Henson AL13 Review

It’s not often that we get to see much innovation in the world of traditional wet shaving as the market tends to be smaller and saturated with tried-and-true products. However, the Henson AL13 razor has managed to create a buzz in the wet shaving community with its unique aerospace-inspired design and precision engineering.

Within an insanely light frame paired with a tiny blade gap that’ll almost make you doubt its efficacy, the Henson AL13 razor has an understated elegance.

But does this equate to a better shaving experience?

In this review, we will discuss the Henson AL13’s design aesthetic, shaving performance, alternative razors, warranty, price, and overall value.

Design Aesthetic

The unique Henson AL13 Razor features a stylish and minimalistic design with its corrosion-resistant and skin-friendly anodized aluminum construction. What is anodized aluminum and why is it important? Anodization is an electrochemical process that creates a controlled oxide layer on the aluminum surface.

This process not only provides enhanced corrosion resistance but also increases the overall strength and durability of the material without adding any weight. The result is a long-lasting and reliable razor that can endure the wear and tear of daily use while maintaining its sleek appearance.

While this study by the International Journal of Cosmetic Science outlines how proper razor design and engineering play a crucial role in preventing common shaving issues, such as razor burn, irritation, and ingrown hairs, the Henson AL13 addresses these concerns with its precision-engineered head geometry.

Aggressiveness (Henson AL13 Mild vs Medium)

The Henson AL13 comes in two versions: Mild and Medium, catering to those who have different skin types and shaving preferences. The Mild version offers a gentler shave, ideal for individuals with sensitive skin, fine hair, or those who are prone to irritation.

The AL13 Medium on the other hand is designed for thicker or longer hair, offering a more aggressive cutting angle while still providing a comfortable and smooth shaving experience. This version may be better suited for individuals with coarser hair or those that prefer smoother shaves with fewer passes. The head geometry and blade exposure of both versions work in tandem to achieve an optimal balance of efficiency and comfort.

Henson places the AL13 Mild with a blade exposure range of .0007″ – .0014″ whereas the AL13 Medium falls in the range of .0016″ – .0024″.

So which version should you choose? It ultimately depends on your skin type, hair type, and personal preference. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation, the Mild version may be better suited for you. However, if you have coarser hair or prefer a more aggressive shave with fewer passes, the Medium version may be the way to go.

Weight Distribution

The Henson AL13 Razor is noticeably lightweight, weighing only 1.3 oz (38.5 grams) with the blade. When holding the razor in your hand, you will immediately notice the well-balanced weight distribution, allowing for precise control and maneuverability. Fatigue will never be an issue during long shaving sessions, especially given its ergonomic handle design.

Here’s how it compares to other razors:

Length

Standing 4.1″ in total length (with the head), the Henson AL13 Razor offers an ideal handle length for folks with larger hands. This length allows for a secure grip while providing enough leverage to cover various areas of the face and body with ease.

In fact, if you plan to shave elsewhere on the body, the AL13 Razor’s handle length can prove beneficial in reaching those harder-to-reach areas, maintaining a comfortable grip, and providing a consistent shaving angle.

Here’s how the AL13 compares to other razors in terms of length:

Handle Grip

The handle of the Henson AL13 Razor is designed for ergonomic comfort. While the ridges look and feel attractive when held, the knurling pattern is absent to the dismay of some traditionalist wet shavers. However, the AL13 doesn’t rely on traditional knurling for grip.

Instead, it features a series of strategically placed indentations and raised bands that provide a secure grip, even when hands are wet or soapy. These grip-enhancing features are purposefully placed at key points along the handle, ensuring optimal control and precise handling throughout the shaving process.

Build Quality

The razor is designed and manufactured in Ontario, Canada, using aerospace standards, production-style work, and machinery typically used for low earth orbit satellites and international space station components – that’s really impressive!

The high level of craftsmanship extends beyond the choice of material and into the attention to detail in every aspect of the razor’s design and construction.

In fact, during the first year of production, Henson Shaving invested in casting and cutting-edge machinery to create the most accurate blade exposure and critical dimensions possible. The result is a razor with a blade gap tolerance measured in ten-thousandths of an inch, outperforming many competition builds.

Simply put, no expense was spared to ensure that each and every Henson AL13 Razor offers the highest level of quality, performance, and durability.

This isn’t just marketing speak, even folks over on Reddit’s /r/wicked_edge and /r/wetshaving subreddits, where wet shaving enthusiasts gather, have raved about the Henson AL13 Razor’s build quality. You can dive into the discussion here.

Shaving Performance and User Experience

The Henson AL13 Razor offers a whole new shaving experience – comfortable and effortless. With minimal blade exposure and precision-cut engineering, the razor ensures a close and smooth shave with reduced irritation. This is the mildest razor we have tested. The razor’s unique blade support minimizes chatter and vibration, allowing for easier control and a noticeably better shave.

Customers have praised the AL13 for its smooth and irritation-free performance, particularly around the neck area. Some users have experienced a learning curve when transitioning from cartridge razors to the AL13, but most found that the razor’s performance outweighed any initial challenges.

For the best results, it is recommended to use shaving cream for a smoother shaving process.

“The Henson AL13 Razor gave me the closest shave with zero irritation even with my SUPER sensitive skin. It took a bit of practice to get used to the different techniques, but once I did, it provided the most comfortable shaving experience I’ve ever had.” Mike W.

The most common complaint from those using the AL13 was around the “blade feel”. This is effectively a double-edged sword (pun intended). While some users appreciate the minimized blade exposure for its smoother and less aggressive shave, others feel that the lack of blade feels makes it difficult to determine the correct angle for shaving.

“After using the Henson AL13 Razor for some time, I noticed that while the razor provided a mild and comfortable shave, the lack of blade feel or chatter made it a bit challenging to find the right angle. However, with a bit of practice and experimentation, I was able to adapt my technique and achieve a consistently great shave.” Sarah J.

Alternative Razors

While the Henson AL13 Razor offers a premium shaving experience, it is essential to consider alternative razors better suited to your needs or preferences.

Merkur 34c

The Merkur 34c is a standard safety razor with a two-piece design and a short, hefty handle. Known for its consistent and comfortable shave, the Merkur 34c is an excellent option for those seeking a traditional safety razor experience. It features a comparable price point, mild (but not nearly as mild as the AL13) aggressiveness, and a knurled handle for grip, which some users may prefer.

OneBlade Core

The OneBlade Core is a single-edge razor that uses Feather FHS-10 blades for a smooth and comfortable shave. With its unique design and ergonomic handle, the OneBlade Core provides an easy and intuitive shaving experience. Unlike the AL13, this has a pivoting head that allows for better adaptation to the contours of your face. It is a good option for those who are transitioning from cartridge razors but still want a safety razor experience with a single-edge blade.

Supply Single Edge Razor

The Supply Single Edge Razor is a single-edge safety razor with a unique, and modern design similar to that of the OneBlade Core and AL13. However, rather than traditional double-edge blades found in the AL13 and Merkur 34c, it uses injector-style blades, limiting the number of blade options available.

Warranty

The Henson AL13 Razor comes with a lifetime warranty. Not only does this provide you with peace of mind, but also demonstrates that the company is willing to stand behind the quality and durability of its products. This warranty covers any manufacturing defects or issues related to the material or workmanship of the razor.

Price

The Henson AL13 Razor is priced at $69.99, making it a premium choice compared to other safety razors on the market. However, with its outstanding build quality, design, and shaving performance, the AL13 provides excellent value and can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for disposable razors and cartridges.

Is Henson AL13 Worth It?

Considering its design, performance, and user satisfaction, the Henson AL13 Razor is a good razor investment for those seeking a mild, comfortable, and irritation-free shaving experience. It is particularly well-suited for individuals with sensitive skin who may struggle with traditional safety razors.

While there may be a learning curve involved in mastering the correct technique, the AL13’s ability to deliver consistently close shaves with minimal irritation makes it a worthwhile option. The lifetime warranty and durable materials further support its value proposition, ensuring that this razor will be a long-lasting addition to your grooming routine.

What We Like

• Sleek and stylish design
• Aerospace-grade aluminum construction
• Minimal blade exposure for reduced irritation
• Precise and comfortable shaving experience
• Warranty coverage

What We Don’t Like

• Initial learning curve for some users
• Slightly higher price point compared to other safety razors

Bottom Line

The Henson AL13 Razor is an innovative and high-quality safety razor designed to provide a smooth, comfortable, and irritation-free shave. With its aerospace engineering principles and user-friendly design, the Henson AL13 is a worthwhile investment for those seeking a premium shaving experience. While there may be some initial challenges due to the learning curve, the razor’s performance, durability, and design make it a valuable addition to any shaving routine.

Compare the Henson AL13 to other safety razors:

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Buy the Henson AL13 from these retailers:

Buy Direct

West Coast Shaving

Shave Nation

Fendrihan

Maggard