Henson Shaving Razor - Aluminum Double Edge Safety Razor with 5 Spare Blades - 30° Angled Precision With Superior Blade Rigidity- Reusable Single Blade Razors For Men and Women - Mild Aggression

Having just used up my last Gillette Mach 4, it was a good time to see the ad for the Henson razor. First shave was today and it was very pleasant. Although I started shaving over 60 years ago with a double-edge razor, I've been using single-edge style for over 50. Despite my concern for a different razor style and lighter weight, there wasn't any issue with using the double-edge Henson razor. It certainly handles differently than the Gillette Mach 4, but the shave went fine and I'll adjust quickly. I used one of the included blades and will try the other brand when it arrives. Adjusting to the handling of the razor will be less difficult than getting accustomed to replacing the blades after such a short time of use. (I've been accustomed to using the Mach 4 well beyond its useful life because of the cost.) A flashback of memory ... to the medicine cabinet with a slot in the back into which spent razor blades could be discarded. I'll look for a disposal slot in my current cabinet.

I've been shaving with single bladed safety razors since my mid twenties when Gillette started selling the Fusion with its 14 blade cartridges. No matter what razor I tried I had always battled razor burn so I witched to an old school safety razor and safety a boatload of money and I haven't had razor burn in 20 years since. So why did I bother to by this? I have always used a Merkur safety razor (45c maybe? Too lazy to check) and kept 2 one in my shower at home and one in my toiletries bag ready for travel. When I dropped one a while back I needed to replace it so I figured I would try this instead. The first thing I noticed is how much lighter this aluminum razor is versus my Merkurs which are presumably steel. It's easily 75% lighter. Honestly that first impression was not a good one, heavier had to be better right?? Anyway after my first shave I was sold. It really does give you a much closer shave. I was shocked. Again, I have used these razors for 20 years. I know how well they work. (even the worst will give you a better shave than a cartridge razor!) I'm not somebody comparing this with no experience. I guess chalk one up to engineering and better geometry because it really is a super close shave. I've been using mine for a few weeks now and haven't even knicked myself. I haven't tried their blades as I'm still using the same brand I've always used - so the difference is purely the razor. If I manage to drop and break my other Merkur I will definitely buy another one of these. Seriously, if you're on the fence about this don't be. Personally I tend to never buy anything I see advertised online, particularly on social media, because it automatically makes me distrust it - but this really does live up to its hype and I'm quite glad I gave it a shot.

Tired of spending a fortune on disposable cartridges and subscription services, I decided it was time to return to a classic safety razor. My old one left me with too many nicks and not nearly the close shave I wanted. After doing a good amount of research, I landed on the Henson DE Safety Razor—and I haven’t looked back since.This razor is exceptionally well-designed, incredibly easy to use, and best of all—no nicks. It delivers a smooth, close shave, even in tricky spots like under the nose (fellow shavers know the struggle). With the Henson, that area is no longer a problem.I was so impressed that I told my roommate I was canceling our razor subscription and recommended the Henson to him. He picked one up and was just as impressed. He uses it for both his face and head—and like me, he’s enjoying a nick-free, smooth shave every time.If you’re on the fence about switching to a safety razor, this is your sign. The Henson is a game-changer. Plus, it’s a win for the environment—no more tossing plastic cartridges in the trash—and replacement blades cost just pennies.Save money. Ditch the waste. And get a better shave. What’s not to love?

I had a friend that switched FROM double-edged razors to the typical safety razor disposable refills tell me that DE razors were terrible, that they would cut me to pieces and leave a lot of skin irritation. Needless to say, I was a bit worried that I'd made a bad purchase. After using the Henson AL13 with Feather brand DE blades, (I didn't use the RK brand DE blades that this came with, as many people said they are terrible) it's safe to say that I will never go back to a typical safety razor with disposal refill blades.For what it's worth, I'm somebody that has always had to deal with skin irritation post-shave and be very careful after shaving for the rest of the day with what I expose my skin to, etc. Awful, but I was used to it. I did a lot of research before making the switch from Harry's brand disposable refills; using this with Feather brand DE blades and Cremo brand shaving creme, I have absolutely zero irritation. For the first time in my life, I can say that I had a smooth shave.The Henson AL13 is very deserving of the hype. I was very skeptical, as anyone should be, when paying the price that this razor costs. I'm a machinist by trade, so I found it very easy to appreciate the tight tolerances on the design. As advertised, the AL13 does clamp down on the DE blade closer to the edge, resulting in a much more rigid experience, keeping the blade firm when shaving. My friend who cut himself badly and had a terrible experience with DE blades no doubt was using a cheap razor that didn't grip the razor blade in the same way. The open slots underneath the bottom plate makes cleaning excess hair debris very simple. The light milling marks on the inside of the top plate show how much careful detail and machining time goes into the manufacturing. The two stand out features of this are by far the knurling (the grip) on the handle itself, and the bushing in the center of the bottom plate that reduces friction when tightening the plates together with the threads. Excellent design.Long-winded as far as reviews go, but hopefully this is useful to someone out there. I certainly won't be switching back in this lifetime. As long as DE razors remain in supply, this is by far the superior option, and much cheaper. Other people recommended Astra, BIC, and Feather. I chose Feather DE blades. No regrets.