Henson vs Mühle blade angle

[Tss]

I shave my head bald and trim around my beard every morning. I have two razors: a Henson AL13 (that’s the milder one) and a Mühle Hexagon (head is supposedly same as R89 traditional).

What is the difference between these two in terms of blade angle, exposure, and such that determines how they perform? Is it just the angle guide that makes the Henson work so well? Help me understand the variables.

I’m really happy with the Henson. It cuts consistently, all around, with a wide variety of blades. In comparison, the Mühle is a lot more temperamental. It has to have the right blade, and even then, cuts less consistently. A lower-end blade (i.e. Treet black beauty) that works acceptably in the Henson won’t cut at all in the Mühle.

A) is there another Mühle razor that might perform more to my liking? If so, I might transplant that head onto my Hexagon handle, as I quite like the handle.

B) I love duroplast/Bakelite as a material and want to get a Bakelite razor. Aesthetically, I’m intrigued by the Phoenix Artifact. However, given its traditional head shape, I am worried I will be disappointed as with the Mühle. Maybe, in terms of performance, I should get the Phoenix Alpha Ecliptic Blue as it has the angle guide that seems to be so useful on the Henson.

 

[StewB]

A) I have seen a number of posts from people who enjoy the Mühle Rocca, with comments to the effect that it's more efficient than the R89 but easier to use than the R41. (Just what I've heard; I have never used a Rocca.)

B) not sure of your specific question, but usually those kinds of razors aren't too expensive to buy and try. And if you don't like them, you can try to sell here on the BST (buy/sell/trade) forum or give away as PIFs, which is quite rewarding.

 

[JCinPA]

If you are getting good results with your head shave with the Henson, and just trim the edges of your beard, I'd stop experimenting, if it was me. The Henson is a nearly flawless shaver and very hard to get into trouble with as you noted, and it generally comfortable with little or no irritation, to boot.

Some (not a big percentage, it seems) don't care for the locked-in angle of the Henson, but that's also the reason it works so well for the rest of us. Unless you're willing to put up a "temperamental" razor of a different design, why keep looking? I think the Henson is a really good razor, but there are others out there, for sure.

 

[m949]

I started with the R89, my second one was the Rocca. I don’t have experience with a Henson. Mühle doesn’t sell single heads, you’ll always have to buy the full razor. As much as I like both the R89 and the Rocca, I cannot in good conscience recommend you to buy the Rocca. It’s not that it isn’t a good razor, I just think it’s a bit on the expensive side.

As @JCinPA mentioned in a post in another thread, and I wholeheartedly agree with him, it makes little sense to recommend razors which are on the pricier side to our brothers who are just starting out. As such I have to agree with @JCinPA ‘s advice to continue with the Henson (even if I have never used one and being a big fan of the Rocca).

However, if you are adventurous you can always look just at razor heads. Your Mühle Hexagon handle does have the standard threading (I’m pretty sure about that), you could just slap a Razorock head on that handle and voila you have a different razor for far less than a Rocca would set you back.

As for Bakelite razors, pickings are slim unless you want to go vintage, which is of course a whole other rabbit hole.

In short, keep it simple, stay for the moment with that which works and if you like to experiment a little spend a little less and just get another head for your Hexagon handle.

 

[johnnydee]

I use the Henson medium razor exclusively. I quit buying other razors once I found the Henson. It's a quality made product that gives me a close, comfortable shave every day. Highly recommended!

 

[Dave himself]

Hi and welcome to B&B @Tss

 

[Tss]

To update what I started: I bought Maggard’s machined stainless head as a replacement for the plated zinc that came with the Mühle Hexagon, and it was a significant improvement. I thought it was enough that the Hex would be my at home razor and the Henson my travel razor.

Then I bought the Phoenix Artisan Artifact and was blown away. The Bakelite razor is absolutely perfect for my saving style and gave some of my best head shaves yet. Even some carbon steel blades that had been relegated to the junk drawer actually performed adequately in the Artifact.

For now, the Artifiact is my primary razor, the Henson is for travel, and the Hexagon is off to an uncertain future. It’s a beautiful piece of design, but it’s definitely not ideal for my shaving style.