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As some of you know, I’m bald. And for those who’ve been keeping up with my journey, you know I’ve been on this glorious head-shaving adventure for around 20 years.
Yep, that’s two decades of trying just about every shaving method out there. Including testing all kinds of gadgets, creams, and even a few bizarre techniques that probably shouldn’t have made it past the drawing board.
I’ve shared many of those escapades in past posts, such as:
Harry’s Razors
Groomie Baldie Pro
The Best Shaving Cream
But today, it’s time to introduce a possible game-changer, the Henson AL13 razor.
Now, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical.
My last experience with a safety razor? Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing (pun intended). But something about the Henson AL13 caught my eye, and I’m glad it did!
This thing isn’t just a razor; it’s a precision-engineered masterpiece that checks every box I didn’t even realize needed checking.
Curious to learn more? Well, buckle up because we’re about to embark on a shaving adventure that might flip the script on what you think a razor can do.
Henson AL13 Review – At A Glance
Name: Henson AL13
Website: Check it on Amazon
Price: $69.99 – $249.99
Overall Rank: 6 out of 10
If you’re short on time, this is a quick summary:
Ready to level up your grooming game? Meet the Henson AL13 razor—a precision-engineered masterpiece straight out of the aerospace world.
In this post, I’ll take you through my month-long journey, covering everything from its sleek design and balanced weight to ease of use and a few surprises along the way. Whether you’re a daily shaver, proudly bald, or just looking for a razor that does more, I’ve covered you with all the pros and cons.
Are you curious if the Henson AL13 is the game-changer you’ve been waiting for? Continue reading or jump to a section by clicking on a section you’re interested in below.
Henson, Product Overview
The Henson AL13 made a solid first impression right out of the box. It was easy to set up and use.
The razor feels well-balanced in hand, with a satisfying weight that doesn’t feel too heavy or too light (it weighs just over an ounce!).
One thing that stood out immediately was the grip—textured enough to give you confidence, even when wet, unlike other razors that tend to slip and slide in the shower.
A quick side note: during my first two face shaves with the AL13, I did experience some razor burn, but on the bright side, no head cuts—which, as we all know, would have turned into a bloodbath.
At the heart of the Henson AL13 experience is its aerospace pedigree.
This isn’t just another razor; it’s crafted in Ontario, Canada, with the same precision used in aerospace engineering.
In fact, it meets AS9100 standards—the same level of precision required for building satellite components! With tolerances down to +/-0.00025″, this razor promises accuracy you can feel.
The Good & The Bad
When it comes to shaving, razors are definitely a personal choice. Trust me, after years of trying just about every razor out there (along with all the creams, gels, and bars you can imagine), I’ve learned that what works for one person might not work for another.
To start, we all have different skin types and preferences. My goal here is to share my experience with the Henson AL13 and let you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
I will say that I did have high hopes for this razor, but as you’ll see, it wasn’t a perfect match for me.
The Stuff I Like
Price
Now, this might surprise you, but the price of the Henson AL13 is spot on. While it’s an upfront investment, I calculated that after the first year, the cost of maintaining it is around $10 annually—cheaper than anything else I’ve tried.
Once you’ve covered the razor’s initial cost, you’re saving money compared to traditional disposable razors or cartridge refills.
Great Feel and Ease of Use
When it comes to a razor (especially a safety razor) you want something that feels good in your hand, is simple to set up, and gets the job done.
The AL13 delivers on all those fronts. It has a solid, well-balanced feel, and you can tell a lot of thought went into its design. The grooves make it easy to clean out hair and shaving cream, which is a nice touch. Overall, it’s comfortable to use and does what it’s meant to do.
Things to Note
Travel Limitations
While I don’t travel as much as I’d like, there’s one major downside you should be aware of if you do, you can’t bring razor blades on an airplane. Since I usually only travel with a carry-on and avoid checking bags, this poses a bit of a problem. While this may not be a deal-breaker for road trips, it’s something to consider if you fly often.
The Learning Curve
As expected, with safety razors, there’s a bit of a learning curve. While I really like the feel and weight of the AL13, the first few shaves weren’t as smooth or as quick as I’m used to. In fact, it took me longer, and the result wasn’t as close as my go-to razor. If you’re new to safety razors, be prepared to invest some time in mastering it.
Blade Return Policy
One thing that left a bad taste in my mouth was their return policy, specifically, that razor blades can’t be returned.
This wasn’t mentioned upfront and only came to light when I dug into their Return Policy after my purchase. While I take responsibility for not researching this ahead of time, I was disappointed by the lack of transparency. (Spoiler alert: I shared my displeasure with their support team.)
Who is This Razor For?
The Henson AL13 is perfect for those looking to break away from the ordinary and try something refreshingly different. This isn’t just another razor—it’s your ticket to a world of precision, efficiency, and a smoother shave.
Whether you’re rocking a shiny bald head or have a full head of hair, the Henson AL13 has you covered.
It’s designed for all, proving that a great shave doesn’t have to follow any rules. And let’s not forget—this razor isn’t just for the guys. Ladies, you’ll love it too!
The AL13’s versatility makes it a fantastic choice for anyone who values quality and consistency in their grooming routine.
Henson Support
Henson offers a pretty solid return policy, stating:
“We want you to be completely happy with your purchase. If you do not love your razor within the first 100 days, we will take it back!“
However, I learned the hard way that this doesn’t apply to razor blade packs. In my case, I purchased 100 blades with the razor, which are final sale and non-refundable. This is a detail I definitely should’ve checked before hitting “buy.”
So, take my advice and be sure to thoroughly read their return policy, which you can find at the bottom of their website. There are a few restrictions, but overall, it’s a decent policy. Just don’t overlook the part about the razor blades like I did!
Here are a few key points I found in their return policy that you should be aware of:
- You can only return one razor (but honestly, you’ll know within a month if it’s right for you).
- The Henson Ti22 model is not eligible for the 100-day satisfaction guarantee.
- You must contact customer support before sending your return back.
Contacting Support – Returning the Razor
I kicked off the return process by reviewing their Refund Policy, which is where I discovered that you need to email customer support before sending back the razor.
At this point, I also realized I couldn’t return the unopened 100-pack of razor blades I had purchased, a major disappointment. I really wish this detail had been clearer during the ordering process.
Long story short, I emailed their support team requesting a return. I also decided to add a suggestion that they add a disclaimer about the blade returns.
I had two goals with this email, to let them know I wasn’t happy about being stuck with 100 unused blades and see if they would acknowledge the issue.
To their credit, they replied within the hour. After a few back-and-forth emails, I was genuinely impressed with their response.
Their customer service team was polite, prompt, and helpful.
Despite my initial frustration, they really turned the situation around for me. Because of this, I can confidently recommend giving the Henson AL13 a try if you’re in the market for a safety razor.
Their support team will have your back!
The Razor Price
One of the best surprises with the Henson AL13 is its budget-friendly price.
Don’t get me wrong, at $69.99 for the handle and just $9.99 for 100 blades, it can seem very expensive. But, if this is a razor you will use and like to use, the long-term cost is going to be way cheaper than anything else out there.
With that said, this razor is high-quality and will last as long as you need it too. Henson hits the sweet spot, offering precision and performance at an accessible price.
My Final Thoughts of the Henson AL13
After a month of putting the Henson AL13 through its paces, here’s the verdict.
The design? Flawless. The weight? Perfectly balanced.
It’s easy to use, but what about the price? Reasonable.
But—there’s always a but—the blade doesn’t have the flexibility of some others. Shaving my intricately rounded head took more time and effort than usual, and I ended up with some razor burn along the way.
Of course, everyone’s different, and what didn’t quite work for me could be exactly what you’re looking for. I’ve read plenty of reviews where the Henson AL13 has been a total game-changer.
So, if you’re in the mood for a fresh shaving adventure, why not give it a shot? With Henson’s 100-day return policy, you’ve got nothing to lose. Just wait to purchase the 100-pack of blades!
Try it out, see how it feels, and share your experience in the comments below. Who knows, it could be the razor revolution you’ve been waiting for.
And if you are hesitant to try a safety razor…
Why not try Harry’s (click to read about my favorite razor now)?