AP Shave Co. is a Canadian wet shaving company founded by Andrew in 2016. The business grew out of his involvement in the online wet shaving community and began with a particular focus on shaving brush knots. AP Shave Co.
The Tuxedo synthetic knot played an important role in the company's beginnings. AP Shave Co. identifies itself as the originator of the Tuxedo knot and subsequently expanded into additional synthetic fibers, badger knots, brush handles and complete shaving brushes. AP Shave Co.
The current assortment at The Razor Company is especially focused on individual synthetic shaving brush knots, making AP Shave Co. relevant to wet shavers building a custom brush, replacing an existing knot or experimenting with different synthetic fibers. The Razor Company
AP Shave Co. Shaving Brush Knots
A shaving brush knot is the bundle of fibers installed into the brush handle. Its fiber type, diameter, density, loft and shape all contribute to how the finished brush feels and performs.
AP Shave Co. specializes in offering a particularly broad range of knot options. The company's wider catalog includes synthetic knots as well as two-band badger configurations, while the current TRC collection concentrates primarily on synthetic designs. AP Shave Co.
This allows customers to choose a knot separately from the handle rather than purchasing only a preassembled shaving brush.
AP Shave Co. Tuxedo Knots
The Tuxedo is closely associated with the history of AP Shave Co. The company introduced the synthetic knot when the business was established in 2016, and it became one of the brand's defining products. AP Shave Co.
The Tuxedo is recognizable by its contrasting dark fibers and light-colored tips. At The Razor Company, Tuxedo knots have been represented in multiple diameters and shapes, including 24mm bulb and fan configurations as well as larger 30mm fan knots. The Razor Company
For customers building a custom shaving brush, these different configurations provide a way to choose both the visual style and dimensions that best suit the intended handle.
AP Shave Co. Cashmere Knots
Cashmere is another synthetic knot family closely associated with AP Shave Co. The company introduced Cashmere early in its history as it expanded beyond the original Tuxedo design. AP Shave Co.
The current and recent TRC assortment has included Cashmere synthetic knots in sizes such as 24mm, 26mm and 30mm, with fan configurations particularly well represented. The Razor Company
Cashmere provides customers with another synthetic-fiber option when selecting a knot according to desired face feel, splay and appearance.
Because knot feel is subjective, choosing between Cashmere and another synthetic fiber is best approached according to personal preferences rather than treating one material as universally superior.
AP Shave Co. G5 Synthetic Knots
AP Shave Co. expanded its synthetic offerings further with its G5 series.
According to the company, it began incorporating synthetic fibers sourced from places including Japan and Germany into the G5 line in 2021. AP Shave Co.
The Razor Company currently carries G5-series options such as the G5C Premium Synthetic knot, while its assortment has also included the G5A SHD Premium Synthetic. Current G5C sizes represented by TRC include 24mm and 26mm configurations, depending on availability. The Razor Company
The wider AP Shave Co. catalog continues to include G5C and numerous other synthetic knot technologies. AP Shave Co.
Fan vs. Bulb Shaving Brush Knots
AP Shave Co. offers knots in different shapes, including fan and bulb configurations.
A fan knot has a broader profile across the top of the knot. Depending on its loft, density and fiber, this shape can encourage wider splay and greater contact with the face.
A bulb knot has a more rounded profile. This can create a somewhat more concentrated contact area during lathering.
Neither shape is inherently better. Fiber type, density, loft and knot diameter also affect the finished brush, and two knots with the same general shape can still feel quite different.
The TRC assortment has included AP Shave Co. synthetic knots in both fan and bulb configurations. The Razor Company
Choosing a Shaving Brush Knot Size
AP Shave Co. produces shaving brush knots across numerous diameters. The current TRC assortment includes examples in 24mm, 26mm and 30mm sizes. The Razor Company
A 24mm knot is a common size that provides a practical balance between lathering surface and overall brush dimensions.
A 26mm knot provides a somewhat larger bundle of fibers and is a popular option for customers who prefer a more substantial brush.
A 30mm knot creates a considerably larger brush and may appeal to wet shavers who enjoy generous splay and a larger lathering surface.
Size alone does not determine how a brush will perform. Fiber type, density, shape, loft and the depth at which the knot is installed all contribute to the final result.
Building a Custom Shaving Brush
Individual AP Shave Co. knots give wet shavers an opportunity to build or restore a shaving brush around their preferred handle.
Before selecting a knot, determine the diameter of the handle's knot opening and the dimensions recommended by the handle maker. Allowing appropriate clearance for installation is important.
Knot setting depth also matters. Installing a knot deeper into a handle can change the effective loft and may produce a different sensation of backbone and splay compared with setting the same knot higher.
Customers unfamiliar with brush assembly should research the requirements of their specific handle and knot before permanently installing the components.
Synthetic vs. Badger Shaving Brush Knots
Although the current TRC assortment is focused on synthetic AP Shave Co. knots, the manufacturer's broader catalog also includes badger options. AP Shave Co.
Synthetic knots generally dry quickly, require little preparation and provide consistent fiber characteristics. Modern synthetic fibers are available in many different textures, densities and designs.
Badger knots provide a traditional natural-hair shaving brush experience. Different grades and configurations can offer substantially different combinations of softness, backbone, water retention and face feel.
AP Shave Co. has explored both categories throughout its history, including synthetic designs such as Tuxedo, Cashmere, SilkSmoke, SynBad and G5-series fibers as well as its Gelousy badger knots. AP Shave Co.
AP Shave Co. and the Wet Shaving Community
AP Shave Co. has particularly strong roots in the enthusiast side of traditional wet shaving.
Andrew founded the company after becoming involved with wet shaving communities on Reddit, and experimentation with different shaving brush fibers became an important part of the brand's development. AP Shave Co.
Over time, the company has expanded from individual knots into complete brushes and handcrafted handles. AP Shave Co. also sources materials for its handcrafted line from small suppliers and artists in countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the United States, France and Japan. AP Shave Co.
This focus on variety makes the brand particularly relevant to enthusiasts who want greater control over the construction and feel of their shaving brush.
Who Is AP Shave Co. For?
AP Shave Co. may appeal to wet shavers looking for:
- Synthetic shaving brush knots
- Replacement knots for existing brushes
- Components for custom shaving brush builds
- Tuxedo synthetic knots
- Cashmere synthetic knots
- G5-series synthetic fibers
- Fan and bulb knot shapes
- Multiple knot diameters
- Canadian wet shaving brands
- A wide range of shaving brush fiber options
The brand is particularly useful for customers who want to choose the knot independently rather than being limited to the fiber supplied with a preassembled brush.
AP Shave Co. FAQ
Where is AP Shave Co. from?
AP Shave Co. is a Canadian wet shaving company founded by Andrew in 2016. The brand describes its handcrafted brush operation as a small business based in Canada. AP Shave Co.
What is AP Shave Co. known for?
AP Shave Co. is particularly known for shaving brush knots and its extensive range of synthetic fibers. The company began with the Tuxedo knot and later introduced designs including Cashmere, Faux Horse, SilkSmoke, SynBad and G5-series synthetics. AP Shave Co.
Did AP Shave Co. create the Tuxedo knot?
AP Shave Co. identifies itself as the originator of the Tuxedo synthetic shaving brush knot, which was introduced when the company was established in 2016. AP Shave Co.
Does AP Shave Co. make synthetic shaving brush knots?
Yes. Synthetic knots are a major part of AP Shave Co.'s product range, including Tuxedo, Cashmere, G5C and numerous other fiber designs. AP Shave Co.
Does AP Shave Co. make badger knots?
Yes. AP Shave Co.'s broader range includes two-band badger knots as well as synthetic shaving brush knots. AP Shave Co.
What size AP Shave Co. knots does The Razor Company carry?
The current and recent TRC assortment includes AP Shave Co. knots in sizes such as 24mm, 26mm and 30mm. Exact sizes and fibers vary with availability. The Razor Company
What AP Shave Co. products does The Razor Company carry?
The current TRC collection is focused on shaving brush products, particularly individual synthetic knots such as Cashmere, Tuxedo and G5C configurations. Inventory changes over time, so the product grid above provides the most current AP Shave Co. assortment.
