Not fully tightening the handle will result in more blade exposure and less blade support than the design of the Henson razor intends. The bushing in the baseplate allows the handle to turn smoothly when tightening, giving you a clearer feel for when it stops and is fully closed.
To minimize irritation, proper hair preparation is crucial before shaving.
Ideally, shave immediately after a shower, within a minute or two of stepping out. After spending 5-10 minutes steaming and soaking your hair in the shower, it will be perfect for shaving (remember to use a good shaving cream still).
If you're short on time, try to let shaving cream sit on your face for at least a minute or two, massaging it into your hair to help soften and prepare it for a comfortable shave.
The softer your hair, the less the blade has to work. The less the blade has to work, the less irritation there will be.
The Henson is designed to present the blade near the bottom of your hair follicle, right where it meets your skin. The design sets the optimal shave plane for you, and too much pressure can force too much skin against the blade. You may be surprised by how little pressure you need to apply to get a good shave.
Due to the exit channels built into the head of the razor, running the razor under the tap or swishing in water is the best way to remove hair/creams. We do not recommend banging the razor against your sink or tub.
After each shave, loosen the handle to the point where the blade is no longer bending (about 1 and a half turns) and store the razor on its side in a dry place. This will ensure that the razor can properly dry between uses.
Best practice is to thoroughly rinse the razor with water after each shave. Loosen the handle to the point where the blade is no longer bending (about 1 and a half turns) and store the razor on its side in a dry place; we don’t suggest storing in the shower. This will ensure that the razor can properly dry between uses.
To ensure you are shaving with a fresh, sharp edge, we recommend replacing the blade every 2-5 shaves. Double-edge blades are quite affordable (around $0.10 USD each) so you don’t need to feel guilty about changing your blade often.
When disassembling the razor to replace the blade, we would recommend a light cleaning. You can hand wash using a soft bristled toothbrush, water and soap. Do not clean with harsh cleaning chemicals/solutions or use your dishwasher.
Make sure to dry the razor before placing a new blade in.
The threading of each razor is lubricated before they are shipped out. However, if the threads aren’t turning as smoothly as they once did, we would recommend adding a drop of oil into the threading of the handle. You can use any household oil (olive, vegetable, coconut, etc) or standard machining oil.
No, the Henson is not dishwasher safe.
We use + symbols to denote different aggressions.
+ for mild (AL13 and Ti22)
++ for medium (AL13-M and Ti22)
+++ for aggressive (Ti22)
First, if you haven't opened the boxes yet, you can find the aggression symbols above the barcode beside the product/colour name.
Second, if you disassemble the razor and look on the inside of both the baseplate and top cap, you will see the aggression and lot number engraved there as well.
A 5 pack of RK Stainless double-edge razor blades are included with every purchase. This will provide the average shaver with 1-2 months of precision shaves. You also have the option to purchase a pack of 100 blades which will last approx. 2 years for the average shaver.
However, our blades are not proprietary. Henson razors can be used with any standard double-edge razor blade, which can be purchased from many locations such as the retailers found in our International Retailers section, or on Amazon.
Our Razors are fully designed, manufactured, assembled and packaged in Canada.
RK Stainless blades are manufactured and packaged in India.
First, it's precision. By CNC machining our Henson razors (as opposed to molding or casting), and anodizing them for protection (as opposed to painting or plating), we are able to target and maintain specific sizes and reduce the necessary allowance so that critical features of our razors are kept consistent within a thousandth of an inch. This ensures a straight and consistently loaded blade every time, meaning that the blade is presented to your skin the same every shave!
Second, it’s the shortest blade extension on the market. Shorter blade extension means less vibration in the blade (chatter). Less chatter means less irritation and a better shave every time.
The only differences between the Henson AL13 and the Henson AL13 - Medium are the blade gap and blade exposure. These measurements are two major factors in controlling the "aggressiveness" of the shave. For finer hair and shaving areas other than the face, a milder razor is generally desired. For coarser hair, the aggression of our Medium razor may be more suitable.
Technical Details
AL13 - .68 mm [.027”] Blade Gap and .033 mm [.0013"] Blade Exposure
AL13 - Medium - .85 mm [.033”] Blade Gap and .058 mm [.0023”] Blade Exposure
Handle dimensions:
The handle is tapered from 12.25 mm [.482”] at the tail to 9.75 mm [.384”] near the head.
The overall handle length is 96 mm [3.780”].
Weight:
Henson AL13 - 1.3oz
Henson Ti22 - 2.23oz
Our machinists were impressed with the consistency, sharpness, and quality of the RK blades. Furthermore, RK produced their stainless steel blades to match our specific razor dimensions, bringing to life the full potential of the precision of the tabs that hold the blade.
However, our blades are not proprietary. Henson razors can be used with any standard double-edge razor blade.
The Henson razor has large exit channels for hair to flow out after it’s cut, preventing clogging or interference with the cutting action of the blade. Simply rinse the razor in water to quickly remove hair and shaving creams.
We ship internationally.
The list of locations we are unable to ship to includes:
Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Colombia, Greece, Greenland, Iceland, Israel, Kazakhstan, Macao SAR, North Macedonia, Palestinian Territories, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela
If ordering from outside the US or Canada, consider taking a look at our International Retailers list to save on international duties and fees. You can find this list HERE.
We don’t suggest throwing used blades directly in the garbage. Double-edge blades are metal and fully recyclable; they can be disposed of in a blade bank.
You can purchase a blade bank specifically for razor blades or you can use a small jar, box, or other container. Your local pharmacy or drugstore may even supply you with a sharps container at no charge.
It can take years to fill up, at which point you can place it in your recycling or bring it to a metal/sharps recycling facility (depending on your local guidelines).
The design of both razors is the same, the only difference being the metal used and aggressions offered.
The AL13 is made of anodized aluminum and weighs 1.3oz. It is offered in both regular/mild and medium aggression. It is not offered in an aggressive form.
The Ti22 razor is made of bare titanium and weighs 2.23oz. It is offered in regular/mild, medium and an aggressive option.
The aggressions of the AL13 and Ti22 are comparable, outside of the aggressive option, which is exclusive to the Ti22.
The Ti22 does not qualify for our 100-Day Satisfaction Guarantee and therefore is final sale. Our Lifetime Warranty will still apply for manufacturer defects.
The Ti22 comes in 3 aggressions: mild/regular, medium and aggressive. These aggressions are the same in blade gap and exposure to our AL13 razor.
Mild - .68 mm [.027”] Blade Gap and .033 mm [.0013"] Blade Exposure
Medium - .85 mm [.033”] Blade Gap and .058 mm [.0023”] Blade Exposure
Aggressive - .99 mm [.039”] Blade Gap and .115 mm [.0045”] Blade Exposure
A safety razor is a shaving tool that holds a single, replaceable blade between a protective cap and guard bar. While most safety razors already provide a close, efficient shave, the Henson AL13 was engineered to take that design further. It holds the blade rigidly in place and sets the shaving angle automatically, giving you precision and comfort without the usual learning curve.
Traditional cartridge razors, by contrast, use disposable plastic heads that contain multiple blades stacked in a row. They pivot and flex to follow your face, but those extra blades pass over the same area of skin several times, which can tug hair, trap debris, and increase irritation.
With the Henson, you get the closeness and control of a safety razor — but with the predictability and ease of a modern cartridge, and at a fraction of the ongoing cost.
Most people find traditional safety razors take some getting used to, but the Henson AL13 was designed to make that transition easy. It automatically sets the correct shaving angle and keeps the blade rigid, so you don’t have to adjust your wrist or guess how much pressure to use.
With standard safety razors, the blade doesn’t sit in a pivoting head like a disposable, which means technique matters more. Pressing too hard or holding the handle too flat can cause small nicks until you get the feel for it.
Because the Henson takes care of the angle and control for you, it feels familiar right away — giving you the ease of a disposable shave with the smoothness and precision of a safety razor.
No, safety razors don't necessarily give a closer shave than cartridge razors — but that’s a good thing. Cartridge razors can shave slightly closer in the short term because their stacked blades lift the hair and slice it just below the surface. That can make the skin feel ultra-smooth at first, but it also increases the risk of redness, razor burn, and ingrown hairs as those under-skin hairs grow back.
A safety razor cuts the hair cleanly at skin level, without disturbing the skin. With the Henson razor, that precision is achieved without having to guess how to hold it or apply extra pressure — its head holds the blade rigidly and sets the angle automatically, so it cuts efficiently and evenly without the scraping or pull you feel from multiple blades.
The result is a shave that’s just as close in appearance, but gentler on the skin and longer-lasting in comfort.
Traditional safety razors have a learning curve that beginners have to work through, but the Henson AL13 was created to make it easy from the first shave. Its head fixes the blade at the correct angle and keeps it perfectly rigid, so the razor naturally finds the right position on your skin without you having to adjust or guess.
With most safety razors, beginners need to learn how to balance pressure and angle by feel. Pressing too hard or flattening the blade can cause small nicks until muscle memory develops. Once the technique settles in, safety razors offer excellent control and comfort — they just take practice.
The Henson removes that learning curve from day one, giving you the smoothness and precision of a safety razor with the ease and predictability of a cartridge shave.
Switching to a safety razor like the Henson AL13 dramatically lowers shaving costs. Cartridge refills can cost several dollars each, and most people go through dozens every year. Safety razors use standard double-edge blades that cost only a few cents apiece — even if you replace a blade weekly, your yearly spend on blades is often under $5 instead of paying $9–$14 per month for cartridges.
The savings add up because the handle of a safety razor lasts for years, even decades, while cartridge handles are tied to costly proprietary refills. And since all Henson razors use the same universally sized blades, you get those same long-term savings — without any trade-off in comfort or performance.
A well-made safety razor like the Henson AL13 can last forever. Since the handle and head are solid metal with no moving parts, there’s very little that can wear out. With basic care—rinsing after each shave, keeping it dry when not in use, and avoiding drops or hard knocks—a safety razor will keep performing for generations. Many vintage razors from the early 1900s are still in use today.
The only part that ever needs replacing is the blade, which is designed to be swapped out. The Henson razor, machined from aerospace-grade aluminum or titanium, is built to the same standard of longevity, so with proper care it can easily be a lifetime tool.
Yes. The thin double-edge blades used in safety razors like the Henson AL13 are simple pieces of sharpened stainless steel. Because they’re a universal standard and made in huge quantities worldwide, they typically cost around 10¢ per blade when bought in packs.
By comparison, cartridge refills often cost $3 or more per head, depending on the brand. In other words, the price of one cartridge could buy you a month’s worth of safety-razor blades. Both last for several shaves, but a safety-razor blade tends to stay sharp longer because it’s fully exposed and easy to rinse clean.
Henson razors use the same affordable double-edge blades as any other safety razor, giving you the same cost savings without being locked into expensive proprietary refills.
For many people, yes. Cartridge razors often cause irritation because their multiple blades pass over the same patch of skin several times in one stroke. That scraping effect can lead to razor burn, redness, and ingrown hairs. A safety razor uses just one sharp blade, which means fewer passes across the skin and less overall friction. With good prep and light pressure, the result is often a calmer, smoother shave.
That said, technique matters. Using too much pressure or the wrong angle with a safety razor can still cause irritation. Most people find that once they find their shaving technique with a safety razor, their skin feels healthier and less inflamed.
The Henson razor was designed to make this easier from the start. It holds the blade at a fixed, precise angle and clamps it rigidly to prevent flex — so it glides smoothly without scraping. In a controlled split-face study measured by Mimosa Diagnostics, participants showed less redness and post-shave irritation on the Henson side compared to a leading multi-blade cartridge.
Our own research also found that 67% of people still struggle with irritation from shaving — and for them, the Henson provides substantial, measurable relief. For the other 33%, it simply delivers a longer-lasting, cost-effective, and efficient shave.
Yes. Women tend to notice the benefits of using a safety razor like the Henson AL13 most because they shave more of their body and experience its advantages over a larger area. A safety razor works anywhere you would normally shave with a disposable or cartridge razor, and the Henson's superior construction seems to benefit both genders equally. The single sharp blade cuts hair cleanly at the surface without the tugging or repeated scraping that comes from multi-blade cartridges. Many women find that this leads to smoother skin with less irritation, especially on sensitive areas like underarms and the bikini line.
The key difference for underarms and the bikini line is in technique: use short, light strokes, keep the skin taut, and let the razor’s weight do the work. With a little practice, shaving larger areas like legs becomes just as quick as using a cartridge. The Henson razor’s fixed angle and secure blade hold make it especially beginner-friendly, so that there's no guesswork on the angle needed to avoid nicks and irritation.
Yes. Coarse and curly hair often cause problems with cartridge razors because the multiple blades can tug, cut hairs below the skin surface, and can increase the risk of ingrown hairs. The Henson AL13 uses a single sharp blade that cuts the hair cleanly at skin level, which reduces pulling and makes it easier for curly hair to grow out naturally instead of curling back in.
The key is to use light pressure, a proper angle, and good lather to let the blade glide smoothly through thicker hair. Many people with coarse or curly hair report fewer bumps and less irritation after switching. The Henson razor adds to this by clamping the blade rigidly and holding the angle for you, making it especially consistent and gentle on tougher hair types.
Any type of shaving can lead to ingrown hairs, but the risk is often lower with a safety razor like the Henson AL13. Cartridge razors use multiple blades that can tug the hair and cut it slightly below the skin surface. For people with curly or coarse hair, that under-skin cut makes it easier for the hair to curl back in and cause bumps. A safety razor uses a single sharp blade that cuts cleanly at the surface, reducing tugging and helping hairs grow out naturally.
That said, technique matters. Pressing too hard, shaving against the grain aggressively, or using a dull blade can still irritate the skin and trigger ingrowns. Many people who switch to the Henson razor find that irritation and bumps decrease, because it holds the blade rigidly and at a consistent angle, which helps minimize irritation even more.
Yes. Disposable and cartridge razors are made from mixed materials—plastic, rubber, and steel—that are difficult to separate and almost never recycled. Millions end up in landfills each year. The Henson razor, by contrast, is a durable metal handle that can last for generations. The only part you replace is the thin steel blade, which is fully recyclable.
Because you’re reusing the same handle and only discarding small metal blades, the overall waste from shaving drops dramatically. Some people switch to a safety razor specifically to cut down on plastic use.
Used double-edge blades should never be tossed loosely into the trash, since they stay sharp and can injure sanitation workers. The safest method is to store them in a blade bank or any sturdy metal container until it’s full. Once sealed, the whole container can be recycled as scrap metal or safely discarded depending on your local regulations.
Some cities accept blades with household metal recycling, while others require you to bring them to a hazardous waste facility. If recycling isn’t available, sealing blades in a puncture-proof container before disposal is still the best practice. The Henson razor uses standard blades, so any of these common disposal methods will work.
Plastic handles can certainly work, but they’re usually lighter and can wear down or warp over time. That lightness sometimes inclines people to press harder while shaving, which can lead to irritation or an inconsistent result. Metals like aluminum and titanium are more durable and give the razor natural balance, which can reduce the urge to add pressure.
They also allow for precise machining, which means textured grips that stay steady even when wet. Together, weight, balance, and grip can make a metal-handled razor feel more consistent and controlled across years of use.
The Henson is a safety razor, just like the classic double-edge razors people have used for decades. The difference is that it clamps the blade much more rigidly and sets the shaving angle for you, so you get all the benefits of a safety razor—like less irritation and less waste—without the steep learning curve.
Traditional safety razors can work well, but they often leave room for error. The blade may flex, the angle takes practice, and irritation can be common if your technique isn’t practiced.
A Henson razor clamps the blade rigidly and fixes the shaving angle, so you get the benefits of a safety razor with less irritation and a much easier learning curve.
Vintage safety razors were usually brass or zinc alloy with a plated finish. Their blade geometry varied by model and by era, and consistency depended on mid-20th-century stamping and plating processes.
The Henson is CNC-machined from aluminum (or titanium for the Ti22) which ensures reliable, repeatable tolerances, so every razor holds the blade in the same position and angle without variation.
A double-edge safety razor like the Henson AL13 holds a replaceable razor blade between a cap and a guard. The guard limits how much of the blade touches your skin, which reduces the chance of cuts. Blades are thin, inexpensive, and designed to be swapped out frequently.
A straight razor is a single solid blade with no guard. The user controls the angle and pressure entirely, which allows for very close shaves but can require practice to avoid nicks. Unlike safety razors, a straight razor should be regularly honed and stropped to stay sharp.
Cuts usually happen when too much pressure is applied, when the blade angle is off, or when you move too quickly over uneven spots like knees or ankles. With a safety razor, the trick is to use light, steady strokes and let the razor glide — the weight of the handle provides all the pressure you need.
Always shave with a fresh, sharp blade; dull blades tug instead of cutting cleanly. A quality shaving cream or soap creates the right cushion and helps the razor move smoothly across the skin. Take your time over curved areas, and keep your movements relaxed rather than rigid.
The Henson razor simplifies this by holding the blade at a fixed angle and locking it rigidly in place. You don’t have to guess the right angle or worry about blade flex, which makes it easier to get a smooth, close shave without nicks or irritation.
Yes — the Henson razor works great for underarms. Start by shaving with the direction of hair growth to remove most of the hair, then make a second light pass against the grain for a closer finish. Use a quality shaving cream or soap to create a smooth surface and help the blade glide.
Because a safety razor uses a single sharp blade, it cuts cleanly without scraping or tugging, which helps prevent bumps and irritation — even on sensitive skin.
The Henson razor is especially suited for this area because it holds the blade rigidly and sets the shaving angle for you, giving steady control and comfort around the curves of the underarm.
Shaving the bikini area takes some care because the skin is thinner and more sensitive. Start by softening the hair with warm water — a shower or soak helps a lot — and use a good shaving cream or soap to create a slick surface. Shave slowly and always use a fresh blade.
Go with the direction of hair growth first to reduce irritation, then, if you prefer a closer shave, you can make a light second pass across the grain. Avoid pressing down; let the razor’s weight do the work.
A safety razor is especially well-suited here because it uses a single blade that cuts cleanly at the surface instead of tugging or scraping. The Henson razor’s fixed angle and rigid blade hold make it easy to control in this area, helping reduce redness and razor bumps while keeping the shave smooth and precise.
Yes — it just takes a lighter touch than a cartridge razor. The ankle area has sharper angles and thinner skin, so use short, gentle strokes and move around the bone rather than straight over it. Flex your foot upward or at different angles as you shave to make the skin flatter and easier to glide across.
Since a safety razor doesn’t pivot, it’s best to pause and slightly change your hand position as you move around curves, rather than trying to sweep through in one motion. With that little adjustment, you’ll find the razor follows the contours smoothly without scraping or catching.
The Henson razor helps compared to other safety razors by holding the blade perfectly rigid and fixing the angle for you, so you can shave confidently even on the tricky spots like ankles and knees.
Lotion strips are mostly a cosmetic feature found on cartridge and disposable razors. They add color and fragrance and can make the first few shaves feel smoother, but they wear off quickly and don’t improve how well the razor cuts. In some cases, the residue can clog blades or irritate sensitive skin.
The Henson razor doesn’t need one because real lather — from a shaving cream, gel, or soap — does the same job better. A proper lather softens the hair, cushions the skin, and helps the blade glide cleanly.
Leaving out the strip keeps the design simple and lets you choose the products that work best for your skin.
Mostly, it’s marketing. Traditional “men’s” and “women’s” razors use the same kind of blades but are packaged and styled differently. Women’s versions are often pastel-colored or paired with lotion strips, while men’s models tend to come in darker colors or have a slightly different grip shape.
They also often cost more — even when the design is nearly identical. Many women’s razors are priced higher simply because they’re marketed as “for women.”
Functionally, both do the same thing: remove hair. The Henson razor doesn’t separate them by gender because there’s no need to. Its geometry is designed for comfort and control on any area of the body, whether that’s a face, leg, or underarm.
Any type of shaving can cause ingrown hairs, but they’re less common with a safety razor like the Henson AL13. Cartridge razors use multiple blades that can tug the hair and cut it slightly below the surface of the skin. When that happens — especially with curly or coarse hair — the hair can curl back and grow inward, creating bumps or irritation.
A safety razor uses a single sharp blade that cuts cleanly at skin level instead of below it. That reduces the chance of the hair curling back under the surface. Using a sharp blade, shaving with the grain, and applying light pressure all help prevent ingrowns.
The Henson razor adds another layer of protection compared to other safety razors by holding the blade perfectly rigid and at the right angle, so it glides evenly across your skin without dragging or flexing. The result is a smoother shave and fewer chances for irritation or trapped hairs.
Yes — for many people it does. “Strawberry legs” are the small dark dots or bumps that appear when hair follicles or pores get irritated, inflamed, or clogged after shaving. They’re often caused by dull blades, too much pressure, or razors that scrape the skin rather than cut cleanly.
The Henson razor helps by using a single sharp blade that slices the hair cleanly at the surface instead of tugging or cutting it below the skin. That means less irritation, fewer trapped hairs, and a smoother finish with less redness.
Paired with proper prep — warm water, a good shaving cream or soap — most people see a noticeable improvement in skin texture after switching.
These spots can be tricky because of curves, bones, and changing skin angles. The best approach is to take your time and work in small sections instead of sweeping straight through. Around the knees, bend your leg slightly so the skin flattens over the kneecap — that gives the blade a smoother surface to glide on.
For ankles, flex your foot upward so the skin tightens naturally, and shave around the bone rather than directly over it. Use short, light strokes and let the weight of the razor do the work — pressing harder doesn’t make it shave closer, it only increases the risk of nicks.
The Henson’s design helps with this kind of detail work. Because the blade sits at a fixed, precise angle and doesn’t flex, it stays steady even where the surface changes quickly. That stability makes it easier to guide the razor smoothly around curves without catching the skin.
If you’re shaving around half your body — for example, legs, underarms, and bikini area — it’s best to change the blade each time. If you’re only shaving a smaller area, you can usually get a couple of comfortable shaves before switching to a new one.
You’ll know it’s time for a change when the razor starts to drag slightly or requires more pressure to cut cleanly. Rinsing the blade thoroughly and letting it dry between uses helps extend its life.
The Henson razor uses standard double-edge blades that are inexpensive and easy to replace, so swapping them regularly is simple and keeps your shave consistent.
It’s best for each person to have their own razor. Sharing a handle or head can transfer bacteria, skin oils, or tiny particles from shaving — especially if one person has sensitive skin, acne, or small nicks.
The Henson’s design makes it easy to swap blades, but it’s still more hygienic to keep separate razors, each with its own handle and cap. Some couples choose different colors or finishes so it’s easy to tell them apart.
That said, many couples do share a single handle without issues, as long as the blade is changed frequently and the razor is rinsed and dried thoroughly after each use. If both people have healthy skin and practice good hygiene, it mostly comes down to personal comfort and routine.
Yes, you can use a safety razor in the shower. The key is to rinse it well and let it dry afterward. The Henson razor is made from aluminum or titanium — materials that don’t rust like steel does — so water exposure won’t harm the handle.
That said, any metal left wet for long periods can develop surface oxidation or mineral buildup. It’s still best to rinse thoroughly, shake out excess water, and store the razor somewhere dry after use.
The blade itself is stainless steel, which can dull or corrode more quickly if it stays damp. A quick rinse and dry after each shave is the easiest way to prevent any buildup and faster blade wear.
Disposable razors are designed for convenience, but their lightweight plastic heads and multiple flexible blades can create inconsistent pressure on the skin. That often leads to more irritation, especially on larger areas like legs or underarms.
The Henson razor uses a single, sharp blade that cuts cleanly at skin level instead of dragging across it. Because the blade makes a single, clean pass, it disturbs the skin less and avoids the scraping or tugging that can cause redness and bumps. The fixed blade angle means you don’t have to guess how to hold it, and the weight and balance of the handle let you guide it with only light pressure for a steady, controlled shave.
Because it’s machined from durable aluminum or titanium, it lasts for years instead of weeks — reducing both plastic waste and long-term cost while giving you a smoother shave.