Considering Rockwell T2 vs Henson AL13 ++

[Scott H]

I'm a new member here, though I've been wet shaving for decades. Tired of the cartridges, most recently used Harry's and ready to move on. I have a tough beard, I range from daily shaving to once every three days. At three days, it's a bear!. I am considering the AL13++. I've looked at others in this price range and lower. One consideration is whether the unscrewing and reassembly of the AL13++ will get tiresome and if that's the case does it make sense to just jump into Rockwell T2. The T2 offers a good shave, correct, and it doesn't require disassembly every razor change. It's more expensive, but I can swing that.

I've used a brush and hard soap that I got years ago from Twincraft in Burlington VT. Those too will be replaced with new. I'm looking at the Taylor of Old Bond St. Shaving Shop Organic, synthetic brush and a razor sampler pack.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[thombrogan]

Welcome to the forum!

Both razors are great choices. The Rockwell T2 has a twist-to-open mechanism for cleaning or replacing the razor blade and the Henson razors have you twist the cap and baseplate off entirely off to do the same thing.

I have the Henson AL13+ and some twist-to-open razors (not the Rockwell T2) and the hassle isn’t too different.

If you don’t have hard water and don’t apply lather like it’s a contest, you can rinse either razor under a faucet until it’s time to change the blade. If you do have hard water, very carefully cleaning the blade after each shave is needed for either.

Both razors have their fans. Hoping someone who has both chimes in, but I’m a big fan of the Henson. You have to do a lot of fooling around before it lets you find out.

 

[reformedshavr]

T2 user here ... as an adjustable goes, it has a wide range from almost no 'bite' to fairly aggresive. That range should allow you to dial in something that works well for your face, and moreso, grow with you as your technique improves. It is very well made and with quality materials.
I can't speak for the Henson personally, but they have an excellent repuation here, are also high quality, and would also be a fine choice just the same.

 

[SmokedStanley]

Welcome.

I have not tried the Henson but can tell you the T2 was one of my least favorite razors just due to how massive the head is. I would recommend the Rockwell 6s or any vintage adjustable over a T2. Going vintage will also save you a bunch of money if you are patient when looking. Happy hunting and here's to the journey.

 

[matt1593]

I have both the T2 and the Yaqi Tile (Henson clone). I enjoy the range I get with the T2 if I skip a day shaving. The Tile requires a few extra passes in higher growth areas, but a safe daily driver.

 

[Lightcs1776]

Welcome to B&B. I have tried the Henson razor and it was just too light for me (mileage always very). I haven’t tried the T2, but I like the Rockwell with the 6 baseplate.

 

[Scott H]

Thanks for the feedback everyone and appreciate the welcomes to the forum. I decided I could not choose, so I just ordered both. I went back and forth between a few other brands, new and old, but this is my starting point.

So many choices!

 

[Dave himself]

Hi and welcome to B&B from N.Ireland.

 

[WhiskerLess]

Thanks for the feedback everyone and appreciate the welcomes to the forum. I decided I could not choose, so I just ordered both.

Welcome and you’re off to a good start. You ordered both, that’s exactly the B&B way !!!

 

[lakeman77]

Both good picks. Henson razors are wonderful.