If your shaving routine leaves you with razor burn, ingrown hairs or you just feel you’re spending too much on disposable cartridges, the brand Henson Shaving might be worth a closer look. They take a bold, design‑first approach to what some call a "boring" category, and aim to deliver a better shaving experience. In this review we’ll unpack how Henson Shaving works, what they promise, what users say, and whether it’s a good fit for you.
The Henson Shaving Approach
Henson Shaving positions itself as a modern re‑imagining of the classic double‑edge safety razor. On their website they explain that while most of the shaving industry focuses on more blades or marketing gimmicks, they preferred to start with engineering. For example, they point out that cartridge razors often leave the blade unsupported and able to flex, which causes tugging and irritation.
They highlight features such as a rigidly held blade, a finely controlled blade exposure (reportedly about half the thickness of a human hair) and a fixed optimal shaving angle (~30°) built into the head design. The razor bodies are machined in Canada in a facility that also produces aerospace parts, which they use as proof of their manufacturing quality and precision.
In short: Henson Shaving wants you to buy a razor once, use it a long time, replace cheap blades, avoid plastic cartridges, and get fewer skin‑issues from shaving.
Key Products and What Sets Them Apart
Here are products that showcase Henson’s specs and design thinking:
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Henson AL13 Safety Razor: The base‑model in aircraft‑grade aluminum. Engineered for precision, minimal blade exposure, and fewer passes.
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Henson AL13 Aggressive Safety Razor: A variation with greater blade gap/exposure for thicker hair or more aggressive shaving needs.
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Henson Ti22 Titanium Safety Razor: Premium version in grade‑5 titanium for durability, lighter weight and long‑term investment.
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Henson Never Dull Bundle: A bundle option that combines razor, shave cream and a “blades for life” concept to get you started.
What’s worth noting: the design emphasises single‑blade shaving (or rather, standard double‑edge blade) rather than multi‑blade cartridges. Henson argues that more blades often mean more irritation, more maintenance and more cost. Also the plastic‑free metal handle and compatibility with standard blades add to the sustainability and value narrative.
What Users Appreciate
There are several positive themes among users of Henson Shaving:
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Reduced irritation: Many report fewer ingrown hairs, less razor burn and a smoother feel after switching.
“I’ve had very coarse hair … went back to the Henson with Feather blades and wow it was a game changer.”
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Cost savings over time: With standard blades costing a fraction compared to cartridge heads, the value proposition is strong for frequent shavers. Henson’s marketing even states “Expect to spend $2‑3 per year on blades once you own the Henson.”
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Quality manufacturing: The aerospace machining, rigid blade support and fixed angle earn praise for being “premium” and “precision built”.
“The weight and the ergonomics suit me … I have now ended my search for the ‘perfect’ razor.”
What to Know Before You Buy
No product is perfect and Henson Shaving comes with a few caveats worth being aware of:
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Learning curve: Switching to a safety razor often means adjusting technique (angle, lather, fewer passes) compared to multi‑blade cartridge habits. Some users found initial shaves frustrating.
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Price‑point: While blade cost is low long‑term, the razor itself is higher‑priced than many entry‑level DE razors. Some reviewers consider it “over‑priced” relative to other high‑quality safety razors.
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Shipping & customer service: A number of reviews cited delayed shipping, communication issues or difficulty with returns. You’ll want to check current service reputation for your region.
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Find your blade match: Because the razor head is mild (for many users) or medium, results vary with blade brand, beard thickness and skin type. Some users report the “mild” version under‑performs for dense/bearded users.
Who Might Benefit Most
Given everything above, Henson Shaving could be an excellent option if you fit one or more of the following:
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You shave regularly and want to reduce skin irritation or ingrown hairs.
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You’re tired of spending lots on cartridge refills and want a long‑term razor investment.
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You care about sustainability and want a plastic‑free metal razor with standard blade compatibility.
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You’re willing to spend upfront and adapt your shaving technique for a better outcome.
On the other hand, if you shave infrequently, prefer minimal setup or don’t want to worry about technique or blade matching, a simpler cartridge system might still make sense.
Final Thoughts
The story of Henson Shaving is compelling: apply aerospace‑level manufacturing to an everyday tool, simplify the shaving system, reduce waste and irritation, and deliver durability and value. Their engineering credentials and design narrative stand out in a crowded grooming market. That said, the real‑world user experience varies, especially in the early stage of adoption. Technique‑adjustment, blade choice and managing expectations all matter.
If you’re ready to take shaving seriously, invest in something you can keep for years and reduce skin issues and ongoing cost, Henson Shaving is a brand very much worth exploring. Just be aware of the upfront cost, shipping/service factors and commit to dialing in your shaving routine. With that in place, you could very well end up with one of the best shaves you’ve ever had.
