As we're probably all aware, the artisanal wet shaving market, while a bit of a niche - is a very crowded one. Competition has gotten pretty strong since the early days (only a few short years ago) and especially over the last year or so. One by one, some have decided to drop out for various reasons, be they business or personal. Today we learn of two artisans that have decided to do just that.
As a small community, we all feel it when an artisan has to change course. Some of them we've known for at least a couple of years. Whatever the reason, we support your decision and we'll miss you.
We wish nothing but the best for both artisans and hope to see more from them in the future!
The first is Obsessive Soap Perfectionist (OSP) with the following notice:
Dear customers,
It is with a heavy heart that, due to personal circumstances, I have taken the decision to close OSP for the foreseeable future.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your custom and friendship over the previous 2 years.
It has been a blast.
Hopefully, this will not be the end of OSP.
All the best.
James.
The second artisan is the Mason Boutique who's been in the wet shave community for three years - and the business for two years. Only the shaving software is going away (the rest will remain). The announcement was:
This is going to be kind of a lengthy post but this needs to be done.
First, I want to thank all of my supporters from the bottom of my heart. Without you guys I wouldn't have been around this long. With the sharing of your SOTD, using my products, would bring a big smile to my face. Thank you so much for sharing your love for my products.
Those of you who have tried my products know how much time and effort I had put into them. They really were wonderful products.
With that said, now comes the news I have been holding out on for quite some time....
Mason Boutique shave products will be no more after 9/29, my 2 year anniversary. Whatever I have left in the store is up for grabs. After the 29th, all wet shave software will be removed from the store and if anything is left, I will sell it at the market.
For those of you who would like to still use my wet shave products, please head over to https://www.etsy.com/shop/STRIKEGOLDSHAVE
I will continue to Private Label for those who wish to have me make products for them.
I will be coming out with a line of Beard Balms and Beard Oils under the name of Brushguy Beard Balm and Brushguy Beard Oils. More to follow when I am ready for release.
Here's a video statement (quickly removed by "Brushguy" Matthew Marting):
UPDATE (09/21/17):
Two quick updates; the Obsessive Soap Perfectionist closure by James may be temporary - and the video posted above was removed by Matthew. Probably due to some #drama backlash and soul-searching. We have an archived copy, but no immediate plans to repost.
UPDATE (11/11/17):
In a post on Instagram it was revealed by James that Obsessive Soap Perfectionist is back!