Baby Soft Shave? Henson AL13 Safety Razor First Impression

#stylefirst
Does the Henson AL13 safety razor give you a baby soft shave?? Lets try and find out; this video is my first impression and slight review of the Henson razor. It has a very specific design that I've had my eye on for quite some time. Hope you enjoy this review of Henson AL 13 safety razor and lets hope it can get us a baby soft shave
My website!
afashionablefather.com/
Follow me!
TikTok - @fashionablefather
Twitter - @afashionfather
Instagram - @afashionablefather
Where I get my music - www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
My Rig
Camera - amzn.to/3Nk8Lka
Mic - amzn.to/3A7a9nd
Monopod - amzn.to/3OIJEIH

[@AHappyBachelor]

When I first bought and tried this razor, I hated it and threw it in a drawer. A year later I picked it up again and shaved with it, and I love it. I'm not sure which one I bought, can't remember, but I get great shaves with it.

[@JonathanLewis-gf1lu]

After several shaves I simply love this razor along with the blades they just do a great job for me

[@muchless]

Bro, you got so comfortable with it!

[@JCBluenote24]

I picked one of these up about 4-5 months ago, and it's the last safety razor I might ever use...but in a good way. I have super sensitive skin (my blade is a Shark Super Chrome...the mildest you can probably get), and my EJ 3One6 would tear my face up at times with the blade exposure. I've never had anything more than a tiny nick, instead of getting sliced open with one of the other razors I've used. I compare this to the weight and feel of a cartridge razor (with the lighter-material handles of a Schick or Harry's), but the ease and comfort of a DE. Great review!

[@FashionableFather]

Edwin Jagger was one of my first DE. It was no 3one6 but it was a fine razor for sure. But yeah I’d take this de over all the de’s I’ve tried.

[@JonathanLewis-gf1lu]

That’s a great razor easy to use for sure it took me a little bit to figure out but once you do a very smooth and very comfortable no irritation at all

[@Lukas_Schanderl]

Do you have any tips? I got more than 12 cuts today using the Henson and it's super irritating.

[@FashionableFather]

@Lukas_Schanderl damn?! Is this your first DE? Do not press the razor to your face. Just gently drag it down your face. Do you have coarse hair yet sensitive skin? Also are you using a preshave oil?

[@gregmccormack5709]

I agree that the majority of people dont need the medium Razor. With the Henson you get used to holding the face of it at the proper angle over a few uses. My Shaves got much better the longer I used it. I feel like experienced DE shavers sometimes get turned off the Henson because they are so used to aggressiveness of other D. E.s and if you dont have the right angle and good skin contact (not pressure) it can feel very mild or ineffective. I love mine and switched from cartridges so I am good at using it. Other standard DE's feel super dangerous and cuts/nicks are way worse with more standard style razors in my opinion. I often dont notice I've even got a nick with it and am like oh 🤔. Thanks for advertising D E shaving it really is fantastic.

[@FashionableFather]

Thank you for watching and commenting. I’m liking the Henson. Still don’t know if I prefer it over Supply. You’re right the more I shave with it the more intuitive it feels. Again thank you.

[@MonoLake02]

I have been using the first generation AL13+ for about 2 years. It was my second razor and I have not yet found one that I like more. I have found that the Henson and Feather blades are not a perfect pairing. The Gillette Platinum it the perfect blade for me in the Henson. I can get 5 good shaves from the Gillette blade with no tugging or weepers. The Feather always gives me weepers and really only lasts about 3 shaves. Thanks for the review.

[@brianh2287]

The new version is even better, it's perfect really.

[@hamzafurkanayten4876]

​@@makuIaI have feather hi stainless blades too the platnium coated ones and wanted to buy the henson al13 now im completely new to shaving like this I dont have any experience just wirh cartdrige blades so what kinda blades do you use for the henson al13

[@ngonzale3]

Its my first safety razor ever. Im still learning the right way to move it- and at what angle- against the face. I look forward to trying different blades and soaps as well. It wasn't as smooth as butter like I’d hoped but it’s probably my fault. But it didn't feel worse than the gillette fusions.

[@FashionableFather]

Yeah it’s a different shave than what you’re used to. But stick with it and you’ll see the results

[@JonathanLewis-gf1lu]

Now the rk razor blades are very smooth I’ve used no problem no tug no problem at all insane

[@kobuspool3392]

You answered the question before saying it was a mild shave, but the question is what version of the razor is it. Mild+ of Medium++. Thanks.

[@robbruno6713]

I got my Henson about 6 months ago... I was shocked at the RK blades too..... Great razor... it's idiot proof... Have you tried the Edwin Jagger 3ONE6? not cheap... but it's well worth the $$

[@JonathanLewis-gf1lu]

I really really like this razor after I figured out to find the angle and how hard to press with it being so light once you find it. I try the SE from suply I’m not sure about it yet I’ll give it a shot again tomorrow.

[@FashionableFather]

Love the Henson, but also truly enjoy the Supply SE.

[@rsaunders223]

Which do you prefer between the supply and Henson?

[@johngregory4801]

I'm a few months into wet shaving with the AL13 Mild as my first DE razor. I cant think ofna reason to go back to cartridge razors, its so easy to get a better shave, but without cutting myself. (Mostly under my schnozz) The irritation my alum bar (also new) tells me of depends on how many passes i do and which direction they are, which is why im still watching vids, looking for new techniques to improve my shaving experience. Next I'll probably try different blades than the RKs. Thanks for the video 🙂

[@FashionableFather]

I thought the RKs were ok. I've used the Henson alot recently and truly prefer Feather, but I'm definitely biased.

[@LearningAndGrowingInLife]

Insightful vid. One feedback - you may wanna consider switching the ice with an Alum block :)

[@FashionableFather]

I have thought about it, but I really like the ice cool water on my face. I know I could put the alum block in the freezer, but I don't think it would be the same.

[@rileywest4900]

I love this razor so much. I'm on day 2 and I love it heroically more than one of the other super popular safety razors you reviewed. I love the blades too. I'd be curious if anyone wants to chime in and recommend their preferred blades though? I'm a super sensitive skin guy. (if anyone is feeling really generous, I'd also graciously appreciate a shave soap recommendation)

[@FashionableFather]

It’s a very nice razor for sure!

[@noburt9]

Hey. I don't know if you got any shave soap yet. But I use Taylor of Old Bond. It works great for me, one of the better ones I've used. I have some stuff coming from Sterling Soap Co right now, and I'm really interested to see how it'll be, I've read a lot of great things about their soap I also have sensitive skin, although it isn't sensitive to smells. Mostly just too many passes with a razor and things like that.

[@makuIa]

prorasso, nivea, tabac, arco etc. are all dirt cheap & some of the best easiest lathering soaps as well as great slickness. more expensive soaps have a more niche smell but don’t lather any better then the ones I stated they’re very loved in the shaving community for the right reason

[@Meaverickk]

Sensitive skin too. Use a Taylor of Old Bond lime soap (I’m a citrus lover and this smells so damn good) after a hot shower. Load up a green Astra Superior Platinum and no alcohol after shave balm by Proraso with Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. BBS everytime baby!

[@barnastil591]

Safety razors are amazing.

[@FashionableFather]

I’m pretty impressed with this one. And though lately it’s been single edge for me; I stared this journey with safety razors and do love them. Thanks for watching.

[@jlatte4631]

Love the video, I've seen you shave with both the supply and the henson in this video now, any thoughts on what you prefer and how they differ apart from one being an injector vs a double edge razor? (e.g. what's more comfortable? what's easier to use or clean up?)

[@FashionableFather]

I’m going to make a video ranking my razors and I’ll explain more. I’d say Henson is a highly designed DE that is intuitive; Supply Pro is a razor that needs a lil skill.

[@monkeymuggs]

I think I'm going to purchase. I'm not crazy about the twig, and no matter what blades I use it tears my throat up. Never had that problem with my old Merk

[@FashionableFather]

Sorry to hear about the twig. The Henson gets close too, but it does seem forgiving. Let me know what you think.

[@wvangalen]

Thank you for this informative video! I'm currently using an electric wet shaver with Edge sensitive skin shaving gel. If I were to switch to a Henson, can I continue to use the gel?

[@FashionableFather]

Of course. And thanks for enjoying and complimenting.

[@AleandFire]

Was this the razor made by an aerospace machine shop?

[@lornefenna9824]

I'm a big fan of the safety razor too, I use a vintage Gillette from 1970, same as my dad used. A fifty year old razor for my fifty year old face

[@barnastil591]

Plus if we want to have a real conversation about environmentally friendly the safety razor is a great example.

[@lornefenna9824]

I am 100% with you there, my friend

[@FashionableFather]

Vintage Gillette?! That’s very cool.

[@lornefenna9824]

You know what's really cool? That no matter which safety razor you favour from the last fifty years, we can still get blades. Like Barnastil said, that's green as heck and so cool. Keep the good stuff coming Fashionable Father

[@FashionableFather]

@@lornefenna9824 THANK YOU!

[@aaelc]

Great video! Just wondering how the copper finish is holding up after months of use? Did it fade or was there any difference in color from when it was new? Thank you in advance.

[@FashionableFather]

It’s holding up just fine, no color fade from what I can tell. Also love the razor. This and the supply pro are my go to right now.

[@umbertosmith7014]

The anodizing is very good at Henson...so long as you don't drop it, it should last ages and protect the aluminum from oxidizing too much...Aluminum does pit and corrode, it might take decades for that to happen, just buy two

[@Rockycm1]

Hi Idol. try not to lean you index finger on the razor, you might have put a bit too much pressure on it thus causing the cuts. I saw your rockwell t2 video and noticed the same issue.

[@FashionableFather]

Yo! Thanks for the heads up. I did not notice I was doing that. That could easily be the case. Again thank you!

[@robertross8565]

The vast majority of Henson sales are the Mild (+). The titanium model is considered "aggressive" (+++). Then of course there is the Medium (++), which like the titanium version, accounts for a small fraction of sales. With a thick beard such as yours, you should agitate rather than paint on the lather for the 1st pass at a bare minimum. It will help the beard stand proud ready to shave. You can paint the lather on the 2nd and 3rd passes but best to really massage the lather into the beard on the 1st pass. RK blades are rumored to be very sharp. In terms of your lather, I would add more water and agitate the lather into your beard more. Like you, I would give you a middling grade of 5 out of 10.

[@FashionableFather]

I spend very little time on my lather as you can see. Damn that rating though, 5?! Cmon?! Lol. Agitate! That makes sense! I’m kinda liking those RK.

[@robertross8565]

@@FashionableFather A rating of 5 is what you gave yourself. You will improve. I prefer bowl lathering. I gave you my secret sauce recipe of 1/16 tsp (aka a “PINCH”) of soap to 1/2 Tablespoon of DISTILLED water. A “PINCH” measuring spoon can be purchased at a kitchen specialty store. It’s in between a “Smidgeon” and a “Dash”. Dissolve the soap into the water using your thumb and with a slightly damp synthetic brush.

[@robertross8565]

With a slightly damp synthetic brush, whip the slurry into a lather.

[@tugboat8475]

Nice video. I can't work it out if you're using the mild the medium or aggressive hanson

[@FashionableFather]

My understanding there is the normal/mild which is the one I got. Then there is the “m” which is more aggressive. Those are the only two “designs. The third is a titanium; which I think is the normal/mild design.

[@tugboat8475]

@@FashionableFather You think they would call them, three different names or serial numbers.

[@JonathanLewis-gf1lu]

I really enjoy the Henson razor a lot No burn maybe a little bit of sting no big deal but a super awesome shave every time.

[@FashionableFather]

I’m enjoying it.

[@PolarBearXx]

I’m keeping this razor I’ve returned leaf,proof,Gillette,Pete and Pedro,n this is by far the best Henson for life

[@FashionableFather]

I’m editing a vid about my top 4 razors….interesting

[@PolarBearXx]

@@FashionableFather tried supply too it’s the tension in the bladed they really care about shaving longest I’ve let my beard grow I stay clean cut n man I wanna let my hair grow back to get that feeling I use a toner after Henson is perfect

[@manybuddies]

idk, maybe you've a lot more facial hair than me, when i shave, and i use safety razor almost exclusively, i always shave at an angle, never against the grain (or along the grain, the complete opposite), unless it's under my chin. i seldom ever get razor burns, when i do get them, most of the time it's because of a dull blade (ie it's time to change the razor).

[@FashionableFather]

Yeah; hair differs a lot from person to person. My hair is crazy coarse so I have to go against to get the smooth shave, but have to be careful on my neck.

[@MrGeorge0285]

For your last step: in winter would you consider running out after your shave and dunking your face in the snow?

[@johnnicpon5783]

I think the the Henson is a great starter razor for someone just getting into wet shaving. It only shaves at the correct angle. The Feather is not the best blade. Personally I find that an Astra works much better. Also, why don't you use an Alum block instead of an ice cube?

[@FashionableFather]

I think you’re right. The RKs work amazingly. I love how cold the ice is. I guess I could always put the alum in the freezer….

[@Ayush-mp9fw]

hey! this is my first time trying safety razor - can you share which one was most forgiving for you out of supply se, henson al13, muhle vivo and leaf?

[@FashionableFather]

Wow they are all great razors and forgiving hmmmm. I think I need to make a video. I’d say the leaf.

[@GeneandRenee]

Just found your channel Timothy and enjoying it. I’m 60 and have been using Harry’s for around 10 years and want to try something new. Which do you recommend: the Supply or Henson? Thanks in advance! Gene

[@FashionableFather]

Welcome kind sir! They are both great. I’d say first time around you should try the Henson. Super easy and intuitive. Supply Pro after you get used to shaving with the Henson/

[@GeneandRenee]

@@FashionableFather thank you! 😎

[@GeneandRenee]

Timothy one more question, using the Henson razor, do you recommend the RK blades or is there something better? Thanks again!

[@FashionableFather]

The rk blades worked great for me. Im usually a feather guy, but was surprised by the RK. But all guys are a lil different. Try a couple brands. You can get a sampler and try a few; amzn.to/42QdvqU

[@GeneandRenee]

Thank you!

[@umbertosmith7014]

try a Nacet...it will turn the Henson into a light saber...RK are an okay value but not a great blade...I suppose one shave per blade since they are so cheap.

[@conradcoetzee7586]

I disagree with your statement of "not a good razor when starting out". That is literally what it was designed for to make shaving easy. It is designed with the angle needed to get a perfect shave. I would say you don't need the medium but it is the easiest razor to use when comparing to other conventional safety razors from brands like Rockwell or Parker. I have a Rockwell 2c and this is much easier to learn with and the chances of you cutting yourself is much less when starting out.

[@FashionableFather]

Have you tried the supply se or leaf?

[@ColdfFlare]

​@FashionableFather i tried the leaf and it kept cutting me way more often..

[@varshneydevansh]

Since last month I also started with DE shave. But, I do it after every 2nd day is this okay? One more thing I have noticed is sometimes it's kinda difficult to shave against the grain what can I did to get more closer shave?

[@guayo42]

Use a pre shave. There are plenty of options out there I'm not a fan of the oil but YMMV. I prefer the Proraso pre shave.

[@RC44E]

I purchased the AL13++ and +++ to shave off my C-Vid beard this past summer. Sadly, I chickened out and didnt de-beard yet. But, it was nice to someone review the razor with a decent amount of stubble.

[@FashionableFather]

Let me know what you think when you go after that beard.

[@geekheavy1989]

The lather was a 7/10 Also, I’ve been using an ice cube on my face. Game changer. 👌

[@FashionableFather]

I’ll take that 7 all day! Thanks. Ice, right?!

[@sterlingcampbell2116]

You're very generous to give that lather a 7.

[@brubinstein1]

Just got this and tried it.. after my first two shaves, I'm doing something wrong, but not sure what. Zero nicks. Not a very close shave. I was expecting the opposite issue! Any tips for how to use it better?

[@FashionableFather]

No nicks seems like a good thing but not close is not. What type hair do you have?

[@joshdimovski4483]

Could you make a video about Supply vs Henson ?

[@FashionableFather]

This may just have to happen.

[@FashionableFather]

Which supply?

[@joshdimovski4483]

​@@FashionableFather Pro model

[@LearningAndGrowingInLife]

Long time cartridge razor user. Considering getting Henson Al13 but not sure between their mild vs medium versions. Wondering if you had recommendations?

[@FashionableFather]

The one I reviewed is mild and plenty close for me. But I do go against.

[@LearningAndGrowingInLife]

@@FashionableFather Thanks for the insight

[@LearningAndGrowingInLife]

Got the mild version and so far so good. Thanks again for this video.

[@FashionableFather]

@@LearningAndGrowingInLife plenty close?

[@LearningAndGrowingInLife]

@@FashionableFather Close enough for my 3 passes (with the grain, cross grain and against the grain). I have been reading that the medium version tends to be more efficient and maybe closer but the mild seems to be recommended for DE newbies instead of medium. There's a stat I came across that Henson sells 90% of their razors in mild, 9% in medium and 1% in agressive versions. Have you considered trying out the medium version of Al13?

[@robertross8565]

The Henson AL13 Mild (original version) is my first DE razor following over 40 years of cartridge shaving. I would disagree with your assessment the Henson isn't a good choice as a first DE razor. To me, the Henson Mild is such an easy razor to use, is very efficient, has a great design, has no blade chatter, is very precisely made, and it's easy to find the shaving angle. And to boot, the mild version has a blade that protrudes half the width of a human hair, which when you think about it, is incredible.

[@FashionableFather]

Thank you for this. The design is impeccable and I should’ve sang its praises more. For me it got so close and I’ve noticed newcomers are turned off by something that might cut them, but that’s just from comments on here. I do love the razor.

[@robertross8565]

@@FashionableFather I love a razor that gives me a “close comfortable shave”. Both close & comfortable have to go hand in hand. I had a close shave with a Feather blade in my Henson but it was almost too close on my neck. It took a few hours for my neck “to settle down” if that makes sense. Your shaving videos are enjoyable to watch; keep up the great work.

[@FashionableFather]

@@robertross8565 “Settle down”absolutely makes sense. Thanks for the compliments and all the advice, it’s quite helpful.

[@stuttgart310]

Shave my head with a Henson.. it's all in the angle.. I noticed you were flicking

[@krispeterson1021]

Is this razor on Amazon...?

[@FashionableFather]

Unfortunately no. But highly recommend you grab one from their site.

[@sellitman]

I bought the AL-13 + and then popped for the Titanium version. The knurling is better and because it's heavier you don't have to press hard to let it do it's job. I think you were pressing down too hard on that shave.

[@FashionableFather]

Yes I’ve been noticing I’ve been pressing of late. That titanium must be one lovely razor.

[@sterlingcampbell2116]

Lather was a 4.

[@jack2u]

[@toddd7444]

i bought the T-3 and crack the handle. replaced with the Shave Rite 210 Aluminum 26mm handle half measures availed us nothing wheelchair larry

[@jonaspete]

Is this mild or medium?

[@FashionableFather]

It’s mild, and plenty close for me.

[@jonaspete]

@@FashionableFather 🫡Thank you sir!

[@jackryandrake8490]

I am not a fan of the supply se. I don’t get feedback from the razor, and by the end, I have cuts and irritation.

[@FashionableFather]

Sorry to hear about the SE. Hope you returned or gave it to somebody who might like it. Have you tried Leaf?

[@I_AM_HUGO]

While this razor does an amazing job, I find that it sticks to my face, and removes most if not all of the shave soap per pass. I lather up very well after a shower to ensure proper lubrication but I definately notice this thing clings to the skin. I also have a chrome Rockwell, and can make several passes with it without sticking to the skin.

[@FashionableFather]

Interesting you say that. After about 4/5 shaves later I found the same thing. I don’t love that neither. Yeah it’s almost too…dry. I blame the aluminum, just crazy theory though.

[@I_AM_HUGO]

I thought for sure it's the aluminum.@@FashionableFather

[@sterlingcampbell2116]

It's virtually impossible to remove all the soap before contacting the blade...not even the blade itself does that. I'd wager that's in your head. All DEs scrape most of the soap off before contacting the blade. The residual sickness should be more than enough assuming you're building a quality lather.

[@brianh2287]

Lather 5/10. My two least favorite blades in this razor are the RK and Feather. Best blades for this razor IMO are Astra SP and Gillette Platinum. The Henson razors are deceptively efficient, don't use too much pressure. It's a very forgiving razor, try using different blades than the ones you are using. Good video, mediocre lather !

[@FashionableFather]

5 out of 10?!?! C’mon!! I know I said it but you didn’t have to agree. I tried astra when I first started and was pleased but when I found feather I was sold. May try Gillette; RK was surprisingly good or maybe it was the Henson making it shine. Thanks for watching and commenting.