Henson Razor First Use: October 14, 2021 "First ever Face and Head shave with the Henson AL 13 Mild. I had my doubts with the small blade gap but the results just blew me away! Ridiculously good!" Henson Usage through 09/21/2023 Total shave with Henson Razors: 659 Detailed breakdown by model: Henson AL13 Mild = 167 Henson AL13 Medium = 88 Henson AL13 Aggressive= 217 Henson Ti22 Mild = 158 Henson Ti22 Aggressive = 30
Interesting. My Medium doesn't have that. But on their website, they just call the Mild an Al13, and a separate razor is the AL13-M for Medium. For Titanium, the Ti22, there is a dropdown with 3 options, but they don't use +, ++, and +++. They didn't consult me when they built their website, but if they had, I would have suggested one order form -- you choose Al13 or Ti22 with radio buttons or a dropdown, then you choose color (if applicable), then aggression. I always follow the KISS principle, but what do I know? All I know is that their website is confusing, and the terminology used by enthusiasts doesn't match how they market their razors -- which is not Henson's fault. They made a small batch of aggressive AL13s, talked about on forums, but then you go to their site and you look like crazy because it's not there. That's because for reasons only known to Henson, the wall, and the lamp post, they don't currently make them in Aluminum. I'm a nauseating fuss-budget when it comes to these things.
I’m wondering when you purchased your razor. Back when they were released in 2020 the ‘mild’ as we now know it was marketed as a women’s razor while the ‘medium’ was the men’s razor. At some point they dropped the gender designations in favour of mild and medium. I’m wondering if that’s when the + and ++ apprared. The aggressive +++ was only available in Titanium but they have since released the aggressive in the aluminum models as well.
About 2 and 1/2 years ago. The box is marked "Medium". I didn't see the aggressive in Aluminum on their site -- people are selling them for well over $100 on eBay. In fact, in their FAQ, they state the aggressive is exclusive to the Ti22. They don't mention that they had a limited run in aluminum -- but they did.
In the spring of 2022 they did a limited test run of offering an aggressive AL13. I didn’t see the announcement but heard second hand on the shaving forums. I reached out to Henson and they did have a few left so they provided me a link to order one. Paul
For those interested in purchasing an AL13: Shave Nation offers them for sale: https://shavenation.com/products/henson-al13-safety-razor-mild-or-medium?_pos=3&_sid=7a92e0140&_ss=r Paul
Thanks. Geo Fatboy didn't consult with me regarding how to order -- but evidently read my mind. Weird though why someone is charging a premium for AL13 Aggressive on eBay. I must be missing something. It's amazing how the last place to find out the details of a razor or what the heck is going on is on the actual vendor's website. C.F. Wolfman for example. I couldn't find any info about even the existence of the Osprey on the Blackland site the last time I looked about a week ago. Go to forums or youtube -- you get all the info you want. I shaved with my AL13 Medium today for the first time since early this year. "Medium" aggressiveness definitely describes it. I didn't get any nicks, but I did get some irritation. Very efficient, though. What happens is that it started to drag (suction effect), so I pressed a little too hard. For me, it seems no matter how long I've been wet shaving, when I pick up a new razor, or one I haven't used in a while, I start to make rookie mistakes. To add to that, I had been shaving with a Feather AS-D2 for almost a week. I've never used the AL13 (I refuse to add the '+'), but the AL13-M is definitely not fool-proof, or for the first time wet-shaver. I don't think the Aggressive version would agree with me.
I hereby declare you the resident Henson razor expert. I checked my e-mail archive. I bought my AL13-M in April 2021 from Bullgoose. Could have been older stock -- but the one I have does not have any '+'s on it. It came with a tuck of Astra SPs.
Thank you!! You bought your about six months before I did. I've used one Henson or another almost everyday since. Looking at my daily stats I've shaved with Henson razor 689 times. Prior to that I was honing my wet shaving skills with my vintage Gillette 195. Along the way I tried the Merkur 34c, Muhle R89, and the Feather AS-D2. The 195 was a PIF from a very kind person on this forum. I gave that one to one of my sons. As for the rest, I sold the AS-D2 and Pif'ed the rest. In June I dropped my first Henson Aggressive on the floor and two corners bent. (It was a hard fall). I filed down the bent corners and continued shaving with it. I was wondering if the shave might be affected so I sent in some photos to Henson Support. They confirmed that the razor would function as normal. They offered me a new razor at a 50% discount so I took advantage of that amazing offer. It was the latest model wit hall the improvements so I took advantage of that offer. Once the new one arrived I PIF'ed the original and is now making the rounds among the wet shaver community. I agree with your assessment. I can take liberties with the mild that I wouldn't attempt with the M or A. I'm a daily head and partial face shaver and expect consistent excellence from my tools. The Henson absolutely delivers. In my experience I find these results consistent with every shave. Henson's are hands down my favorite razors. Mild = Near BBS Medium = Closer BBS Aggressive = BBS In terms of performance I find no difference between aluminum and Titanium. Paul
Ever wonder what the differences are between Version one and Version two? Henson Support sent me the following: The design team weighed both customer feedback and test results, to introduce several enhancements to both the AL13 and Ti22 razors. Increased grip The overall diameter of the handle has been increased by 0.010”. Also, the textured portions of the handle have been made more pronounced. Both of these changes improve the overall grip and handling of the razor. Reshaped channels The lather channels in the baseplate have been reshaped and the center webs of the lather slots have been removed, resulting in improved hair and lather evacuation. Softened edges and added bevels The edges of the baseplate and top cap have been softened in an effort to reduce any unwanted sharpness from the outer edges and corners of the razor head. Also, a large bevel has been added to the outer corners of the razor head. These changes improve comfort, control, and precision during shaving, especially when maneuvering around obstacles, such as next to the nose and mouth. Removed end posts The small posts at the ends of the blade gap have been removed from the baseplate. One resulting benefit of this is that the very ends of the razor blade's edge are able to perform better. Also, since the shape of the lather channel is now completely through the razor head, the rinsing of the razor is improved. Added razor head grip Indents have been added at the ends of the razor head to assist with gripping the head for assembly and disassembly for blade changes, cleaning, etc. Chip groove A small notch has been added to the top of the top cap threaded post to help keep the threads clean and free of debris. All the best, Henson Shaving Paul
I assume by 195 that you mean a FatBoy? Just a guess: you refuse to call it a FatBoy the same way I refuse to use a '+' with a Henson. Thanks. The problem is on forums everyone is always talking about how easy and mild a Henson is, but they are probably talking about just the AL13. That's good to hear -- and what I expected.
I guess there's always room for improvement, but... Increased grip: I have no problems with the grip on mine. Reshaped channels: No issues with the one I have. Softened edges and added bevels:Never noticed an issue. Removed end posts: Never noticed an issue. Added razor head grip: I always use a towel. Chip groove: I hope mine are free of debris, lol. Does the new version eliminate the drag/suction-cup effect? BTW, when I first got it, I used the Astra SP. Today's shave was with a Perma-sharp Gold on it's 6th shave. If I didn't have others razors I want to use in the near term, I'd try my Henson AL13-M again with the Astra SP soon. Thanks
I’m obviously an outlier amongst this bunch. I have a Henson Medium version 1. Honestly… not a fan. I shall say no more
Well, I'm not sure I'm a fan, either. I've had it 2 and 1/2 years, and have shaved with it maybe 15 times. My initial impressions were good, though. One of the reasons I set it aside was the challenge of getting more difficult razors to work for me. That's the double-edged sword of shaving being a hobby. I bought it because of the hype of its unique design, and I wanted to try an Aluminum razor. My 2 shaves with it this year have been somewhat disappointing, though. That's why I will use an Astra SP with it in the future.
All opinions are welcome. After all, YMMV comes up quite a bit in the shaving forums. Perhaps you can share why you're not a fan. Paul
I did notice a huge difference. In fact it was the original is what I struggled with. In my opinion the AS-D2 has the best handle. Very easy to grip and I really like the knurling. Drag/suction: That is something I found went away when I started making a slicker lather. Also I use no pressure when shaving so the razor just glides on my skin with no concerns. I know it's not the most popular approach and I'm in awe at how far some members of the shaving community can push a blade but for me I'm one & done. I prefer a fresh blade with every shave.
Paul, thanks for asking I should have stated this up front. Apologies for that. My main dislike has to do with the angle at which the razor wants to be used. I prefer a razor with a wider range of useful angles as I shave different areas of my face and neck. The Henson feels stiff and rigid, and I’m much more loosey goosey. I also apparently like a razor with a little more blade feel. I do however like its build quality more than the iKon aluminum razors I’ve used. Perhaps I’m just not the Henson Company’s target audience.
Great discussion! No apology needed. It’s all good. Yes the fact that the shaving angle is preset makes it feel more like a cartridge razor. Personally I’m fine with the defined angle but I totally get that it’s not for everyone. It’s worth noting that the aggressive model is a lot more lenient in that regard. You touched on the build quality and I agree it’s just outstanding. Paul
One of the aspects I do appreciate is when mishaps occur, I’m happy to say that they are rare, but when they happen, are quite minimal. Paul
