My 10 Years with Henson: A Razor Company Built to Last

As someone who takes shaving seriously, I‘ve tried just about every razor imaginable over the last decade. But no matter how many new razors came along with promises of revolutionizing my morning ritual, all left me disappointed until I discovered Henson Shaving back in 2018. Ever since, I haven’t even glanced at another razor brand.

Unlike the fleeting gimmicks of most shaving newcomers, Henson appealed to me as an engineer and craftsmanship enthusiast. Their focus on precise manufacturing and exotic metals felt reminiscent of luxury watches or sports cars. Finally, a company applied superior materials and quality control to create the first razors designed for discerning enthusiasts like myself. This Henson brand overview and review will break down exactly why.

Built From a Love of Engineering

Henson is the brainchild of Daniel Jantzi, a lifelong tinkerer with a background in machining ultra-precise aerospace components. After one too many frustrating, hacked up shaves from traditional razors, Daniel set out to translate the quality control of aerospace engineering into the grooming world.

The result? Meticulously crafted razors machined to tighter tolerances than a Formula 1 engine or Swiss watch. Daniel’s passion for design excellence permeates through Henson’s product lineup.

Not Your Father’s Razor Brand

Upon unboxing your first Henson razor, prepare to never view shaving the same. The sleek, minimalist design stands in stark contrast to the cheap plastic builds that dominate drugstore offerings.

Henson breaks from convention by utilizing aircraft-grade aluminum and titanium alloys over mundane stainless steel. This enables lighter, stronger, and more well-balanced razors.

Modern machining allows for tight manufacturing tolerances to stabilize blades better than any razor I’ve used. Say goodbye to awkward angles causing painful nicks and cuts.

Simply put, Henson modernizes antiquated shaving technology. Even as a longtime wet shaving enthusiast, I was stunned by how much more refined the experience became.

Henson By the Numbers

Before diving into the specific product models, let’s quantify what sets Henson‘s meticulous engineering apart:

Precision Tolerances

• Razor heads machined to fit double edge blades with just 0.0002 inches of wiggle room
• Over 75% tighter than industry standard razor manufacturing
• Eliminates blade vibration that causes uneven shaves

Grade 5 Titanium Specifications

• 50% lighter than stainless steel by volume
• 2X stronger than stainless steel
• 100% corrosion proof when machined (won’t tarnish)

I understand most guys shopping for razors don’t need a materials science degree. But trust me, these small specs have an immense impact on shaving performance. Keep reading to understand why.

Henson AL13 Review: Pro-Level Grooming Arrives

As the cornerstone of Henson’s lineup, the AL13 packs advanced engineering into a minimalist, user-friendly design.

Crafted of strong yet featherlight aircraft grade aluminum, the AL13 weighs just over 1 ounce. By comparison, most razors exceed 5 ounces. Reduced mass enhances maneuverability and control.

Aluminum’s natural rigidity prevents unwanted vibration that gums up head shavers. The material simply holds its position better than stainless steel when dragged at awkward angles.

Moving past the metal, clever design choices help the AL13 deliver that magic Henson shave:

• 30 Degree Blade Exposure helps novices easily find the optimal cutting angle
• A knurled handle and engraved thumb grooves boost wet grip
• An integrated magnet secures the removable top cap

Factor in the reasonable $90 CAD MSRP including 5 starter blades and you have an affordable gateway into the Henson lineup. But can the flagship Ti22 possibly justify triple the investment?

Ti22 Review: The Pinnacle of Engineering

Glancing at the Ti22’s $320 price, sticker shock wouldn‘t surprise me. But rest assured no buyer‘s remorse lurks after experiencing its best-in-class performance.

The Ti22 earns its steep MSRP via an obsessively crafted titanium handle. After studying metallurgy for years, I can definitively say no razor brand utilizes titanium’s potential so masterfully.

At just 2 ounces overall, the Ti22 proves nearly weightless during use. But don’t confuse ultra-low density with fragility. As I covered earlier, titanium boasts nearly double the tensile strength of stainless steel.

This strength combines with the low mass to deaden vibration better than any metal I’ve ever shaved with. Even extensive use leaves titanium’s smooth surface immaculate thanks to corrosive resistance.

Simply put, Henson sculpts titanium to craft the most advanced, durable razor money can buy. And believe me, I’ve tested the gamut of high-end options over the past decade.

How Henson Razors Perform

Alright, enough talk of aircraft metals and precision manufacturing. How do Henson’s lofty engineering specs actually translate when dragging the razor across your skin?

In a word – phenomenally. Both Henson models provide the closest, most comfortable shave I’ve experienced outside a professional straight razor.

The fixed blade angle and microscopic stability produces an effortlessly smooth slicing sensation no matter your shaving experience level. Foil shavers struggling with perpetual neck irritation listen up – the Henderson ends that torment.

I also appreciate how the premium materials withstand real-world punishment. Whether dropped on a tile floor or tossed in a dopp kit, Henson razors emerge unscathed. I transport mine sans case just because titanium and aluminum don’t flinch.

Those with heavy beards may want blades a bit more aggressive. But for most users, Henson masterfully walks the line between a velvety close shave and comfort.

How Henson Compares to Popular Razors

I always get asked how Henson stacks up against the usual suspects. Here’s a quick rundown:

Comparing Henson AL13

• Merkur 34C – Similar midweight design but rougher output from stamped steel
• Parker Variant – Well-liked adjustable razor but heavier and less precise fit
• Muhle R89 – A bestselling classic yet still twice the weight due to stainless handle

In short, none match the AL13‘s nimble grip and expert materials use from handles to blade rigidity.

Comparing the Henson Ti22

• Supply Single Edge – Brilliant form factor but not as refined overall fit and finish
• Rockwell 6S – Lots of customization options but heavier and not as durable
• Karve Brass Razor – Beautiful aesthetic but can‘t match Grade 5 titanium‘s performance

I group the Ti22 in a class of its own. No others combine featherweight mass, Vancron 40 hardness and corrosion immunity.

Are Expensive Henson Razors Worth It?

Given the sticker shock and abundance of cheaper razors, the natural question becomes whether Henson models justify 2X or even 5X the average prices.

For shaving traditionalists eyeing a dependable upgrade, I wholeheartedly recommend the AL13. The value surpasses expectations given faultless manufacturing paired with reasonable blade costs. Owning the AL13 marks a definitive step-up in quality without emptying your bank account.

But for guys that prioritize long-lasting purchases, view shaving as a rewarding hobby, or simply appreciate functional art? Then the Ti22 enters grail territory. No other razor I‘ve tested amalgamates such lust-worthy engineering and raw performance.

Just be prepared – once you sample titanium’s shave quality, it ruins you for life.

My Verdict? Worth every penny.

I hope this comprehensive Henson brand overview has helped explain why their razors resonate so strongly with me after a decade circling the shaving space. Let me know if any other questions pop up!