Henson worth it for experienced DE shaver?

[EdHeart]

I think any razor that works well for less experienced shavers is also very likely to be an excellent razor for experienced shavers. What I think most of us want is a razor that is efficient at cutting closely with minimal passes, gentle to the skin, and easy to use (i.e. not too fussy about the shaving angle). Doesn’t such a razor suit everyone, unless you are really someone who prefers a stronger blade feel on your skin?

I found the Henson to be excellent. My preference is for the mild version, which for me is just as efficient as the medium (I haven’t tried the aggressive - there doesn’t seem any point if the mild version works so well for me). It’s likely that the more aggressive versions give more flexibility with the shaving angle, so if your technique is not developed so that you can maintain the same angle across the contours of your face, it can be easier to shave more closely with the aggressive plate - it won’t be quite as gentle as the mild plate, but you may find you don’t need to go over the same area multiple times, so you’ll get less irritation overall. But as your technique improves you might find (as I do) that you get an equally efficient shave with the mild plate and it is smoother. Seems counter-intuitive, perhaps, but it’s common that shavers migrate from aggressive to mild razors as they become more experienced and their technique improves.

Anyway, I do think the Henson is an excellent choice. Consider too the Karve Bison, which is also superb, easy to get an efficient and comfortable shave with, and in a similar price range.

I appreciate your really well articulated response to the question. I've toyed around with purchasing and Henson and haven't pulled the trigger for several reasons. Your description put on of these to rest in the column of, "Perhaps this is a razor I'd like lto score afterall." My other issue has to do with the aluminum it's made from. I'm somewhat turned off to the idea of aluminum from the perspective of the threading potentially giving up the ghost over time. I've not doubt the quality of the Al is very good, just something in my thought process keeps me away and I can't give up the cash for the Ti version, too far out of pocket.

That all said, you definitely posed a very nice argument on the pro side for going down this road at all.

 

[thombrogan]

First shave with a Henson AL13+ after 4.5 years fussing with DEs and SEs last night.

Very mild shallow and blade feel all the way with neutral and steep angles. The difference between shallow and steep is very small, but it’s there and profound.

Not sure I’m an “experienced“ shaver, but I’ve done it a lot and the Henson is a trip to me.

 

[dreadpirate]

The Henson is mild and forgiving. You don’t have to be a beginner to want one but a beginner may benefit from one.

 

[awk_m4]

Totally worth it. I'm a daily head and face shaver. The Henson delivers consistently excellent shaves. If it didn't, I'd drop it like a bad habit.

Henson Razor First Use: October 14, 2021
"First ever Face and Head shave with the Henson AL 13 Mild. I had my doubts with the small blade gap but the results just blew me away! Ridiculously good!"

Henson Usage (number of shaves) through 08/18/2024
Total shave with Henson Razors: 1021
Detailed breakdown by aggression:

Henson + = 502
Henson ++ = 217
Henson +++ = 303

 

[Jens]

Let me add one more note to this discussion, if only because I think the question asked by the OP actually deserves nuanced input:
is a Henson DE razor worth while for more experienced DE users ..?

I guess one bottom line answer is, as always, YMMV …
This is true, and is a valid conclusion, often the only one drawn after very diverse input. But there is also a place for more pointed diverse feedback ..
like, “ ... it depends …”, and what is interesting here of course is, “depends on WHAT”.

It seems that a widely prevalent assumption through the input to the OP is that Hensons are somehow easier than most other DE razors to use, and thus particularly suitable for beginners, or alternatively, are somehow more “hassle-free”, a short-cut of sorts, even for experienced users who ostensibly are tired of tinkering with less straightforward equipment.

Well, as I previously stated, even though I for one am not a fan of Henson razors, I do own (and have experience with) two of them (+ and +++, that is, respectively “mild” and “aggressive”). I do think they are beautiful razors, very well made, very nicely balanced, excellent aluminum craftsmanship.
The problem is the well-known design issue with the "locked angle".

So, yesterday, after contemplating this very thread on BB again, I challenged myself, to see what I could actually get out of yet an attempt with a Henson (my +++).
Someone claimed further above that the +++ ("aggressive") does not present an issue with a locked angle to the extent that the + and ++ do.
Upon having been particularly aware of this dimension, I have to reiterate that at least in my experience (and so perhaps also for others already experienced with DE shaving), the problem with the locked angle is no different with the +++ than with the + ("mild"). And it remains a problem, at least to this user.

BUT, I will also say that I managed to get a close shave yesterday after all, with this razor ...!

The trick was to "Gillette slide” the heck out of it ...!
That is to say, any time I would have adjusted the angle with any other DE razor in order to achieve the optimal touch relative to need at a given spot, I was instead very careful to make that sliding motion sideways/forward which is known as "the Gillette slide", combined with some, and yet not too much pressure, in order to get just close enough for a BBS shave, without getting too close and get a razor burn or nick myself.
And that seemed to compensate enough for the Henson’s lacking ability when it comes to adjusting the angle, that I avoided irritation [it seemed] while still managing to buff my way to a very close shave [but see below].

It was a good challenge, because this special approach does in fact require a fair amount of skill and tinkering in its own right. So with persistence, one can make it work.
But by the same token, I don’t think I would exactly recommend this razor, given the wider available selection of excellent DE razors in a comparable price range – other than perhaps for aesthetic reasons (Henson’s just remain beautifully crafted aluminum razors).


CODA / ADDENDUM:
I will now reveal that I actually wrote the above yesterday soon after my shave, but didn’t get to post it yesterday.
Meanwhile, what I can add today is, I ended up with considerable irritation after all, as I discovered only some time after my Henson adventure. (In fact, I end up with irritation almost every time I have used a Henson, certainly if I use it more than two days in a row, a problem directly related to the locked angle).

So for my conclusion:
as to whether a Henson DE razor is “also” for more experienced DE shavers, the answer I will add to the variety already listed, is “YES”.
I actually doubt this a good beginners razor, even though the Hensons resemble disposable razors in design (which DE begiiners are often coming from, myself included). But if you are used to the level of quality shaving that can be achieved with many other DE razors, you will find a new challenge shaving with a Henson, using techniques you might not need in the same way with other DE razors, if you want a comparable shave.

And so again, given the price for a Henson, do you want to spend your money on this kind of adventure?
Or, would you rather spend this kind of money on a different higher end razor?

Disclaimer: This is not to denigrate Henson razors or their users, just to offer extra food for thought, given that the OP actually asked a rather open and and worth while question. Thank you for your understanding.

In fairness, and extending from my last post on the matter:
Today I picked up a Henson yet again (the +), because I like the challenge, seek the challenge (Hensons usually don't work very well for me, and I make no secret of it), and because it really is a very nicely designed razor that I genuinely want to love.
And the news today (BIG news) is, I actually managed for once to get a very nice shave with my Henson razor ...!! Totally smooth, BBS, no complaints whatsoever.
I did use my favourite of all blades, the Gillette Rubie (1st), and I followed my usual routine:
3 passes, mix of wtg, xtg, atg, and a fourth pickup pass on dry skin with cold wetted razor.
It seems, so far, no irritation, and BBS all over.

Since I have been quite hard on the Hensons in my reviews on BB, I thought the finest thing would be to keep trying to give the thing yet another a chance (if only because I love the design and feel of this razor), and report in all honesty, and there you have it..!
Perhaps with some effort, I can become a wholehearted Henson lover after all ...

 

[thombrogan]

Perhaps with some effort, I can become a wholehearted Henson lover after all ...

If it works for you, that’s awesome.

I don’t think everyone will; or even should; get on with a Henson, but it’s definitely well designed and constructed.

Mine let’s me know everything I’ve done wrong without letting my family know and that’s a bonus to me.

 

[JCinPA]

@Jens I have to say, I never needed so much time to understand a razor as I did with the Henson AL13++, which was about two weeks. Once dialed in, however, it's fabulous. I think many who don't get along with it have not given it enough time, although some genuinely won't get along with it--the YMMV factor.

But I'm not surprised it is growing on you. Not surprised at all. The journey of discovery is pretty fun, isn't it?

 

[Jens]

@Jens I have to say, I never needed so much time to understand a razor as I did with the Henson AL13++, which was about two weeks. Once dialed in, however, it's fabulous. I think many who don't get along with it have not given it enough time, although some genuinely won't get along with it--the YMMV factor.

But I'm not surprised it is growing on you. Not surprised at all. The journey of discovery is pretty fun, isn't it?

I feel it's not so much about giving it time. I still think the Henson behaves more like a cartridge razor than an ordinary DE razor. So it's more a matter of accepting that, instead of fighting it, and shaving accordingly. I would get a crazy razor burn if I used any ordinary DE razor the way I handle my Henson to get a BBS shave, and I wouldn't bother if I wasn't so wild about the Henson craftsmanship. But I really want to use this gorgeous razor once in a while, and if that means shaving "cartridge style", so be it. It's a good challenge, and I end up with a wonderfully smooth face -- with the + plate I manage without irritation afterwards if I am careful. That sure beats just leaving the Henson unused in the drawer..!

 

[JCinPA]

I don't understand what people mean when they say it shaves like a cartridge rather than a DE. You are not the only one who has said that. The main reason I disagree with that is it has one blade, not 3-4 or 5. That is the primary difference from cartridge shaving. Additionally, cartridge shavers have pivoting heads. The Henson does not.

The Henson has one usable angle, however, and I think that is why some people say this. But it is still a DE razor. I think that is why it took me more time to become effective with it than other razors. It may also be why cartridge shavers can make the transition easier with a Henson, I don't know. But it is very safe.

I love that razor, and I don't understand why some folks say it "shaves like a cartridge."

 

[StewB]

My answer to this is that there is a range of razor "feel," on one end a cartridge razor (even one with a fixed head) and on the other hand a "traditional" DE. To me the Henson feels more like a cartridge razor than it is a traditional DE razor even though it uses DE blades: It's very light, and it needs a fair amount of pressure to work.

For me the Henson has two big strikes against it: The very light weight (it feels "cheap" in my hand, like a disposable, which I don't like) and the unfortunately ugly handle design. The third negative (for me) is the very long handle. (I understand they are making shorter handles now, which is good, but with the same ugly design.)

These are just my opinions, of course. Many love the Henson. I think it's good that Henson is in the market, as more competition is good for the consumer.

 

[House Boy]

To answer your question, no. Nice design but no.

 

[JCinPA]

I agree the handle is too long. There's a reason why 90% of razors over the last hundred years have not had long handles. I happen to have the short handle, but after a few emails I cannot convince them they made the wrong choice.

Then there is weight. I put the Henson head on both a Ti and a Steel handle and it works wonderfully. Much better than their original. I think they should have made the same design in steel with a short handle, it would be a killer razor. But they don't ask me.

 

[StewB]

You might like Yates' Winning. To me it's like a stainless steel improved Henson. (I believe they also sell it in titanium, but I'm not interested in that)

 

[Jens]

I don't understand what people mean when they say it shaves like a cartridge rather than a DE. You are not the only one who has said that. The main reason I disagree with that is it has one blade, not 3-4 or 5. That is the primary difference from cartridge shaving. Additionally, cartridge shavers have pivoting heads. The Henson does not.

The Henson has one usable angle, however, and I think that is why some people say this. But it is still a DE razor. I think that is why it took me more time to become effective with it than other razors. It may also be why cartridge shavers can make the transition easier with a Henson, I don't know. But it is very safe.

I love that razor, and I don't understand why some folks say it "shaves like a cartridge."

Let me try to explain it then.
The only way you can have 3or even 5 blades touch the skin all at once, is because they all align along one surface. When shaving you align that surface along your skin, exactly parallel with the skin. That one angle -- "parallel with the skin", is what people refer to when they are speaking of the "locked angle", that is a distinguishing feature of the Henson razors, and Catrigde razors.
This is in contrast to other more "typical" DE razors, where you "adjust" the angle continuously as you shave -- either by "riding the bar, open comb, and riding the cap, either way to the additional effect of having more or less blade engage with the whiskers.

What matters above all is that you are pleased with your shave, so if you are happy with the locked or fixed angle of a Henson, no problem.

The other thing mentioned about the Henson -- the weight and the long handle and handle design, are all things I enjoy with the Henson, but as every thing else, that is just a matter of personal preference. I think it is simply the best aluminum razor available. I wish Henson would one day consider to make an additional razor head available with a more traditional DE design (i.e. not a locked angle, I am sure it would be hugely popular and catapult Hensons' popularity upwards.

 

[Jens]

I don't understand what people mean when they say it shaves like a cartridge rather than a DE. You are not the only one who has said that. The main reason I disagree with that is it has one blade, not 3-4 or 5. That is the primary difference from cartridge shaving. Additionally, cartridge shavers have pivoting heads. The Henson does not.

The Henson has one usable angle, however, and I think that is why some people say this. But it is still a DE razor. I think that is why it took me more time to become effective with it than other razors. It may also be why cartridge shavers can make the transition easier with a Henson, I don't know. But it is very safe.

I love that razor, and I don't understand why some folks say it "shaves like a cartridge."

Let me try to explain it then.
The only way you can have 3or even 5 blades touch the skin all at once, is because they all align along one surface (pivoting heads help this). When shaving you align that surface along your skin, exactly parallel with the skin. That one angle -- "parallel with the skin", is what people refer to when they are speaking of the "locked angle", that is a distinguishing feature of the Henson razors, and Cartrigde razors.
This is in contrast to other more "typical" DE razors, where you "adjust" the angle continuously as you shave -- either by "riding the bar", open comb, and "riding the cap", either way to the effect of having more or less blade engage with the whiskers, and adjusting the angle of the blade relative to the skin.

For many DE shavers, certainly myself, the ability to adjust the angle is a defining feature of DE shaving, and so it feels really awkward to "revert" to a cartridge style locked angle.

What matters above all is that you are pleased with your shave, so if you are happy with the locked or fixed angle of a Henson, no problem.

The other thing mentioned about the Henson -- the light weight and the long handle and handle design, are all things I enjoy with the Henson, but as every thing else, that is just a matter of personal preference. I think it is simply the best-made aluminum razor available. I only wish Henson would one day consider to make an additional razor head available with a more traditional DE design (i.e. not a locked angle), I am sure it would be hugely popular.

 

[A_Fine_Shave]

I considered a Henson but decided on the Timeless Aluminum Semi Slant instead after watching YT reviewers "Heiko Shaves" and "Ohio Shaves". I've watched many of their comparison videos so have a good idea of them relative to each other. They've both done the + and ++ versions of the Henson, and Heiko has done 3 or 4 versions of Timeless razors including the Slant. They both call it "mild but efficient", and after using mine extensively I'd say more medium and very effective. Plus Timeless Razors is a somewhat local brand for me, and for $55, sure, you sold me ! Don't let the slant word scare you, this is as "safe" as you'll ever see in a slant razor. I've never cut myself with this and it's .002" negative exposure, unlike the so called "mild" Pearl Semi Slant that's an adventure in "lets get through this shave today without a nick" ! May be a small gap, but it has a biting and to me, unforgiving blade exposure. Fatboys and Slim's on 8 or 9 don't even feel so treacherous.