Henson AL13 Review: The Machined Razor Worth the Hype
The Henson AL13 is a machined aluminum safety razor that earns its reputation as one of the most beginner-friendly close-shaving razors on the market. It cuts efficiently while staying forgiving, which is a rare combination at its price.
Shavory earns a commission on qualifying Amazon purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you.
If you want a razor that hides almost no blade and still resists nicks, the AL13 is worth the hype. Here is what actually sets it apart.
Henson AL13 vs Merkur 34C vs Rockwell 6S vs Edwin Jagger DE89
| Razor | Head / adjustability | Weight | Material | Blade exposure or aggressiveness | Maker list price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henson AL13 | Fixed head, Mild only | 37 g (1.3 oz) | Aluminum 6061-T651, anodized | 0.033 mm exposure, 0.68 mm gap (Henson) | $89 USD | Beginners and sensitive skin |
| Merkur 34C | Fixed head, two-piece closed comb | 78 g | Brass handle, zinc die-cast head, chrome | Not published | 52,00 EUR, incl. 19% German VAT | Shavers who like weight and a classic feel |
| Rockwell 6S | Adjustable, 6 settings from 3 reversible plates | Not listed | 316L stainless steel | Gap 0.20 mm (R1) to 0.79 mm (R6); exposure not published | $120 USD | One razor you grow into |
| Edwin Jagger DE89 | Fixed head, two-piece closed comb | 68 g (2.4 oz) | Solid brass handle, chrome-plated die-cast head | Not published; maker calls the closed comb mild | $44.18 USD (RRP) | A mild, low-cost first razor |
List prices from each maker’s own site, checked October 2026. Amazon prices change daily; the buttons show today’s price.
Henson AL13 vs cartridge razor: what a year of shaving costs
Formula: shaves a year = shaves per week x 52. Henson year one = razor price + (shaves a year / shaves per blade) x (pack price / 100). Cartridges = (shaves a year / shaves per cartridge) x refill price, with the cartridge handle already owned. Break-even month = razor price / monthly saving on consumables.
What makes the AL13 different
Henson machines the AL13 from aircraft-grade aluminum on the same CNC equipment the company uses for aerospace parts. According to manufacturer figures, the blade extends only a few thousandths of an inch past the guard, less than the thickness of a human hair.
That tiny exposure is the whole design idea. The blade acts like a rigid extension of the razor head, so it cuts hair rather than skin.
How it feels to shave with
Owners describe the AL13 as a razor that gives a lot of feedback, with the blade audible as it cuts, and say that helps new wet shavers learn the right angle faster than a muted, mild razor does.
The AL13 on Amazon is the Mild version. Most people moving over from cartridges do well starting there, then deciding later whether they want more; the Mild, Medium and Aggressive section below covers the other levels. If you are unsure where you land, our mild vs aggressive razors guide breaks down the tradeoffs.
Build and value
The AL13 costs more than a classic brass razor such as the Merkur 34C, and the extra money pays for CNC machining, not for extra metal. The aluminum body is light (Henson lists 37 g), which some shavers love and grip-focused users need a moment to adjust to.
It uses standard double edge blades, so you are not locked into a proprietary system. If you are still building your kit, see our best safety razor for beginners roundup for how it compares.
Who should skip it
If you prefer a heavy, planted razor that does the work with its own weight, the light aluminum head may feel too active for you. Henson’s own technical page says that if you are used to a heavy razor, you might need time to adjust to its 1.3 oz aluminum, and a reviewer on Henson’s product page listed “Lightweight, it might be too light” as a con.
Very coarse beards may want something more aggressive than Mild out of the gate, since Mild can take an extra pass. Henson’s FAQ puts its medium and aggressive levels on the Ti22, and the Amazon AL13 listing is Mild. New to the motion entirely? Start with our how to use a safety razor walkthrough first.
A fixed angle does not do all the work. Henson’s own test found the Mild cuts effectively from 20 to 55 degrees, a 35 degree range, against ranges of 30 to 35 degrees for four unnamed razors. Your technique still matters, and that test was run by Henson, not an independent lab.
Henson’s FAQ also says too much pressure forces skin against the blade, so press lighter than you did with cartridges.
Henson Razor Specs: Material, Weight, Blade Gap and Exposure
The Henson razor is a fixed-head double edge safety razor made by Henson Shaving in Ontario, Canada. The AL13 is the aluminum model, and the Ti22 is the same design in titanium.
Every figure below comes from Henson’s own product page, its FAQ and its technical data page, checked against the current versions of those pages. They are the maker’s claims, not independent measurements.
| Spec | Henson’s figure |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum 6061-T651, Type II anodized |
| Weight | 37 g (1.3 oz) |
| Handle length | 96 mm (3.78 in), tapered |
| Blade angle and handle angle | 30 degrees for both |
| Blade gap, Mild | 0.68 mm (0.027 in) |
| Blade exposure, Mild | 0.033 mm (0.0013 in); Henson’s expected range is 0.0007 to 0.0014 in |
| Machining tolerance | As tight as 12.7 micrometers |
| Blades in the box | Five RK stainless double edge blades |
| Made in | Ontario, Canada, at an AS9100 aerospace facility |
| Variants | AL13 in Mild; the Ti22 titanium model in Mild, Medium and Aggressive |
Henson says the AL13 has the shortest blade extension on the market. Treat that as a marketing claim, though the numbers above are small by any standard.
Henson also argues that blade gap alone misleads. The span between the blade edge and the guard bar matters more, and the flat shave plane gives a smaller guard span than most razors with the same gap.
Henson Mild vs Medium vs Aggressive: Which Level Should You Buy?
Henson marks aggression with plus symbols: one for mild, two for medium, three for aggressive. You find them above the barcode on the box and engraved inside the head next to the lot number.
| Level | Blade gap | Blade exposure | Henson’s expected range | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild (+) | 0.68 mm (0.027 in) | 0.033 mm (0.0013 in) | 0.0007 to 0.0014 in | Beginners, sensitive skin |
| Medium (++) | 0.85 mm (0.033 in) | 0.058 mm (0.0023 in) | 0.0016 to 0.0024 in | Coarse, dense beards |
| Aggressive (+++) | 0.99 mm (0.039 in) | 0.115 mm (0.0045 in) | Not published | Experienced, tough hair |
Henson’s FAQ publishes these figures for the Ti22 and says they match the AL13’s blade gap and exposure. The same FAQ describes the AL13 as mild only, with medium and aggressive on the Ti22.
A January 2025 answer on Henson’s product page still mentions an AL13-M medium model, and the Amazon listing is the Mild. Check what is in stock before you plan around a medium AL13.
Start with Mild. In a product Q&A, Henson suggests the Mild as the starting point and the Medium for coarser growth. If the numbers confuse you, our blade gap explainer shows how gap and exposure combine.
Pick it if, skip it if, by level
| Level | Pick it if | Skip it if | Where the call comes from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild (+), the AL13 on Amazon | You are new to safety razors, shave daily or have sensitive skin | Your growth is coarse or several days long; Henson’s Q&A points those users to the AL13-M | Henson product page Q&A, Henson FAQ |
| Medium (++), Ti22 only per the FAQ | You want fewer passes on coarser or longer growth and know your technique | You want the 100 day guarantee, because the FAQ says the Ti22 is final sale | Henson FAQ |
| Aggressive (+++), Ti22 only per the FAQ | You are experienced with tough hair | You want guidance: Henson publishes the gap and exposure but no expected range or advice for this level | Henson FAQ, technical data page |
Which Razor Blades Work in the Henson AL13?
Any standard double edge blade fits. Henson ships five RK stainless blades with the razor and sells RK blades made to its dimensions, but says its blades are not proprietary.
Blade overhang here means exposure, the distance the edge sits past the guard. Exposure depends on blade width, which varies between manufacturers, so Henson quotes ranges instead of one number.
| Blade | Why it fits a Henson | The catch |
|---|---|---|
| RK Shaving 100 pack, designed for the Henson AL13 | Same RK stainless blade Henson bundles, made to the AL13’s dimensions | A 100 pack is a big commitment before you know you like it |
| Astra Platinum, 100 blades | Henson says it got its best results with Astra, whose width sits near the median Henson designs around | Also a 100 pack; try a sampler first if you are unsure |
| Any other standard double edge blade | Henson says its razors are not locked to one blade and take any standard double edge blade | Exposure moves with blade width, so Henson quotes a range (0.0007 to 0.0014 in on Mild) rather than one figure |
Exposure also depends on how you assemble the razor. Henson’s FAQ says a handle that is not fully tightened gives more exposure and less blade support, so screw it down all the way.
Henson recommends a fresh blade every 2 to 5 shaves. Our guide on how long a razor blade lasts covers the signs that yours is done, and the Astra review and best double edge blades roundup cover alternatives.
How the clamp and the centre tabs keep the blade from flexing is the subject of our Henson AL13 blade chatter article.
Henson AL13 vs Merkur 34C
Merkur lists the 34C at 78 g, with a brass handle, a die-cast zinc head, chrome plating and a two-piece closed comb design. The Henson weighs 37 g, less than half.
The Merkur gives you weight and a classic feel, and the Merkur 34C was the lower-priced razor of the two on Amazon at the last check. The Henson gives you a fixed 30 degree angle, a tightly clamped blade and no heavy head to fight.
A long-time Merkur user reviewing the Henson on Henson’s own store wrote that it “shaves just a little closer” and is “probably harder to nick yourself with”, but that the difference is “pretty small”. That is a reader review published by the maker’s shop, not an independent test.
If you want to feel the razor sit on your face, buy the Merkur. If irritation or chatter pushed you off double edge shaving, buy the Henson.
Is the Henson Razor Worth It?
It is worth it if you have been irritated by other razors, because the design removes the variables a beginner struggles with: angle, blade seating and chatter. The shavers it does not suit are covered under who should skip it.
It is priced above entry-level brass razors, so weigh that against the irritation you are trying to fix.
Henson’s site advertises a 100 day return guarantee and a lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects. Confirm that those terms cover an Amazon order before you rely on them.
What to check on the Amazon listing before you buy
- The title of the Amazon listing reads Mild Aggression, so you are buying the Mild.
- On the box, look for one plus symbol above the barcode, and for the same mark engraved inside the head next to the lot number.
- The title promises 5 spare blades, and Henson’s FAQ says five RK stainless blades ship with every razor.
- The listing shows 37 g, matching Henson’s 1.3 oz.
- Ask the seller whether Henson’s 100 day guarantee applies to an Amazon order, since the FAQ excludes the Ti22 and says nothing about third-party sales.
The verdict
On Henson’s figures, the Mild AL13 exposes 0.033 mm of blade, which is why the nick risk is low. Its closeness and efficiency are Henson’s and its reviewers’ claims, not measurements taken for this page.
For a first serious safety razor, buy the Mild. If you prefer a heavy razor, the Merkur 34C is the better fit.
Henson Razor FAQ
Is the Henson AL13 good for beginners?
Yes. Henson fixes the blade angle at 30 degrees and clamps the blade tightly, so there is little to adjust and the nick risk is low. Start with Mild and use light pressure, because the head presents the blade close to the skin.
Who should not buy the Henson AL13?
Mainly two groups: shavers who want a heavy razor, and shavers with coarse or multi-day growth who need a medium level. Henson’s technical page warns heavy-razor users to expect an adjustment period.
Is the Henson razor worth it?
Yes, for shavers who want low irritation and a fixed 30 degree angle and do not mind a very light razor. It costs more than entry-level brass razors.
What blades does the Henson AL13 take?
Standard double edge blades. Henson includes five RK stainless blades and says its razor is not locked to any brand, though it reports its best results with Astra.
What is the difference between Henson mild, medium and aggressive?
Blade gap and exposure set the level. Mild is 0.68 mm gap and 0.033 mm exposure, Medium is 0.85 mm and 0.058 mm, Aggressive is 0.99 mm and 0.115 mm. Henson’s FAQ lists all three on the Ti22 and only the mild AL13.
How does the Henson AL13 compare with the Merkur 34C?
The Henson is 37 g aluminum with a fixed blade angle. The Merkur is 78 g brass and zinc with a two-piece closed comb head. Pick the Henson for rigidity and the Merkur for weight.
