In late 2020, I made the switch from disposable multi-blade razors to traditional safety razors in order to achieve a more consistent shave and to avoid constantly running out of razors. After trying out various razors from different well-known brands, I settled on a razor that I have been using as my daily driver (or every few days driver) for the past six months. A few months back, I started seeing Henson Razor’s AL13 appearing on my Facebook feed and I found the razor to be quite intriguing. Therefore, when the opportunity arose to review one of these modern safety razors, I eagerly volunteered. Now, let’s explore how this next-generation safety razor performs on my beard.
What is it?
The Henson AL13 safety razor represents a modern take on the classic safety razor design. Similar to traditional safety razors, it accommodates a single, sharp double-edged blade that needs to be replaced on a weekly basis. Setting it apart from other safety razors, the AL13 is crafted from high-quality aerospace grade aluminum and features a distinctive blade support and gap configuration, as well as a unique head shape. These elements are specifically engineered to deliver a more comfortable shaving experience and to help users seamlessly transition from disposable razors to safety razors without a steep learning curve. Unlike clam-shell razors, the AL13 is a 3-part razor, which I will elaborate on in the subsequent paragraph.
What’s in the box?
The Henson AL13 razor arrives in a sleek cardboard box.
Inside the box (which is entirely recyclable), one finds
- the razor
- a 5-pack of Astra double-edge razor blades
- an instruction card
Hardware Specs
The AL13 razor shares a similar size and shape with other contemporary safety razors. It is displayed here next to a Merkur 23C Long Handled Safety Razor (in the middle) and a Parker Semi-Slant Safety Razor (on the right) for the purpose of size comparison.
Prior to commencing this evaluation, I had utilized the Merkur as my main razor. In contrast, the Merkur measures around 106 mm in length.
Thanks to its aerospace aluminum build, the AL13 is significantly lighter than conventional safety razors and actually weighs similar to a heavy disposable razor (all weights include blades).
Schick Extreme 3 disposable razor: 21.5 g
Henson AL13 safety razor: 38.5 g
Merkur 23C: 60.5 g
Design & Features
Preparing the AL13 for shaving involves X steps
Disassembling The Razor
The razor can be easily disassembled by unscrewing the handle from the two-piece head, which is the reason it is referred to as “three-piece”, and then separating the head parts. It is important to observe the use of bars on the top of the head for blade positioning, instead of the traditional posts found in many three-piece razors.
Unwrapping & Inserting The Blade
The razor blade is removed from its wax-paper packaging and delicately positioned on the top of the razor head, ensuring that the open slot in the blade aligns with the bars below. Remember, for beginners using safety razors, it is important to always hold the blades by the narrow ends.
Reassembling The Razor
Henson emphasizes the importance of securely fastening the head to guarantee the correct blade alignment. Once assembled correctly, the blade will have a sharp curved edge-to-edge, while remaining flat along the cutting edge from end to end.
It is possible to observe a slight cutting edge protruding from either side of the razor’s head. This feature is a key element of the razor’s distinctive design. The sides of the razor’s head are angled at 30 degrees, as well as the cutting angle of the blade, in order to reduce the likelihood of accidental cuts for the user.
Performance
Henson asserts that the razor does not require a learning curve. However, in my personal experience, transitioning from electric razors to disposable razors to safety razors has always necessitated some degree of adjustment and the acquisition of new muscle memory in order to achieve the optimal shave.
- In my personal experience, I have found that transitioning between different types and models of shaving devices, such as electric razors, disposable razors, and safety razors, requires a certain level of adaptation and the acquisition of new muscle memory in order to achieve the optimal shave. This contradicts Henson’s assertion that the razor has no learning curve.
- The AL13 is promoted as “self-cleaning” and claimed to potentially eliminate the need for rinsing during a shave. However, this claim is not entirely accurate, as the type of shaving cream/gel/soap used and the texture of the hair being shaved will significantly impact the effectiveness of the cleaning channels.
- The AL13 is promoted as “self-cleaning” and claimed to potentially eliminate the need for rinsing during a shave. However, this claim is not entirely accurate, as the type of shaving cream/gel/soap used and the texture of the hair being shaved will significantly impact the effectiveness of the cleaning channels.
With those points out of the way, let’s get to the meat of the review.
What Could Be Improved
- I would opt for a handle that is a little longer.
- I would also like some additional weight at the base of the handle to serve as a counter balance.
Final Thoughts
The Henson Razor AL13 is a high-quality razor that has performed admirably. However, I have struggled to adapt to using it effectively on my face and neck. The issues I have encountered over the past month are primarily related to technique. While the AL13 is a solid razor, it simply does not suit my preferences (it is not the only one in my collection to fall into this category). For those transitioning from disposable razors to safety razors, I believe you will have better luck than I have had. Selecting a safety razor is a personal decision, and I suggest giving the Henson AL13 a chance. It could be the perfect fit for you, but you won’t know until you try it.
