I have sensitive skin and a light to average beard. For me, mild razors seem to give me the best results and I typically do a single pass to avoid irritation. The Feather AS-D2 has been my daily driver for years now. I’ve heard some great things about the Henson so I decided to get the mild AL13 and put these two razors head to head.
Price:
The AL13 is $69.99 and the AS-D2 is $220. Henson does make a titanium version for $249.99.
Design:
Both of these razors are beautiful. The AS-D2 is more utilitarian in design while the AL13 looks more ornate. They are both three piece razors.
The AS-D2 is made of stainless steel and also appears to have a coating. Stainless steel can rust so I’m cool with the coating, but it is something to note in case that bothers anyone.
The AL13 is made of aluminum, which makes the Henson lighter. I normally prefer heavier razors, but I actually didn’t mind the weight of the AL13.
I feel like the knurling on the AL13 gives me a better grip. Also, the Henson has a negative blade exposure and the blade is held firm at a 30 degree angle.
Shave:
The AS-D2 has long been the mildest razor that I’ve ever used. While some say they don’t feel the blade at all (even with a Feather blade), I don’t know that I feel the same way (even though the blade feel is very minimal). It delivers a very gentle shave and I have much less irritation and ingrown hairs compared to other razors. You have to pay attention to the angle of the razor or else it won’t shave. I do feel that the razor may likely be too mild for those with thicker hair and denser beards.
The AL13. Wow. Just wow. I have never had a more comfortable shave in my life. The competition isn’t even close. With the AL13, I would say there was virtually no blade feel at all. The stubble just seemed to disappear. There was an odd feeling as I was shaving. It almost felt like it was hugging the skin as it was gliding across my face. Post shave…I don’t even think my sensitive skin needed an aftershave balm. It was that good and I have never had this thought after shaving with another razor. Like the AS-D2, you do have to pay attention to the angle. Also, I could not believe how little pressure was needed. I would recommend the medium or aggressive versions for most men as I think this razor would be too mild for most. Henson recommends four to six inch strokes at a time before rinsing the blade. It works more similar to a cartridge razor than a DE in that way, but provides the results we’ve come to expect from a DE.
Winner: Henson AL13
After purchasing my Feather AS-D2 around 8 years ago, I never thought I’d need another razor. Man, was I wrong. The Henson AL13 wasn’t just a step ahead, it was a mile ahead of the Feather AS-D2. I did not expect such a significant difference between these two razors. Since the renaissance of traditional wet shaving, we have come a long way in the quality of shaving products available. I have no idea how a razor could be better than this for guys with sensitive skin, but I look forward to any further innovations by the great artisans that we have today.
Price:
The AL13 is $69.99 and the AS-D2 is $220. Henson does make a titanium version for $249.99.
Design:
Both of these razors are beautiful. The AS-D2 is more utilitarian in design while the AL13 looks more ornate. They are both three piece razors.
The AS-D2 is made of stainless steel and also appears to have a coating. Stainless steel can rust so I’m cool with the coating, but it is something to note in case that bothers anyone.
The AL13 is made of aluminum, which makes the Henson lighter. I normally prefer heavier razors, but I actually didn’t mind the weight of the AL13.
I feel like the knurling on the AL13 gives me a better grip. Also, the Henson has a negative blade exposure and the blade is held firm at a 30 degree angle.
Shave:
The AS-D2 has long been the mildest razor that I’ve ever used. While some say they don’t feel the blade at all (even with a Feather blade), I don’t know that I feel the same way (even though the blade feel is very minimal). It delivers a very gentle shave and I have much less irritation and ingrown hairs compared to other razors. You have to pay attention to the angle of the razor or else it won’t shave. I do feel that the razor may likely be too mild for those with thicker hair and denser beards.
The AL13. Wow. Just wow. I have never had a more comfortable shave in my life. The competition isn’t even close. With the AL13, I would say there was virtually no blade feel at all. The stubble just seemed to disappear. There was an odd feeling as I was shaving. It almost felt like it was hugging the skin as it was gliding across my face. Post shave…I don’t even think my sensitive skin needed an aftershave balm. It was that good and I have never had this thought after shaving with another razor. Like the AS-D2, you do have to pay attention to the angle. Also, I could not believe how little pressure was needed. I would recommend the medium or aggressive versions for most men as I think this razor would be too mild for most. Henson recommends four to six inch strokes at a time before rinsing the blade. It works more similar to a cartridge razor than a DE in that way, but provides the results we’ve come to expect from a DE.
Winner: Henson AL13
After purchasing my Feather AS-D2 around 8 years ago, I never thought I’d need another razor. Man, was I wrong. The Henson AL13 wasn’t just a step ahead, it was a mile ahead of the Feather AS-D2. I did not expect such a significant difference between these two razors. Since the renaissance of traditional wet shaving, we have come a long way in the quality of shaving products available. I have no idea how a razor could be better than this for guys with sensitive skin, but I look forward to any further innovations by the great artisans that we have today.
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