In the market for a Safety Razor ... Henson? Or?

It is TTO or two piece?

 

It is a 3 piece. Cap, base and handle.

 

That model looks pretty nice, but in Stainless it is pushing up against $200 in a kit. Pretty spendy compared to something like a Razorock which, while not the same appears to be similar. Off course without seeing them in person or getting a chance to shave with them, it is very hard to say whether either is better or worse beyond superficial cosmetic issues.

 

As was stated earlier try a sharper blade and see if that improves things first. My suggestion is to try a BIC Chome Platinum blade. Feather, Nacets and Kai blades are also other considerations here.

 

If you want to venture into the vintage zone then 3 options that are easily obtainable and in the under $100 range are the Gillette new short and long comb and Gillette 160 Goodwill. The new short and long combs will cost the least and the Goodwill will be the most aggressive followed by the new short comb then new long comb.

How to identify each

The new short and long comb besides the length of the teeth you need to look at where the Gillette logo is stamped. Logo is directly under the handle on the short comb and off to the side on a long comb.

New Short Comb


New Long Comb


Gillette Goodwill 160. There are other variants but they are more so collector pieces and cost you more to purchase.

 

You can also try to back off the tightness of the handle. Some 3 piece razors allow you to back off the tightness once fully tightened to take some pressure off the blade which in turns increases the blade gap from it being fully tightened down. As long as it is still tight and won't move when shaving it is still tight enough.

 

Little bit of history on this, circa 1910ish.

 

I think that will be my next razor!