Henson AL13 Razor Review (2026): Worth Buying?

Traditional safety razors can be scary for beginners because finding the correct shaving angle is tough.

Henson Shaving wants to make this transition easy by using aerospace tolerances to guide your hand.

But while the marketing claims sound impressive, reading an honest, hands-on Henson AL13 Razor Review is important before spending your cash.

In our detailed review, we explore all aspects of its design, comfort, and build quality.

I bought the Henson AL13 myself and shaved with it for three weeks to see if it makes shaving easy or if it is just a pricey handle.

In this post, I will share my real experience, details about the unboxing, performance testing, and comparison tables against other razors.

Henson AL13 review: Quick Verdict (TL;DR)

Is the Henson AL13 worth your money? Yes, it is worth buying if you have sensitive skin, suffer from razor burn, or are brand new to safety razors.

In this Henson AL13 Razor Review, we will break down why this light aluminum razor is the easiest entry point to traditional shaving.

Its biggest strength is the rigid blade support that stops the blade from flexing, making nicks and cuts very rare.

However, its biggest limitation is that the shave is very mild, making it hard to clear thick, coarse hair quickly.

Henson AL13 at a Glance

To provide a complete overview for this Henson AL13 review, we checked the specs directly with the manufacturer.

The Henson AL13 is a three-piece safety razor manufactured in Ontario, Canada.

It is CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aerospace-grade aluminum, weighing approximately 37 grams.

The head design features flattened coincident planes that guide your wrist to maintain a fixed 30-degree shaving angle.

And because the tolerances are so tight, the blade is held firmly to reduce vibration during your shave.

Why You Can Trust SelectShaver

At SelectShaver, our reviews are built on independent hands-on testing rather than manufacturer sponsorships or paid rankings.

To compile this Henson AL13 Razor Review, we spent weeks shaving daily and testing different double-edge blade pairings.

I analyze official manufacturer specifications, read user forums to compile customer satisfaction data, and maintain absolute editorial independence.

We believe that an honest review must highlight real design drawbacks alongside product strengths.

“Our shaving philosophy centers on comfort, skin health, and long-term value. We test razors under real-world conditions so you can buy with confidence.”

What Makes the Henson AL13 Different?

Why does the Henson AL13 behave differently than standard safety razors?

Aerospace Engineering

The Henson AL13 is machined using aerospace manufacturing equipment rather than being cast in a mold.

This process allows Henson to maintain production tolerances of +/- 0.00025 inches, ensuring the blade fits perfectly straight every time.

In our testing, the fixed design supported the blade almost to the very cutting edge, preventing blade flex.

In practice, reducing blade flex (chatter) is important because blade vibration is the primary cause of nicks and razor burn.

This machining precision benefits daily shavers, though the trade-off is a higher upfront price tag than cast safety razors.

Fixed Blade Angle

The head of the razor features a flat surface plane that establishes the shaving angle automatically.

This matters because traditional safety razors require you to find and maintain the angle manually, which often leads to skin scraping.

First-time users and cartridge switchers benefit most from this feature, as it behaves similarly to a pivoting cartridge head.

However, experienced wet shavers may find the fixed angle restrictive, as they cannot tilt the razor to adjust aggressiveness on the fly.

Henson AL13 blade gap and exposure

The standard AL13 features a very small blade exposure of 0.033 mm and a blade gap of 0.68 mm.

This design limits how much of the blade actually contacts your skin, keeping cuts and skin irritation to a minimum.

Those with highly sensitive skin or those who suffer from regular razor bumps will benefit significantly from this mild design.

The trade-off is efficiency: if you shave a thick 4-day beard, the razor will require extra passes to clear all the hair.

Design & Build Quality

When preparing our Henson AL13 Razor Review, we evaluated the unibody aluminum structure and handling features.

Henson safety razor review of materials

The razor is machined from 6061-T6 aerospace-grade aluminum and finished with an anodized coating.

This anodizing process hardens the surface, protecting the underlying aluminum from corrosion, rust, and mineral deposits.

The handle has a satin, matte finish that resists water spots and soap scum during our three-week testing period.

We found the finish to be durable, showing no wear around the threads where the top cap joins the handle.

Handle Grip

The handle features a series of circular ridges and vertical grooved channels instead of traditional cross-hatch knurling.

While it looks smooth, the grooves provide a reliable grip when held with wet, soapy fingers.

In our testing, the grip felt secure, although it does not feel as aggressively graddy as deeply knurled handles like the Merkur 34C.

Weight & Balance

Weighing only 37 grams, the Henson AL13 is significantly lighter than most safety razors, which typically weigh 80 to 100 grams.

This lightweight design allows for very nimble handling and precise movements around the chin and jawline.

The balance point sits roughly a third of the way down the handle, keeping the head light and manageable.

However, this light weight means you cannot rely on the razor’s own gravity to cut the hair; you must apply a tiny amount of manual pressure.

For some experienced wet shavers, this requirement is a trade-off, as they prefer the heavy weight of brass to do the work.

Why it is the best safety razor for beginners

The Henson AL13 removes the intimidation factor often associated with traditional double-edge razors.

Because the head design forces the correct angle, it is widely considered the best safety razor for beginners transitioning from cartridge systems.

Henson AL13 Specifications

Below are the verified specifications of the Henson AL13 (Mild) razor:

Performance Review

As part of our testing for this Henson AL13 Razor Review, we shaved daily and analyzed how the blade gap behaves on sensitive skin.

Henson AL13 shave quality and Closeness

The Henson AL13 Mild provides a very close shave, although achieving the best results still depends on blade choice and shaving technique.

For daily shaves, a standard two-pass shave (with the grain and across the grain) leaves the skin smooth with minimal stubble.

If you prefer a baby-smooth finish, a three-pass shave (adding an against-the-grain pass) is required.

Because the blade exposure is so mild, we found it difficult to cut ourselves during these against-the-grain passes, which is rare for standard double-edge razors.

Comfort & Sensitive Skin Protection

Comfort is where the Henson AL13 excels, particularly for users prone to razor bumps or neck irritation.

The rigid blade support prevents the cutting edge from scraping or bouncing across the skin folds.

During our test shaves, we experienced zero razor burn or post-shave redness on the sensitive neck area.

This makes it an excellent choice for users with highly sensitive skin who struggle with multi-blade cartridge irritation.

Henson razor for sensitive skin benefits

Many testers with skin issues report that the Henson razor for sensitive skin acts as a barrier against redness and ingrown hairs.

By using a single blade that slices hairs flat, it prevents the tug-and-cut action of cartridge blades.

Efficiency & Beard Density

The razor’s efficiency depends heavily on the thickness and length of your facial hair.

On a daily or 2-day beard, it cuts stubble cleanly and quickly without clogging.

However, on a coarse, thick beard or multi-day growth, the mild exposure can feel too passive.

We noticed that thick hair requires slower strokes and occasionally multiple passes to clear, which can increase shave time.

For users with very coarse hair, pairing the razor with a sharper blade like a Feather or Astra is recommended.

Learning Curve

Unlike cartridge razors, traditional safety razors require proper technique, especially during the first few shaves.

However, the Henson design lowers this learning curve significantly by enforcing the 30-degree shaving plane.

You do not have to guess the angle; you simply rest the flat head on your skin and glide.

This guided design makes it a very forgiving safety razor, making it hard to misuse even for complete beginners.

Blade Compatibility

The Henson AL13 works with any standard double-edge safety razor blade.

Henson partners with RK Shaving, and the razor includes a 5-pack of RK stainless steel blades.

These blades are designed to fit the alignment pins perfectly, but we found the RK blades to feel slightly dull on coarse hair.

Switching to Astra Superior Platinum or Gillette Silver Blue blades improved the cutting efficiency without increasing skin irritation.

Real-World Shaving Tests

We tested the Henson AL13 under various daily scenarios to rate its performance on a 1-10 scale:

• One-Day Beard: 9.8 / 10. Extremely comfortable and fast; perfect for daily touch-ups.
• Three-Day Stubble: 9.4 / 10. Cuts cleanly, though requires two passes to clear coarse patches.
• Sensitive Neck: 9.9 / 10. Zero nicks or razor burn; outstanding skin protection.
• Jawline: 9.6 / 10. Compact head profile makes pivoting over bony contours simple.
• Under Nose: 9.5 / 10. The slim top cap fits under the nostrils without blocking visibility.

Henson AL13 vs AL13M comparison

One of the most requested comparisons in our Henson AL13 Razor Review is how the standard model stacks up against the medium version.

The primary difference between the standard AL13 and the AL13M is the blade gap and exposure specs.

The Henson AL13 vs AL13M comparison centers entirely on blade gap and exposure specs.

Recommendation: Choose the standard Mild AL13 if you shave daily, have sensitive skin, or are new to safety razors. Choose the AL13M Medium if you have thick, coarse hair or shave only twice a week.

Henson AL13 pros and cons summary

Let’s summarize the Henson AL13 Pros and Cons of our hands-on findings:

Who Should Buy the Henson AL13?

The Henson AL13 is an ideal choice for the following grooming profiles:

• ✔ Beginners: The fixed angle removes the guesswork from double-edge shaving. This is an excellent Henson razor for beginners looking to switch.
• ✔ Sensitive Skin Sufferers: The rigid blade clamping prevents razor burn and skin drag.
• ✔ Cartridge Razor Users: The lightweight aluminum body behaves similarly to cartridge razors.
• ✔ Daily Shavers: Gentle enough for back-to-back daily shaving without skin redness.
• ✔ Ingrown Hair Sufferers: Single-blade shaves cut hair level with the skin rather than below it, reducing ingrown risks.

Who Should Skip It?

You may want to consider other safety razor models if you fall into these categories:

• ✘ Aggressive Shave Lovers: You will find the mild exposure too passive if you prefer a strong blade feel.
• ✘ Weekly Shavers: Long, thick growth will clog the tight lather channels, requiring frequent pre-trimming.
• ✘ Adjustability Seekers: The gap is completely fixed; you must buy a different model if you want adjustment.
• ✘ Heavy Razor Fans: The 37-gram weight will feel too light if you prefer brass or stainless steel handles.

Is Henson AL13 worth it?

When compiling this Henson AL13 Razor Review, we calculated the long-term cost benefits of safety razors over cartridge systems.

While the upfront cost of the Henson handle is higher ($70–$80), double-edge blades cost pennies compared to cartridge replacements.

Because the aluminum structure resists rust and wear, it is built to last a lifetime, paying for itself in under a year.

Henson AL13 razor comparison with alternatives

To make this Henson AL13 Razor Review as helpful as possible, we compared it against other popular models in the entry-level segment.

Maintenance & Cleaning Guide

To ensure your aluminum razor lasts for decades, follow these basic care steps:

1. Rinse after use: Rinse the head thoroughly under warm running water to remove lather channels and hair.
2. Store dry: Shake off excess water and store the razor in a dry place outside the damp shower area.
3. Lubricate threads: Apply a tiny drop of mineral oil or wax to the handle threads once a month to prevent friction.
4. Deep clean: Disassemble the razor once a month, cleaning the cap and plate with soapy water and a soft toothbrush.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions regarding this Henson AL13 Razor Review that we received from our readers:

Is the Henson AL13 good for beginners?

Yes, it is widely considered one of the best safety razors for beginners because the flat head automatically establishes a stable 30-degree shaving angle.

Is the AL13 too mild?

It can feel too mild for experienced wet shavers or those with very thick, coarse facial hair who prefer a more aggressive cut.

Does it reduce razor burn?

Yes, because the blade is supported rigidly to eliminate vibration and chatter, it prevents the blade from scraping and irritating the skin surface.

Is it worth switching from cartridge razors?

Yes, although the upfront cost is higher, the massive savings on double-edge blades offset this cost within the first year.

Which blades work best?

The included RK blades are highly smooth, but Astra Superior Platinum and Gillette Silver Blue offer slightly better efficiency for coarse hair.

Is the AL13 better than the AL13M?

It depends on your beard. The standard AL13 is better for sensitive skin and daily touch-ups; the AL13M offers more efficiency for coarser growth.

Can women use the Henson AL13?

Yes, the mild design and zero-chatter blade clamp make it highly suitable for leg and body grooming.

Is the Henson AL13 good for shaving the head?

Yes, its forgiving exposure makes it a very safe option for shaving the back of the scalp where visibility is limited.

How long does the razor last?

Because it is CNC-machined from solid unibody aluminum, it will last a lifetime with basic cleaning and storage.

Does it come with blades?

Yes, the package includes a 5-pack of RK Shaving stainless steel double-edge blades to get you started.

Final Verdict & Recommendation

Internal Links

• Read our comprehensive review of the Best Electric Shavers.

External References

• Official Henson Shaving product details
• Dermatological guidance on preventing razor burn