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

As a guy closing in on 50, shaving has always been something I've taken for granted and never considered spending more time than necessary. Disposable razors and Barbasol foam fit the bill and got the job done. This Hansen Razor was a Father's day gift from my oldest son, who did the research on razors and "wet shaving". It has been a quality of life game changer! While I could opine on the Proraso Green shave products in another review (they're great), the benefits of an Alum block, as well as my experience with various razor blades (Bic Platinum, Shark Stainless and Gillette "no-name" have worked best for me, but YMMV), I'll stick with just my thoughts on the Hansen Razor. The Hansen Razor, AL-13 Mild, has made the transition to double-edge from disposable razors pretty easy. The longer handle fits your hand similarly to a disposable razor, and the aluminum alloy gives it a similar weight. The real engineering feat with this razor is that it holds any blade at the right angle making it east to engage a close shave, making it very forgiving in allowing you to get a close shave coming from disposable razors. Unlike Cartridge and disposable Razors, Double-Edge razors do not have a pivot head, so shaving requires some practice to getting under the chin, nose, behind the ear etc... I've never had any "incidents" shaving, other than a nick or two with blades that weren't a good fit for me. Over the last few months, my technique has improved. The RK Blades that come with the Hansen Razor, ironically, have been the worst ones, but it seems that the best blade for your skin may vary. If you purchase this razor, I'd suggest getting a DE Razor assortment to see what blades work best for you. With the right blades, the Hansen AL-13 shaves as well, and more gently, than the disposable razors I've used through the years. I recently added a Parker 4 piece travel razor which is more "aggressive" to my shave kit (it shaves closer, have had slightly more razor burn using the same razor), and can see where the Hansen is more forgiving while still giving a close shave. I'll note for this review, there is a Hansen AL-13 Medium razor, and with my experience with the travel razor, I would likely have been as comfortable had the AL-13 medium been purchased instead. Overall, you cannot go wrong with the Hansen AL-13 as your first, or only, double edge razor. It's made my daily shaving experience on par with the straight edge shaves I used to enjoy when I lived in NYC at a fraction of the price and on a daily basis. Shaving is now something that "I get to do", rather than something "I have to do". If you're looking to get into double edge razors, this Hansen is a great place to start!

Coming from using DSC and Harry's cartridge razors for the last decade. I never really had any crazy complaints. Until I started paying attention to razor burn on my neck, that I believed was acne. I saw an AD on these and the algorithm kept me in the loop until I finally lost the battle. I will admit father of 3, blue collar job and an old school land cruiser addiction. Make 80$ hard to have laying around. But believe me when I tell you, if you haven't wet shaved with a "quality" safety razor. You have no idea what you're missing. What was once routine every two days, and was just Meh. Now I look forward to shaving every morning with a level of detail and is super satisfying. The shaver is super primitive, functional, robust but genius. No parts to break. No gimmicks to screw up. Just unscrew, place the blade in and cinch it down. I'm careless when I shave generally with its on the face, neck or the unmentionables. I've yet to have a scare, razor burn or a cut. And I've tried to be as dumb as I can to know this razors limits. It clears out quickly and easily with a rinse. No thumbing the channel or blade. It's seriously sharp (compared to the plastic second cousins down the road with every other store bought razor) this also comes down to the blades you buy. A lot of lads mentioned the blades Henson supplies are super mild. I went with the tip option in Amazon the platinum Astra blades, and they are fantastic. Buy yourself a sampler kit of blades to know what works best for you. The best part is this razor will pay for itself very quickly. 100 Blades for my shaving amount will last me roughly 18 months for 10$. Before I was spending about 30$ a month on blades and a few bucks on shaving cream. Get yourself a wet shave soap, brush and some healing balm and you're off to a fantastic shave. Since getting mine I've told literally everyone and bought 4 more as gifts. I mean it when I say, it's the best self care purchase anyone (man or woman) can make to save some money in the long run and actually enjoy shaving moving forward.

I was a bit hesitant because some reviews were saying it took more passes than a multi-blade disposable. That may be true, but the fact there is absolutely no loading this razor with cut hair (a big problem disposables are plagued with) that overall speeds the entire process. I rinse this razor only one time… after I’m done shaving. No banging it on the sink to dislodge har stuck between blades, no rinsing to unload it! I make one pass and then flip to the second edge and go over any areas I missed. The actual shave time for me is reduced, but changing the blade probably makes it about the same. I usually spend about 5 minutes shaving and that has not changed with this razor. More precise than a multi-blade disposable. I used to use a multi-blade razor, and then to get under my nose just above my mustache, I used a single-blade disposable because I only need to shave a few mm and the multi-blade started out too thick. The Henson does it all, and with the textured handle, I feel I have more control than I’ve ever had. After using this razor for a week and being only on my third blade, it is easy to see this will be a far cheaper solution as well. It has nicked me twice… about the same as disposables, but the Henson nicks I’ve received are noticeably smaller. This razor is every bit as safe as a disposable safety razor. Applying a tiny amount of shave cream with my fingers as a lubricant, I can press as hard as I want and it still glides over the skin. They’ve dialed in the blade angle with this design and I couldn’t be happier. It really does everything I need and everything I had hoped it would. I would highly recommend this razor to anyone currently dealing with disposables. It is expensive initially, but you will immediately get better, more rounded performance and fairly quickly recoup the cost… all the while helping the environment. Just do it.

In recent years, I grew tired of the ever-increasing cost of cartridge razor blades and replacement handles. An old friend mentioned that he still shaved with a traditional double-edge safety razor, brush, and shaving bowl. That conversation sent me down the rabbit hole. My first purchases were the Viking Chieftain and later the Viking Vulcan. Both are beautifully made razors with excellent weight and balance. In the hands of an experienced wet shaver, I'm sure they provide outstanding results. I read articles, watched instructional videos, and tried to learn the proper technique, but my experience was discouraging. I didn't just get a few nicks—I got a lot of them. After only a day, I returned both razors to Amazon. Some time later, I found myself browsing shaving products again and came across the Henson AL13. Several reviewers repeatedly mentioned the same thing: very few or no nicks. That caught my attention. I learned that the AL13's design naturally holds the blade at an angle intended to make shaving more forgiving. I also noticed several recommendations for Astra Superior Platinum blades, so I ordered those as well. Today, after a shower, I used the Henson AL13 for the first time. To my surprise, I had an excellent shave—no cuts, no blood, and a smooth, comfortable result. Was it the closest shave I've ever had? Probably not. But it was easily the most enjoyable experience I've had with a double-edge razor. I'm realistic enough to know that one shave doesn't make me an expert, and I'll update this review if my opinion changes after extended use. But if your experience has been anything like mine—wanting to try a safety razor but being intimidated by the learning curve—the Henson AL13 may be exactly the razor you're looking for. Based on my first impression, I can confidently recommend it.

I've read reviews on this razor & others talking about "smooth" shaving. I started using safety razors because I got tired of cartridge razors & their lubricating goo strips that were difficult to wash off & cost too much. No matter how many blades they had or how much goo they left on me they never shaved me easily. I don't have sensitive skin but my beard is fairly coarse & I always made multiple passes to get everything no matter what shaving cream, soap or lotion I tried. I went to a cheap safety razor thinking it couldn't be any worse & got a better shave with less trouble; what I wanted but still not great. So I started looking at better safety razors & saw ads for a Henson. I asked a friend who's into razors & the "experience" & he highly praised it but said it was too light for him & showed me his. Well, it was still heavier than the disposable ones I've used so I ordered one. The first blade I tried in it was an Astra my friend gave me to try & I finally understood what a smooth shave is. One or two passes & I'm done: no missed spots & no resistance. I quit using shaving cream & lotion years ago & now just use soap that I make with olive & coconut oil(for general use). I just wipe the soap on my wet face & the razor does its job. It's simple with no adjustments; just lay it flat & the angle is right. I finally have a five minute shave that gets everything without trouble. The Astra blades last 5 to 7 days per side as well so I can use one blade for as long as two weeks. Even Walmart blades last 3 to 7 days in this razor. The blades that came with the razor, however, aren't good. After one shave, the edge is done & it doesn't do as well as the Astra on its 7th day. So two shaves(one per edge) & toss the blades Henson sells. I didn't bother loosening the tension on the Astra blades; I just rinsed it & put it on the stand. I tried completely taking the Henson blades out, cleaning & drying them & they were still so dull trying to use the edge a second time was like dry shaving(yes I've had to do that a few times). The razor is simple; three pieces that screw together once you put the blade in. It's a bit harder to load a blade than the butterfly type razors & you have to be careful not to cut yourself. It seems to me like it will be more durable than the butterfly type but time will tell. I've had to replace a couple of butterfly types already. This one looks like it may be the last razor I ever need to buy. If so, well worth the money. I also meant to say the razor deserves 5 stars. The only reason I gave it 4 was the blades. I'll probably buy another one for travel eventually but for now I still have a bunch of disposable razors to finish using.

I'm not sure what to say about this one - it is a very clean, efficient, and good shave. No nicks, little irritation. I'm currently using it with Astra superior platinum blades. Would give 4.5/5 if I could. But my conflict is that it is a very non-traditional safety razor. It feels too easy, which I suppose is a good thing for many people, but it takes some of the ritual and experience out of safety razor shaving compared with others I have used. I think the biggest complaint I have is the weight - it is extremely light. Which works well with the full design concept they've put together, and it certainly is an excellent option for people coming from disposable / multi-blade modern razors, who want an easy shave. My fiancee tried it on her legs and it was great, which is not really something that would be easy to get with traditional safety razors, but again, something about the closeness and experience of the shave feels lacking. I'm not sure if I'm going to keep it or exchange for a more traditional safety razor. But all that aside, from an objective standpoint, it is clear Henson's marketing isn't just hot air - they really put a lot of thought and care into the design.

I purchased this as I was tired of expensive, cheaply made, multi-blade razors that overall, gave a lousy shave. After decades of using these cheap things, I went back to what I learned on in my youth, a double edge safety razor. After a little retraining (yes, you have to invest some time in learning) to use something that is heavier and more substantial, I'll never go back to the cheap, plastic whores that were ripping me for money just to get a shave for a razor that might last 10 shaves at most. The Henson is awesome. It's heavier, yes, but solid made, feels good in the hand and gives the best and easiest shave that I have missed for DECADES. It didn't take long to remember what a safety razor felt like and after about a week, I felt very comfortable with it. The Henson is solid, well made and I had little issue paying more for a razor that I'm sure, will last me for the rest of my lifetime. If you count up ALL the plastic razors I've used over the years, the cost of the Henson is really nothing at all. After a little relearning how to hold and use this, I get a great, close shave. But more than this, IT DOES NOT CLOG UP. Just a little water over the Henson and it is clear of any stubble. With the cheap, plastic razors, I had to use an old toothbrush to clear out the stubble every minute to get a shave that felt good. This razor just washes out cleanly in the sink or shower, never clogs and makes it a pleasure to use. Changing blades is simplicity and never a problem. I purchased a sample pack of blades on Amazon that has 16 different samples that will easily last me for quite a while and those were only about $16. That's not a bad price and the frustration and elimination of clearing a razor that is clogged all the time is well with it. Of course, everyone has their preferences, but I've returned to the "old school" way and am much happier doing so.

I should start this review by saying that I have been using a double-edged safety razor (the kind of razor this is) for over ten years. I mention this because it seems like almost all of the glowing reviews of this product are from people who have switched to this razor from cartridge razors, which are ubiquitous these days. But when my previous double-edged safety razor—an Edwin Jagger DE89—broke, and having seen SO many ads on social media for the Henson razor for the last several years, I decided to give this a try. Unfortunately, this razor is not for me. I have that very unfortunate combination of very coarse facial hair (by which I mean the individual hair follicles are very thick and stiff) and very sensitive skin. So shaving has always been difficult for me. Steps I've taken to deal with this include wet shaving with a shave soap and brush and plenty of water, always shaving right after showering so my whiskers are as moist as possible, almost never shaving more often than every other day, and switching from first an electric and then a cartridge razor to a DE safety razor. What I learned from trying this product, the Henson razor, is that it is not very aggressive at all. In particular, the blade barely juts out from the head of the razor. For many users, I'm sure this is a good thing, as it means you're less likely to cut yourself. That might make it good for my sensitive skin, but unfortunately it also means it can barely cut through my facial hair, especially when it gets a little bit long. I've shaved with this razor three times now, including twice with a brand new blade, and every time I've had to go over each part of my face multiple times, because the thing just won't cut through all the hair in one stroke. Having to go over every part of my face and neck multiple times, and having to press harder than I usually do, means I'm much *more* likely to get nicks and razor burn, not less. My previous DE safety razor (and the cartridge razor I used for a few weeks in between that one breaking and purchasing this one) would easily cut through my facial hair in one or at most two strokes, especially with a brand new blade. After looking more carefully through the Henson website, I have found that they do indeed make their razors with different levels of aggressiveness. They number these as levels 1, 2, and 3. However, their basic aluminum razor is only available at aggressiveness level 1. To get the level 2 or 3 razor, you have to purchase the titanium one. Given that this razor is already *more than twice as expensive* as my previous DE safety razor—and the new one that I've ordered to replace it—and the titanium one is more than three times as expensive as this one, that's a huge “no thank you” from me! A few other observations about this razor: it does appear to be well crafted, but I don't actually like the aluminum construction that the company seems to be so proud of. It feels too light to me; I prefer the heft of other DE safety razors, which are usually made of brass and steel. And because aluminum is a relatively soft metal, I suspect it's less durable than others. I also don't like the lack of a comb (the little ridges that most DE safety razors have). Most DE safety razors are described as “open comb” or “closed comb”, with open comb razors considered more aggressive than closed comb. I've only used closed comb razors so far... but the Henson razor has no comb at all! I suspect that that feature, combined with the unusually steep angle of the head of the razor compared to the blade, also contribute to it not cutting through my hair very well. In short, I'll be returning this product, as it's not a good fit for me. For anyone considering this product: if your whiskers be thick and wiry like mine, this might not be the right DE safety razor for you.

If you have hair strand follicles that are thick and stiff this would not give you a clean shave even if you paired it with the sharpest blades available like feather brand blades. I haven't tried the medium and aggressive version but might eventually as I liked the feel of the product, just a pity the shave was not what I wanted.

Eccellente, molto meglio di quanto credessi. Ero abituato a un Mach 3 di cui ero soddisfatto, a parte il prezzo delle lame e il loto impatto sull'ambiente. In passato avevo provato altri rasoi a lametta, ma il risultato era sempre un bagno di sangue e, dopo qualche tentativo, per la disperazione tornavo sempre al trilama. Ho una barba non particolarmente dura e pelle delicata, quindi ho preso un Henson AL13 (la versione standard, più delicata) e la rasatura è stata perfetta fin dal primo tentativo, niente tagli, niente irritazioni, pelle perfettamente liscia come col trilama. Chi ha la barba più dura forse potrebbe preferire la versione media, ma sono abbastanza convinto che riuscirebbe a radersi benone anche con questa. Poi ho fatto l'esperimento di lasciar crescere la barba per tre giorni, e anche in questo caso il risultato è stato del tutto simile al trilama. Il rasoio arriva con un pacchetto di 5 lamette. Henson consiglia di usare quelle che forniscono loro, marca RK, quindi ne ho ordinate una scatola da 100 e le ho pagate 14 Euro. Con la stessa cifra, compravo sì e no 5 lamette del trilama. Il rasoio in sé è più caro, ma è di alluminio (c'è anche una versione di lusso in titanio), quindi è eterno e si ripaga in 6-10 mesi alla grande. Già dopo il primo esperimento ho ordinato un secondo Henson da tenere nel kit da visggio e ho gettato nella spazzatura il vecchio rasoio senza rimpianti. Insomma, vi suggerisco caldamente di comprarlo, non ha senso continuare a sprecare soldi e a inquinare il mondo con i multilama. Spedizione perfetta sotto tutti i punti di vista.

Llevaba tiempo queriéndome pasar a una maquinilla de seguridad, tengo la piel delicada y la barba espesa, una combinación que hace que hasta los cartuchos desechables más caros y de marca de sobra conocidas me provocases irritación. La ventaja de la maquinilla de seguridad es que tienes una sola cuchilla, afiladísima, se desliza mucho mejor por la cara, con lo que de muchas menos pasadas y sin ejercer apenas presión, te deja la piel como la de un bebé. No todas las maquinillas de seguridad son iguales, hay modelos para todo tipo de preferencias y los fabrican de toda clase de materiales: latón, acero inoxidable, aluminio y hasta titanio. Cada una de ellas "abraza" a la cuchilla de forma distinta y hace que sea más o menos agresiva. Tras investigar un poco, me decidí por esta Henson de aluminio, lo de "modelo de entrada" no es una traducción demasiado afortunada, todos los modelos tienen los mismos acabados y calidad (absolutamente espectacular), la diferencia es que este es el modelo "suave" (mild), el que deja la cuchilla menos expuesta y, por lo tanto, hace que se mueva menos, lo que da un afeitado más suave, si bien, en teoría, no tan apurado en las primeras pasadas, pero no tiene porque ser así, y menos si no te dejas crecer la barba muchos días entre cada afeitado. Para quienes quieran una maquinilla un poco más "agresiva", tienen el modelo "medium", en lugar de este, que el "mild". Es una maquinilla ideal para principiantes porque está diseñada de forma que la propia estructura de la maquinilla te da el ángulo perfecto para afeitarte, y fuera de ese margen, la maquinilla no corta. Como he dicho, para mí que tengo la piel delicada, ha sido como la noche y el día, ahora me afeito sin miedo a irritaciones fuertes, y el apurado es increíble. No todo son ventajas, claro, el nombre de estas maquinillas es engañoso, son "de seguridad" comparadas con las navajas barberas clásicas, pero cortar, cortan, y mucho si no tienes cuidado, hay que ir más despacio que con los cartuchos y el ángulo lo tienes que poner tú, no tiene amortiguadores, ni bisagras ni las pijadas de los cartuchos "premium", tienes que convertir el afeitado en un ritual, y hacerlo despacio y con buena letra, en seguida le coges el truco y no hay tanta diferencia de tiempo. Mi siguiente paso será comprarme una brocha y jabón de afeitar de verdad. Lo ideal es darse una primera pasada a favor del pelo, y luego volver a enjabonarte y dar otra a contrapelo para un apurado perfecto. Si vas con bulla y quieres darte una sol pasada, debería ser de sobra para el día a día, no te va a dejar el efecto "piel de bebé" en la cara, pero es un apurado de sobra para la mayoría de entornos de trabajo o ambientes a los que se vaya. Lo único que no me ha gustado son las cuchillas que trae de regalo, no está mal del todo, pero me gustan mucho más las Astra, otro nivel, y valen dos duros. Que, por cierto, es la otra ventaja de afeitarte con esto, olvídate de los carísimos cartuchos ultrapower meganosequé, aquí se usan las cuchillas de doble filo de toda la vida, que valen unos pocos céntimos la unidad, cunden fácil para hasta 4-5 afeitados, pero vaya, por el precio, como si te quieres afeitar con una hoja nueva cada vez, vas a ahorrar un montón de pasta.

This is an excellent safety razor, by bending the blade it is very easy to use compared to other similar razors I have used. The risk of cuts and abrasions is greatly reduced. My only issue, a small one, is the aluminum it’s made of. It feels a bit too light, I would have preferred steel if that was an option.

Es el rastrillo de afeitar más corriente que yo, personalmente he usado. Es una porquería de compra que hice. Me arrepiento de todo corazón lo digo, no compren esta porquería están tirando su dinero a la basura.