, 50mm according to Brad).  This knot wasn't as firm as the larger brushes 30mm knot set at 54mm loft (again by my calipers, 52mm according to Brad).  I wouldn't personally want the 30mm brush set any lower and if I were to order again would probably opt for a slightly higher loft, but this again may change depending on how much the knot relaxes over the next several uses.  The Beehive is my preference after the initial use both because I prefer these medium size brushes as a whole and the slightly higher loft:knot ratio puts the backbone more into my preferred zone.  I will update this thread in a few weeks with a more thorough review and hopefully the other new owners can chime in as well.

Guys..
Thanks for the update. .
Will continue  watching for  future  reviews..
Good looking brushes