Henson Review Video ... some notes and comments on what I've learned about the Henson razor after several uses.
TLDR: A good razor, but IMO, not really recommended for most shavers, even new ones, because of better options out there.
I think of this as a razor on training wheels.
The plane/surface that touches your skin, is so large that the razor locks you in to a certain shaving angle. And I believe that's the core of what's good and bad about the razor.
Blade angle, where it meets your skin is different than many razors, it seems.
The v1 that is ++ corresponds to the Medium in the new AL-13. I'm told the blade geometry has not changed between the two.
We'll start with the good.
The main positive with this razor is that it's almost impossible to shave at an angle that generates irritation, much less cuts. And so I'm sure that's why it's getting a reputation as a good razor for new shavers.
Craftsmanship is excellent. Even in this version 1 model (that I was able to try, thanks to a kind viewer), it would be hard to hurt yourself on any of the edges. I understand that v2 is even more refined on the external surfaces.
Handle is wonderful with nice grip, even when soapy. I really like the taper, which reminds me of the Shick Krona. It feels nimble and controlled in the hand.
I like how they're not overcharging for the razor, like some other marketing-heavy companies out there.
I found that it worked very well with several of the most popular blades out there. I don't think I found any blades that disagreed with it.
I liked how it didn't feel way too light, like aluminum razors I've used in the past. I did wish for just a little more weight, to help the head have more momentum moving through the stubble on the first pass, but that's nit-picking.
I like how the peripherals on their site seem to be priced fairly (e.g. blades), unlike other companies that are taking advantage of those who are new to the hobby.
But because of its limited angle, there are some negatives...
I generally like a razor that provides a smoother shave than this one does. You're never able to go for a smaller blade angle, which helps with smoothness, in my experience.
It can take a little practice to get the angle right... even more than the average razor. But the good is that you're not likely to generate irritation as you work on your technique. If you're at the wrong angle, it's just not going to shave you.
As I got used to the razor, I found myself wondering why I wasn't enjoying it as much. So I kept shaving, and thinking. And that lead me to create this video/write-up. The razor has good blade support, which I'm always a fan of... but I'm never able to take advantage of that and go with a smaller blade angle (more open handle angle) because of the way the razor fences you in to the angle they've set.
In the video, I compare the blade angle, at least by eye, of the Henson, with the seemingly smaller angles of a vintage Tech, a Pearl Flexi, and a Fatip.
I do think that it's a little harder to shave convex areas, like the neck, with the Henson, than with other razors.
I'll finish by saying that I did enjoy my Henson shaves, and I can see how it might give a certain feel that some people will enjoy.
While I do like smaller blade angle razors better, at least the Henson never gave me any kind of irritation or razor burn.
And so what I've pointed out as negatives really aren't negatives at all. They are just differences. It was designed to be a different kind of razor than most of the other razors out there.
I do find that it would not be a good buy for me, because I would very quickly learn the technique and wish that I could take the training wheels off and pursue a smoother shave via a smaller blade angle, or have easier access to my neck, or just change things up in general.
Would the Henson be a good razor for someone with sensitive skin? I would guess not (at least not as good as other, cheaper options). Since other razors are able to shave me with a smoother feel, I think logically that they would be even kinder to the surface of my skin than the Henson would be. But that's just an educated guess.
Is this a good razor for a new shaver to buy? I would not recommend it myself, mainly because of the price. I find that it's not that hard to get good technique down so that you're able to use the more "normal"/ non-training wheel razors. And then once you can do that, you'll probably appreciate the dynamic nature of the different angle possibilities that are now available for you with other razors.
I'd hate for a new shaver to try out wetshaving with a Henson and discover that it wasn't for them, through no fault of the Henson. Now they've spent that much on a razor. I'd rather they start out with a Tech, or Slim, or a Zamak razor like the Maggard V3 series or Baili.
However, if you've got tons of money, then why not start out with the Henson. No great loss if you move on to something else after you want to take the training wheels off.
It might be a good razor for certain shavers that may have a muscular or coordination disorder/issue, where they just always need those angle protections in place.
Also, some guys don't actually like the smooth feel of razors like I do (while still being efficient and close-cutting of course). So you may really like the Henson, just on feel alone. Or for any other reason you can think of.
So, in the end, it's a good razor, that might be just right for some people... just not me. And I hope I've given you some good things to think about as you figure out if the Henson might be worth a try for you.
(I was given the razor to try as a free gift, from a viewer and fellow shaver, whom is not affiliated with Henson, that I know of.)
Prep: Splash of Cool Water
Razor: Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 Open Comb
Blade: Gillette - Nacet (Marathon) (543)
Lather: 345 Soap Co - General Patton
Brush: Declaration Grooming - B7 Viking Ivory (4 uses)
Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Diamond
Gear Pic :: Video
䷀ General Notes
Trying out 345 soap with the Slurry method and it was inconclusive. Need to get more soap involved.
䷀ Razor and Blade Notes
(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Gillette - Nacet - M ‹543 uses›)
As usual, with this blade now: a little tuggy at first, but fine after, and giving a close shave.
Razor and Blade Performance/Comfort Rating: 2 out of 5 (Okay)
䷀ Soap Notes
(345 Soap Co - General Patton)
Them: "In what seems like a lifetime ago, I was in the 82nd Airborne. So we wanted to do something special for the August soap, General Patton. Our namesake. A long time ago my late grandfather said that somewhere down the line uncle George and I were related. One day I'll make that lineage. We will be donating 10% of all General Patton sales in August to them."
Scent notes: Tonka bean, amber, powder, guaiac wood, cedar, sandalwood, dash of vanilla. "This is a warm, complex scent. A scent of Victory!"
345 also says, "We wanted to give back to those that have served our great nation, and the charity ‘Mission 22’ would be a great place to start. Their mission is to help all veterans with suicide prevention, and any mental health help that they need."
Scent: My first use of this one was a blind one, and I picked up the amber and tonka type scent, and woodiness. I also thought I got some leather, but I guess it was something else. I can see how there was a touch of vanilla in there, but it wasn't much, and didn't feel food-like at all. Just right.
An at-home kind of warmth, and manliness, is the vibe I got from this soap. I enjoyed it a lot.
Lather... soap hadn't been used in a while and didn't give itself to the brush too easily. So lather was watery and thin. Will try again later, probably with another brush.
Got the job done, though. But no residual slickness like this slurry lather method usually gives.
Hydration: Dry End of Perfect (for me)
Bowl: No Bowl
䷀ Brush Notes
(Declaration Grooming - B7 Viking Ivory ‹4 uses›)
Not as much soap was picked up, so the lather was very wet, but not much substance. That needs to be adjusted. So the backbone of the brush was in full display.
During the Shave Feel:
Cheeks: Just a little tugging
Neck: Just a little tugging
After the Shave Closeness:
Cheeks: Close Shave
Neck: Several hairs are showing some tip length (still a pretty good shave)
Ending of Blades Ledger - entry form and the data spreadsheet