KC Shave at Home offers its own line of shaving products

Longtime friends – bearded Joe Henderson and clean shaven Mike Knopke – are said to sympathize with their various shaving issues.

“Beards are all the rage right now. But there are different types, how they grow, why are they itchy, ”said Henderson. “I never grew mine for very long because of the itchiness.”

Knopke bought high-end products and used a safety razor for “baby’s soft” skin, but he was hesitant about the prices.

So about eight months ago, they started KC Shave Co., researching suppliers across the country and then creating gift sets using premium cigar boxes they bought from The Outlaw Cigar Co.

A few months later, they started creating their own products, testing them on friends and family, and making changes based on their feedback. Is the smell too strong or not strong enough? Which oils have the best benefits?

With their own line, they also have more control over packaging, bottle sizes, ingredients and prices.

They work in the basement of Knopke’s Overland Park house or sometimes Henderson’s Olathe house, making enough products to last two or three months.

“We’re control freaks,” Henderson said. “We can manage it better and make significantly more money, which allows us to be competitive entering the retail space. “

This includes responding to requests from outlets, such as hair salons, who want to offer the products.

KC Shave’s signature all-natural line includes a beard balm that comes in a choice of Leatherwood and Clean Cut scents. The company also offers Polished Mahogany Shaving Soap and Royal Aqua Beard Oil.

Other products include safety razors and blades, straight razors, brushes and bowls, beard scissors, beard cleansers and combs.

Currently, products and gift boxes are sold on their website, www.kcshave.com, and on Etsy, an e-commerce site. They have about 30 gift box options ranging from around $ 19.95 to over $ 100. They also make personalized boxes, like their groomsmen gift boxes.

They sent bloggers samples to spread the word and also handed out a free premium kit on social media sites like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to create a buzz.

“I love the entrepreneurial side, and having a passion for the products has definitely helped me,” Knopke said.

Henderson now wears a shorter beard in warmer weather and for his upcoming wedding in September.

“I shave every day too. It has to stay beautiful, ”he said. “But I get a little cranky around some beards. They don’t know how to take care of themselves or how to use the products. For the love of all that is sacred, just a comb and a wash can keep it soft and fragrant.

This story was originally published June 13, 2016 11:54 a.m.