Henson Razor Q

[Dimitri]

I've read that Henson razors essentially "force" you into holding the razor at the correct angle thus greatly reducing the chance of cutting yourself. Is this correct? Are there any similar razors? I ask because my nephew's 17th birthday is coming up and he recently started shaving. His dad basically threw an electric razor at him and said "here you go." Guy's a total douchebag, but that's another story. Anyway, I want to buy him a proper razor and a complete shave kit with brush, stand, soap/croap, etc. and teach him how it's properly done. I want to start him off with a mild razor and was leaning toward a Henson mild, but was wondering if there's anything similar out there.

I'm thinking of the AL13 mild coupled with Personna Comfort Coated blades. Do you think this would be too mild a combo? I can give him a couple tucks of Bic CP's instead lol, but I don't want to scare him off of DE shaving lol.

 

[Markdad2]

I have the Henson, mild. If you do not use the correct angle, it won't shave. It won't cut at all, which is nice because it's very safe. The bad thing about the Henson for someone that doesn't have any experience is learning the correct amount of pressure to use when using the Henson. If you press to hard, you can get some irritation. For me it's the best safety razor I have tried, and I have tried well over a dozen. As far as blade selection, Astra SP's are a good middle of the road blade that many find to do a good job. I started my oldest boy with a Weishi 9306, which is a Gilette Super Speed copy I've read, and he has used Astras, Bic CP's, Feathers, etc. Bottom line a blade sampler pack would be a good idea. That's my opinion. Also check out the Supply Razor, and perhaps the Yates Merica and or winning razor. They are similar to the Henson I think. But available in stainless steel.

 

[spacemonkey42]

A Henson mild would be a terrific gift to your nephew!

 

[Kix]

A Henson + or ++ would be a great choice for a beginner.
But, there are plenty of seasoned wet shavers that use a Henson + or ++ every day.
Great razors!

 

[catchacoolbreeze]

Yates Winning razor is a similar design.

I would include a sample pack of a variety of blade tucks... The blade can make or break a razor. Plus it may get him interested on how all things aren't created equal when it comes to shaving.

 

[JCinPA]

Hahaha! Funny because my dad was an electric guy. One of the best razors for a teen learning to shave IMO would be the Henson, but another alternative is the Schick injector which is what my grandfather started me with.

Google it

 

[borwish]

The Henson, the Winning Razor by Yates, and the Simple Clean Shave razor all have the built in angle and are very easy to use and quite safe. I personally prefer the Simple Clean Shave razor---it's also cheaper and is rebranded as TRC razor. The Henson is solid aluminum. The Winning Razor is solid stainless steel and is built like a tank. The Simple Clean Shave razor is aluminum with stainless steel inserts at the wear points. The SCS razor is my number 1 razor.

Another option is the Leaf Twig razor. It takes only half of a DE blade. It also has the angle built in and gives a great, safe shave. It uses alloy construction though.

Winning, Henson, SCS

 

[Kix]

I personally prefer the Simple Clean Shave razor---it's also cheaper and is rebranded as TRC razor.

Yes, The Razor Company razor is a great razor, I'm glad you mentioned it. I love mine.
Mine is the flat black aluminum model, I've nick named it the Stealth Bomber!
They are easy to use and give a great shave!

 

[JCinPA]

@Dimitri

I'm sorry I did not post a link yesterday, I was on my phone and I can't figure out how to get links to products in the Google app. As I mentioned, my dad was an electric guy so my grandfather taught me to shave, YIKES, 50 years ago. He started me out on a non-adjustable Schick Injector razor and that was an outstanding choice for a beginner. It is very forgiving and fairly mild, and terrific for a new shaver and experienced alike. I still use one occasionally, as most of us with a favorite razor take others in out collection out for a spin once in a while. A couple of comments about both that and the Henson.

The Henson is an outstanding choice for a beginner. I have the original mild model and a medium on the way. What you mention about the angle is not a drawback at all. Your grandson would have to learn the correct angle with any razor and that is a bit of a learning curve. If he keeps the angle of the Henson razor head flat on his face, he will have some guidance he does not have with other DE razors, it's a good thing. Likewise, the Schick Injector has a flat face that will help him keep the proper angle, they are similar that way, and that's part of what makes them a perfect razor for beginners, they don't really have to figure out the angle, the razor helps them.

If your grandson has clear skin I'd say either is a good choice, if he has some problem skin, I'd lean toward the Henson. While both are very forgiving, the Henson is milder and its design will make it a bit better shaving over any rough skin. But I think goth are great choices, I'd rank the Henson as #1 and the Schick as #2.

If you are making a gift and he is just starting out shaving, consider getting him a whole kit. Be forewarned if he comes her for advice, out of an abundance of good will and enthusiasm, he will quickly be overwhelmed with advice to buy two dozen different brands of blades, and a dozen soaps/creams, and I can tell you that is exactly what he does NOT want. He wants One set of tools, and should stick with them for at least 3-6 months, one razor, one blade, one brush (ok maybe 2), one lather. This will allow him to build his basic skills in a way he will find difficult using dozen of different products. After the learning period he can go nuts on this stuff, if he wants, or just shave if it doesn't become a "hobby" activity.

You cannot go wrong with the Henson, get the mild, the AL13+

If you want to opt for the Schick here is the link:

Amazon.com

Here is an outstanding starter shaving brush:

Amazon.com

I would stick with a shaving cream rather than a soap for his learning journey, and as he may have typical teenage skin issues, I'd suggest one designed for sensitive skin. Creams are foolproof to lather, he'll figure it out almost instantly, and there are plenty of YouTube videos on it. Search for one on the cream you purchase for him. My recommendation is this, and if my son is any indication, he should like the scent.

Amazon.com

For blade I think which blade he chooses is less important than sticking with one brand for a few months before experimenting. I happen to know this blade works very well in the Henson. With the Schick stick with the Schick blades with the yellow package. These are well-respected blades for the Henson here.

Amazon.com

A lather bowl is optional, he can use any old bowl or large mug, but if you put together a kit for him, it's a nice touch.

Amazon.com

Finally, if I may be so bold as to suggest a post I did in 2011 when I joined here may be helpful to him. I am honored and gratified to see it still gets likes and occasional comments after 13 years. If he wants a soap, in addition to the cream, may I suggest Cella Organic Aloe Vera Shaving Soap (green tub) as his first to try. Here is my thread.

My first 8 months - and a safer path for new DE shavers

Well, 8 months into this and I have had exactly 4 nicks and rarely get weepers, they are about as rare. I shave every day (since April 13th, when I started, I have taken exactly 3 days off shaving), get a DFS 90% of the time and a BBS whenever I want one. I had been lathering with brush and mug...

www.badgerandblade.com

 

[JCinPA]

P.S. An afterthought. One of the posters in my old thread noted that synthetic brushes have come a long way and may be a better first choice than the badger, and I don't disagree. I don't think you can go wrong with the brush I suggested above, my son is still using mine. But synthetics were not a thing back then and I now have several and they are good choices. An alternative brush might be:

Amazon.com

 

[Omega48]

I recommend starting with Astra Superior Platinum but regardless, don't give him a sample of blades. He would get distracted from learning the proper technique. One brand, maximum two.

The Henson mild is excellent for both beginners and experienced shavers. I gave one to my son. Plus if he does not like it or give up wet shaving, you can always sell it here, it would go fast.

 

[tm3]

I've read that Henson razors essentially "force" you into holding the razor at the correct angle thus greatly reducing the chance of cutting yourself. Is this correct?

I think that the Henson is a great razor and would be a great "starter" DE for anyone, but I do not agree that the Henson (or Winning) "forces" the correct angle, or that the Henson is "foolproof." If I get too shallow I don't get shaved, and if I get too steep I get a rough feeling and can draw blood. In fact after using the Henson exclusively for a few months and then going back to the Progress I'm not so sure that the Henson shave is any easier overall; the "traditional" head design is superior around the jaw line, for me. Of course this might be due to my long experience with the Progress and might not be what a newbie would find.

Given the huge variation in beard/skin types and differing desires for mild/aggressive that I have read here at B&B, I think the best beginner bet in a DE is an adjustable like a Fatboy or Progress -- but the Henson is not a bad beginner choice at all and one that I would recommend any DE shaver try.

 

[Dimitri]

I recommend starting with Astra Superior Platinum but regardless, don't give him a sample of blades. He would get distracted from learning the proper technique. One brand, maximum two.

The Henson mild is excellent for both beginners and experienced shavers. I gave one to my son. Plus if he does not like it or give up wet shaving, you can always sell it here, it would go fast.

That was my thinking and exactly what I plan to do. I'm going to start him with Comfort Coated Personna's. They are very smooth and I think a great blade. I think they'll be a good match with a Henson or similar razor.

 

[Dimitri]

P.S. An afterthought. One of the posters in my old thread noted that synthetic brushes have come a long way and may be a better first choice than the badger, and I don't disagree. I don't think you can go wrong with the brush I suggested above, my son is still using mine. But synthetics were not a thing back then and I now have several and they are good choices. An alternative brush might be:

I agree. I've been reading a lot of good things about the current synthetics and am considering it. It will be either that or boar/pig bristle. I'm a big fan of the Semogue OC Taj I recently purchased. He's young and has some acne. I think pig bristle and synthetic are better exfoliators and would be good for his adolescent skin.

 

[Dimitri]

I think that the Henson is a great razor and would be a great "starter" DE for anyone, but I do not agree that the Henson (or Winning) "forces" the correct angle, or that the Henson is "foolproof." If I get too shallow I don't get shaved, and if I get too steep I get a rough feeling and can draw blood. In fact after using the Henson exclusively for a few months and then going back to the Progress I'm not so sure that the Henson shave is any easier overall; the "traditional" head design is superior around the jaw line, for me. Of course this might be due to my long experience with the Progress and might not be what a newbie would find.

Given the huge variation in beard/skin types and differing desires for mild/aggressive that I have read here at B&B, I think the best beginner bet in a DE is an adjustable like a Fatboy or Progress -- but the Henson is not a bad beginner choice at all and one that I would recommend any DE shaver try.

I'm a big fan of adjustables. I've been shaving exclusively with a Merkur Futur for the last 15 years, and with a Progress, until it broke, for about a dozen years before that. I only recently decided to treat myself to a new razor and got myself a Timeless in SS and have been shaving with it for the last few weeks. My plan was to start him with a Henson, or similar razor, and let him use that for at least a year so that he can get his technique down, and then I was thinking of getting him an adjustable. I have a spare Futur. Maybe I will give him that lol.

 

[JTiberiusHenson]

Henson Mild and Astra SPs would be the ideal starter razor. There are other fixed angle razors, like the Winning or TRC razor, but none are as beginner freindly or available in multiple aggressions like Hensons are.

 

[JCinPA]

I love boars, they are my favorite brush, but it takes a long time to break them in. If you have one with super soft tips and are willing to gift it to him, that woule be great, but I would not get him a new boar, if it was me. Synth or badger. The Edwin Jagger I recommended is a great beginner brush for badger and won't break the bank.

The blade choice is not super important, but sticking with one blade for the first 45-60 days before experimenting is, I believer. Silver Blues, Super Plats, Atras, Personnas, all good, just don't get a sampler. And DO NOT start him with an adjustable, no matter how much you like them. Bad idea. There is no problem with experimenting AFTER he gets the basics down. Not before.

And I'd ignore anyone who had a bad experience with the Henson. Their experience is valid, their opinion is valdi, but their advice is suspect for a beginner (not for an experienced shaver). What you want is the easiest kit with the highest ratings by the most shavers because you don't know what direction your grandson will go in later. A razor that someone absolutely loves but which is a little more complex (adjustable) or finicky (more aggressive razore) is a lousy choice for a beginner shaver, especially a teen starting out who likely has at least some skin problems we older guys do not have.

IMNSHO a Fatboy or Progress is a great SECOND razor for him, perhaps, could be wonderful. But it's a lousy choice for his first razor. You cannot go wrong with the Henson especially with a little bit of acne. I'd urge you to stick with the Henson or that Schick injector and eschew advice suggesting favorite products from shavers with long experience.

I'd love a Fatboy, I have one. But the Henson is such a popular razor, and it blows 90% or more of its users away, maybe 10% don't care for it (guessing from reading, not scientific polling). Everything about this, especially his slight acne, screams Henson (or Schick injector) to me along with Jermyn Street cream and Cella Extra Bio croap with a good synth brush for the start.

He can start his razor collection after his first 3 months, but I think this kit will set him up for immediate success, and provide the perfect learning curve. YMMV, but his likely will not.

 

[Dimitri]

@Dimitri

I'm sorry I did not post a link yesterday, I was on my phone and I can't figure out how to get links to products in the Google app. As I mentioned, my dad was an electric guy so my grandfather taught me to shave, YIKES, 50 years ago. He started me out on a non-adjustable Schick Injector razor and that was an outstanding choice for a beginner. It is very forgiving and fairly mild, and terrific for a new shaver and experienced alike. I still use one occasionally, as most of us with a favorite razor take others in out collection out for a spin once in a while. A couple of comments about both that and the Henson.

The Henson is an outstanding choice for a beginner. I have the original mild model and a medium on the way. What you mention about the angle is not a drawback at all. Your grandson would have to learn the correct angle with any razor and that is a bit of a learning curve. If he keeps the angle of the Henson razor head flat on his face, he will have some guidance he does not have with other DE razors, it's a good thing. Likewise, the Schick Injector has a flat face that will help him keep the proper angle, they are similar that way, and that's part of what makes them a perfect razor for beginners, they don't really have to figure out the angle, the razor helps them.

If your grandson has clear skin I'd say either is a good choice, if he has some problem skin, I'd lean toward the Henson. While both are very forgiving, the Henson is milder and its design will make it a bit better shaving over any rough skin. But I think goth are great choices, I'd rank the Henson as #1 and the Schick as #2.

If you are making a gift and he is just starting out shaving, consider getting him a whole kit. Be forewarned if he comes her for advice, out of an abundance of good will and enthusiasm, he will quickly be overwhelmed with advice to buy two dozen different brands of blades, and a dozen soaps/creams, and I can tell you that is exactly what he does NOT want. He wants One set of tools, and should stick with them for at least 3-6 months, one razor, one blade, one brush (ok maybe 2), one lather. This will allow him to build his basic skills in a way he will find difficult using dozen of different products. After the learning period he can go nuts on this stuff, if he wants, or just shave if it doesn't become a "hobby" activity.

You cannot go wrong with the Henson, get the mild, the AL13+

If you want to opt for the Schick here is the link:

Amazon.com

Here is an outstanding starter shaving brush:

Amazon.com

I would stick with a shaving cream rather than a soap for his learning journey, and as he may have typical teenage skin issues, I'd suggest one designed for sensitive skin. Creams are foolproof to lather, he'll figure it out almost instantly, and there are plenty of YouTube videos on it. Search for one on the cream you purchase for him. My recommendation is this, and if my son is any indication, he should like the scent.

Amazon.com

For blade I think which blade he chooses is less important than sticking with one brand for a few months before experimenting. I happen to know this blade works very well in the Henson. With the Schick stick with the Schick blades with the yellow package. These are well-respected blades for the Henson here.

Amazon.com

A lather bowl is optional, he can use any old bowl or large mug, but if you put together a kit for him, it's a nice touch.

Amazon.com

Finally, if I may be so bold as to suggest a post I did in 2011 when I joined here may be helpful to him. I am honored and gratified to see it still gets likes and occasional comments after 13 years. If he wants a soap, in addition to the cream, may I suggest Cella Organic Aloe Vera Shaving Soap (green tub) as his first to try. Here is my thread.

My first 8 months - and a safer path for new DE shavers

Well, 8 months into this and I have had exactly 4 nicks and rarely get weepers, they are about as rare. I shave every day (since April 13th, when I started, I have taken exactly 3 days off shaving), get a DFS 90% of the time and a BBS whenever I want one. I had been lathering with brush and mug...

www.badgerandblade.com

We are very much on the same page. I am indeed looking at kits, and am even putting together a list of items for a kit I may build for him myself. Even your suggestion of the Cella Organic Aloe vera soap/croap. That's exactly the product I was looking at for him. I use the red myself, and love that product, but will definitely get him something for sensitive skin. He takes more from my side of the family, and I definitely had sensitive skin at that age. I'm looking at the Lea shaving cream for sensitive skin as well.

 

[JustJ]

I'd absolutely recommend the Henson for any and every beginner but probably with a bit of a sharper blade. Just my experience, but the Henson really seems to work best with a mid-sharp to very sharp blade. Gillette Silver Blue, Perma-sharp. I've found the Dorco Prime to be a cheap option that feels similarly sharp/smooth to the GSB. I'm still relatively new to this myself, and my worst shaves in these 4 or so months have been with blades considered more "mild". Comfort Coated and Astra SP's are on both in that category I believe.

Hardware aside, his lather quality will likely be more important than almost everything else. Especially with a Henson that tends to drag a bit more during buffing.

 

[Fiddler]

I've read that Henson razors essentially "force" you into holding the razor at the correct angle thus greatly reducing the chance of cutting yourself. Is this correct?

Very safe geometry...very effective when you utilise the optimal angle as well.
Best of both worlds.
Perfect for the nephew you describe. I'd suggest a ++ because at 17 there won't be much to tackle growth-wise.
But +++ is a future proof design...it is pretty tame if you ask me...not "aggressive" at all