When I became more environmentally conscious many years ago, I decided to switch to a safety razor to reduce plastic waste. I landed on a reputable safety razor with a ‘mild’ angle, something that would be good for sensitive skin. Even with a good shaving soap, I found that I would regularly still get some discomfort from razor burn, despite learning a solid technique.
Enter: the Henson. This was touted as a ‘new’ design of safety razor that fully supported the blade, making it particularly well suited for sensitive skin, and much harder to nick yourself.
Well, I’ve been using this thing for a few months now, and I can honestly say the marketing isn’t an exaggeration, it’s been a game-changer for me.
It really is MUCH harder to nick myself with this, to the point where I can press it against my skin firmly like a disposable, and I still don’t get irritation. It’s one of the most pleasant shaving experiences I’ve had, and I can heartily recommend one for anyone who wants a truly mild safety razor.
Its made of machined aluminum, and built to tight tolerances. I anticipate I’ll be using this sucker quite literally for the rest of my life.
Though do bear in mind, If you have a thick beard or non-sensitive skin, the mild henson might not be ideal for you. As an example I still use my old razor with it’s more exposed blade to shave my head, as this henson gets clogged up far too quickly for that application (unless the hair is already really short). But for the face with light facial hair? Perfection.
I avoided shaving for more than a decade. Electric razors and cartridge jobs left me with endless ingrown hairs and irritation so beard and clippers for me. The only thing I hadn’t tried was a safety razor for fear of nicking myself into oblivion.
Enter the Henson Al-13. I’m very happy with it. Amazingly easy, close shave with very little in terms of nicking. I switched from the RK blades it came with to a slightly milder blade and I’m super happy! I can shave clean every day or two with no ingrown hairs, no irritation, no nicks.
Brilliant equipment and extremely well machined. You can switch to milder blades if you’re struggling, or more aggressive ones if you need. The ability to tune the handle to fit your skin and hair is absolutely game changing. Truly BIFL.