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The Henson AL13 is a safety razor that looks nothing like the heavy chrome razors most guides recommend. It is a short aluminum razor that weighs 1.3 ounces, holds the blade at a fixed angle, and comes from a small Canadian maker. That makes it a polarizing gift. This review goes through what Henson says about the design, who the razor suits, where the claims should be read with care, and what else to include if you are giving one.
In this article
Quick Answer
Quick verdict
- Buy it if: you or the person you are shopping for want a light, mild, low-maintenance razor and like the idea of a fixed blade angle.
- Skip it if: you want the heft of a traditional brass razor, or you want a razor with adjustable settings.
- Gift note: the AL13 is sold in mild and medium versions, so pick the version before you order.
Check Henson AL13 on AmazonCheck Henson-style blades on Amazon
Spec Summary
| Spec | What Henson lists |
|---|---|
| Weight | 37 g (1.3 oz) total |
| Material | Aircraft aluminum with a Type II anodize finish |
| Blade angle | Fixed 30 degrees, with a 30 degree shave angle |
| Versions | Mild and medium |
| Made in | Canada |
| Mild exposure range | .0007 to .0014 inch (.018 to .036 mm) |
| Medium exposure range | .0016 to .0024 inch (.041 to .061 mm) |
| Return policy shown | 100 days, “Love it or we take it back” |
Spec sources: the Henson AL13 product page and Henson’s technical data page, both read on October 13, 2026. These are the maker’s own figures, not independent measurements, and the product page options may change.
How the Henson Is Different
Most safety razors use a hinged or twist-to-open head and a heavier body. Henson clamps a single blade along its length and bends it to a fixed radius so that the blade sits at 30 degrees. Henson says that this design avoids the blade flex that can cause chatter or catching, and that the short distance from the blade edge to the clamp gives a rigid cutting edge. The head has flat faces that Henson calls the shave plane, which it says makes it safe to run a slightly higher blade gap while still staying in the mild-to-medium range.
The company also argues that the handle angle matters. Henson says it kept the shave angle at 30 degrees as well, which it says puts the hand in a more comfortable position. Whether that matters to you is a matter of feel, and we cannot judge it without using the razor ourselves. What we can say is that the design is explained in unusual detail, and that the maker published its own numbers for exposure and blade gap.
Mild or Medium?
Henson lists mild and medium exposure ranges. Mild is the lower range and Medium is the higher range, and Henson notes that blade-to-blade variation means the actual exposure can vary within a range. For a first razor, the mild version is the safer choice, and Henson describes the razor as mild-to-medium in aggression overall. A man with a heavy beard and tougher skin may prefer the medium version.
If you are buying a gift and you do not know his beard, choose mild. A razor that is slightly too gentle is a minor annoyance. One that is slightly too aggressive can cut him in the first week and turn him off wet shaving.
Pro tip
Henson makes its blades to fit this razor and includes five with one purchase option. Other double-edge blades can work in many razors, but check Henson’s own guidance on blade fit before you swap brands.
Weight and Feel
Henson is open about the fact that this is a lightweight razor. Its technical page says many shavers prefer a heavier razor, but it argues that shaving with a light one is effective, easy to hold at different angles and does not need extra grip. That is a fair summary of the trade-off. Heavy razors like a Merkur 34C do the pressing for you. A light razor like the AL13 puts more emphasis on the user’s hand, which can feel precise to some men and unsteady to others.
The anodized finish is described as scratch resistant and not prone to corrosion. Henson says to avoid acidic chemicals such as bleach or hydrogen peroxide, because they affect the anodize, and to clean the threads about once a month. It suggests a little oil or petroleum jelly on the thread now and then. That is routine care, not a reason to avoid the razor.
The 77 Percent Claim
The Henson product page says the razor reduced razor burn by 77 percent compared with multi-blade razors in clinical testing. We read that as a manufacturer claim. The page does not give study details in the text we read, so we cannot tell you who ran the study, how large it was, or how razor burn was measured. If razor burn is the main reason you are shopping, treat the claim as a reason to try the razor, not as a guarantee.
The safer way to cut razor burn with any safety razor is the same: prepare the beard with warm water, use a good lather, shave with the grain first, use light pressure and replace the blade before it gets dull. A razor helps, but technique matters at least as much.
Who Should Buy the Henson AL13
- Men who want to move from cartridges to a safety razor and want a lightweight, modern-looking razor.
- Travelers who want a razor that weighs 37 grams, with the caveat that blades and screening rules vary.
- People who shave their head or body and want a razor that is easy to maneuver, which is how Henson itself pitches it.
- Gift buyers who can pick mild without worrying about the recipient’s skin type.
It is a weaker choice for men who like the weight and look of a traditional brass razor. If that is the person you are buying for, see our best safety razors for beginners and gifts for heavier options from Merkur, Edwin Jagger and Mühle.
What to Add to the Gift
Henson sells a few accessories alongside the razor. The product page lists a machined aluminum stand that holds the razor at an angle for drying, a leather head cover for travel and storage, and a Protect Shave Cream that Henson says was made in a barber shop. None of these are required. A stand is a nice finishing touch because a razor dries faster when it is not left on a wet counter.
If the recipient is new to wet shaving, add a brush, a soap or cream and a pack of blades. Henson includes five blades with one purchase option, but check which option you are buying. A single razor with no blade or soap is a nice idea that cannot be used on Christmas morning.
Henson AL13 vs Other Gift Razors
- Versus the Merkur 34C: the Merkur is heavier and more traditional, while the Henson is lighter and has a fixed angle.
- Versus Rockwell 6S: the Rockwell lets you adjust the blade gap, while the Henson is fixed and comes in mild or medium.
- Versus cartridge razors: the Henson uses a single blade and no moving head, which is the opposite of the multi-blade flexing heads Henson criticizes.
Which is right depends on the person. If he will read the technical page, he may love the Henson. If he wants a razor that looks like his grandfather’s, it is probably the wrong gift.
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How We Researched This
This review is built from Henson’s product page and technical data page, read on October 13, 2026. Maker claims, including the 77 percent figure, are labeled as Henson’s. Check the current listing for today’s options and price.
FAQ
Is the Henson AL13 good for beginners?
Henson describes it as a mild-to-medium razor and sells a mild version. That makes the mild version a reasonable starting point, but technique still matters.
What blades does the Henson AL13 use?
Henson sells blades made to the razor’s dimensions, and it lists a purchase option with five blades included. Check Henson’s page for blade fit before using other brands.
How much does the Henson AL13 weigh?
Henson lists 37 grams, or 1.3 ounces, for the total razor.
Is the Henson AL13 made in the USA?
Henson lists it as made in Canada.
Can you return a Henson razor?
The Henson page we read on October 13, 2026 shows a 100-day return promise. Terms can change, so read the current policy at purchase.
