About Henson Shaving
Henson Shaving approaches the safety razor from an engineering perspective. The company grew from a manufacturing background that includes approximately two decades of producing components for aerospace projects, including the OneWeb satellite constellation and ExoMars rover. Henson applied that precision manufacturing experience to the development of its razors.
The result is a modern take on the traditional double edge safety razor, with particular emphasis on blade support, controlled blade exposure and tight manufacturing tolerances.
The Henson AL13 Safety Razor
The AL13 is Henson Shaving's signature double edge safety razor. Its name reflects its aluminum construction: aluminum is element 13 on the periodic table. Henson machines the razor to tightly control blade extension and exposure while supporting the blade to reduce unwanted flex and chatter.
The AL13 is constructed from aerospace grade aluminum, giving it a noticeably lightweight feel compared with many traditional stainless steel or brass safety razors.
TRC currently carries the AL13 in several finishes, including Aircraft Aluminum, Jet Black, Steel Blue, Tan and Copper.
Precision Blade Control
One of the defining characteristics of Henson's razor design is how securely the razor holds a standard double edge blade.
Instead of allowing a larger portion of the blade to remain unsupported, the AL13 clamps the blade close to its cutting edge. Henson's goal is to reduce blade flex and chatter while maintaining consistent blade positioning throughout the shave.
TRC's AL13 models are machined to extremely tight tolerances and feature minimal blade exposure. This engineering approach is intended to provide a predictable shaving angle and controlled feel against the skin.
Henson AL13 Mild vs Medium
Henson AL13 razors at The Razor Company are available in Mild and Medium configurations. Both use the same basic precision engineered design, but they provide different levels of blade exposure and shaving efficiency.
Mild
The Mild AL13 emphasizes control and low blade exposure. It can be particularly approachable for people transitioning from cartridge razors to traditional double edge shaving or wet shavers who prefer a milder daily razor.
Medium
The Medium AL13 uses slightly greater blade exposure and a wider blade gap. This gives the razor additional efficiency for thicker or longer facial hair while retaining the controlled geometry associated with the AL13 design.
Neither option is universally better. The appropriate choice depends on beard growth, shaving frequency, technique and personal preference.
Standard Double Edge Razor Blades
Henson designed the AL13 around standard double edge razor blades rather than a proprietary cartridge or blade system.
This is an important distinction for both experienced wet shavers and people moving away from cartridge razors. Standard DE blades are produced by numerous manufacturers, allowing users to experiment with different blades instead of being locked into one proprietary refill.
Blade choice can also change how a safety razor feels. A wet shaver may prefer a sharper or smoother blade depending on beard density, skin sensitivity and shaving technique.
Lightweight Aluminum Construction
The aluminum construction of the AL13 gives the razor a different feel from heavier stainless steel safety razors.
TRC lists the aluminum AL13 at approximately 1.3 ounces, or 37 grams. The razor is anodized for durability and is manufactured in Canada.
Because the razor is relatively light, technique can differ from using a heavier traditional razor. Allowing the razor's geometry and blade to do the cutting rather than applying excessive pressure can help users get accustomed to the AL13.
Made in Canada
Henson AL13 razors and the Henson aluminum razor stand carried by TRC are made in Canada. TRC currently categorizes seven Henson products as Made in Canada, including the AL13 razors and accessories.
The razor stand is machined from solid 6061-T651 aluminum and is designed specifically for Henson AL13 and Ti22 razors. It holds the razor at an angle when stored between shaves.
More Than Safety Razors
While Henson is best known for its razors, the current Henson Shaving assortment at The Razor Company extends into additional shaving and grooming products.
Depending on current availability, the collection can include:
- AL13 double edge safety razors
- Razor stands and accessories
- Shaving cream
- Pre shave cleanser
- Post shave balm
The assortment can change as products are added or sell out, so the product grid above provides the most current Henson Shaving selection available at TRC.
Who Is a Henson Razor For?
A Henson AL13 can appeal to both newer and experienced double edge shavers.
For someone transitioning from disposable or cartridge razors, the controlled blade exposure and fixed shaving geometry can provide an approachable introduction to traditional safety razor shaving.
Experienced wet shavers may appreciate the lightweight aluminum construction, precise blade clamping and choice between Mild and Medium configurations.
Ultimately, razor preference is personal. Beard type, skin sensitivity, shaving frequency, blade choice and technique can all influence which razor feels best.
Henson Shaving FAQ
Where are Henson razors made?
Henson AL13 safety razors carried by The Razor Company are made in Canada from aerospace grade aluminum.
What is the Henson AL13?
The AL13 is Henson Shaving's aluminum double edge safety razor. The name references aluminum's atomic number, 13, and the razor is engineered around tight manufacturing tolerances, controlled blade exposure and increased blade support.
What is the difference between the Henson Mild and Medium?
The Medium has slightly greater blade exposure and a wider blade gap than the Mild version, making it better suited to users who want additional shaving efficiency. The Mild emphasizes a gentler, controlled shaving experience.
Does the Henson AL13 use standard double edge blades?
Yes. The Henson AL13 accepts standard double edge razor blades, so proprietary replacement cartridges are not required.
Is the Henson AL13 a heavy safety razor?
No. The aluminum AL13 is relatively lightweight. TRC lists it at approximately 1.3 ounces, or 37 grams.
Is Henson Shaving only a razor brand?
No. Although Henson is best known for its precision engineered safety razors, the current TRC assortment also includes accessories and grooming products such as shaving cream, pre shave cleanser and post shave balm.
