If you are using mild, I suggest medium. Or perhaps another pass ATG? I haven't experienced this, quite the opposite for me. I'm sure it isn't for everyone.
I'm new to blade shaving (rotary shaver up to now) and I truly appreciate videos such as this one you did. comment: 1) you are very organized in your presentation -- almost "clinical" (I'm a MD and I've seen reports on rounds that have a similar "feel" and appearance) which provides real information. 2) you are an accomplished professional in the barber field so your expertise adds immense weight to your analysis -- more likely to believe what you have to say about the product than just "a regular person" doing a similar review 3) I like your "blind" approach to which razor is the more aggressive one -- I don't think you ever during the video said which of the two was the medium vs mild (I think the colored version was the medium?) and if you had indicated which was which at the end the video would have been textbook perfect -- near perfect just as it was 4) although you have probably shaved a million times already in your life, you presented the process as if you were describing the technique to someone who was new to the process and that was very nice to have. I feel that the more I know about the pluses and minuses of this type shaving method (and the tools used) the better I'll be in the long run 5) almost everything you said during your actual shaving was a "blow by blow" account of what you were experiencing and that "time line" is also very useful. You also did everything in real time so one can get an idea of just how long it takes to do something like this. 6) I was also impressed by how little "soap" you used! I see some of these videos where they're working up this large bowl of lather, etc. -- you really didn't have anything like that which indicates to me that maybe "less is better" (or at least OK). I've seen some of these shaving brushes on Amazon that are in the $100+ range -- maybe a lot of that is "fluff"? One thing I wish you had shown was this "gel" that you used after the initial shaving w/ the foam/soap. I never got to see the label but if that is something that you recommend (whether as a substitute for soap/lather or as an adjunct perhaps (as you did) after the "1st pass") please indicate what the brand/name of that gel is. again, a "5 star" review not just of the razor (which would have been good enough) but for all the other bits of info you provided. Clearly one of the best videos I've seen on both the Henson AND shaving technique.
Wow. Very kind of you to say this. Yes, Purple was medium. The Shave Gel I used during clean up was Kentos. I recommend Xotics shave gel. You can find it on Amazon. Lately I've been using Shave Oil by Shave Secret then a pump of Xotics then applying my lather. Perhaps overkill? Nice, smooth shaves though. Thanks again for your comments and asking the question on things I missed. I do these unscripted and un-rehearsed so it's easy to leave out something.
@@carolinabarbershop thanks for the follow-up note -- I'll look into these products (gels). and, as for the "unscripted and un-rehearsed" comment, you certainly winged it VERY WELL -- if you missed something, it couldn't have been much.
I have the AL13 and the leaf twig and i don't know why but i always go back to the classic DE razors to find that angle myself without any help, such as the lovely Parker 78R.
I have the Henson mild (+) and it is a great razor for my beard and skin type. I use the Astra blades, since they were recommended at the time I purchased my Henson. I have not tried the RK blades yet, but I will order some soon. I am currently using the Gillette Blue blades and they are very smooth in this razor. I am going to order a Henson medium (++) soon to try it out. I have found that I need to do a three pass shave and do the pick ups as well with the mild razor, but I almost never have any razor burn or nicks. I am curious about a slightly more aggressive razor. I appreciate the comparison. Thanks.
I have a bunch of DE razors and the Henson is definitely in my top 2, the other being the Rex Ambassador. It’s definitely a smooth shaver and very nicely built. My only complaints are: 1. I wish it was stainless steel, so it was a bit heavier. 2. I wish it had a more textured handle because it slips sometimes. Nice review.
Something for beginners. Like you show in the video, if you pass on the same spot five times on dry skin and go chaotically(in the first pass in some spots against the grain and other with the grain) and also without a proper lather, it still doesn’t irritate your skin. But the milder the razor, the less close up the shave result will be. But anyway for beginners it’s a good way to get the technique done, instead of cutting yourself and hating the whole shaving process.
Love the video as you're using same Derby blade I use, and the Gillette FB. I note we have the same 'stache- colour and texture, so what works on you will likely work on me and prevent irritation and redness. I'd be wary of using the Medium against the grain.
Good question. The easiest answer is I still prefer and use Henson more often than not. I have mild, medium and aggressive. It is the nicest aggressive I've ever used. I can pick any of the 3 up and be happy. I do find I tend to both use and recommend the medium most. If you have issues or shave daily, I may suggest mild, though.
@@carolinabarbershop I received the Al13-Medium and did my first shave today. It was surprisingly good-more aggressive and efficient than the mild AL13. It removed more hair on the first pass, required fewer passes overall and didn't need multiple strokes per area. There was no discomfort and it felt just as smooth as the AL13. The end result was noticeably better. I will continue using it as my daily driver to test it out further. I'm now also considering trying the AL13-Aggressive, which is only available at boutique stores and not directly on Henson's website, to see how it compares. Have you tried the AL13- aggressive and how was your experience comparative to the mild & medium?
@@LearningAndGrowingInLife it should be no surprise. It's an excellent product. Glad you enjoyed it. I do have, and use the aggressive. It's the smoothest aggressive you'll ever use. Some blades I can't do multiple passes with, some I can. Very nice. Needed? Subjective. If you have the money and want another razor, absolutely. I think medium is where it's at.
You have a lot of colored Henson-s... When you scratch them you can see the "silver" beneath right? How easily do they scratch and should I buy the unpainted one?
They're not painted, rather coated. I don't know what's underneath, never seem that as none of mine are scratched. I'd say get what you love. They're made well. I'm sure they can scratch, sure. We have some pretty blue ones we just got in stock Friday.
Also, I have super sensitive skin and will get razor burn on my neck pretty easily. I’ve been using old 2 blade razors after trying all the 5 blade models for years but they’re still $1 a cartridge. I think I’ll give Henson a try.
The mild Henson has 1 plus symbol + on the base plate and top cap, the medium has 2 ++ and the aggressive version has 3 +++.
Yes, you are correct.
The Henson is definitely smooth and no irritation. I feel like it doesn’t get real close. At 2 o’clock, I have my 5 o’clock shadow.
If you are using mild, I suggest medium. Or perhaps another pass ATG? I haven't experienced this, quite the opposite for me. I'm sure it isn't for everyone.
Try a sharper blade in the Mild, i.e. Feather Blades Japan. Those Samurai sword makers knew a thing or two about blade-making.
I'm new to blade shaving (rotary shaver up to now) and I truly appreciate videos such as this one you did.
comment:
1) you are very organized in your presentation -- almost "clinical" (I'm a MD and I've seen reports on rounds that have a similar "feel" and appearance) which provides real information.
2) you are an accomplished professional in the barber field so your expertise adds immense weight to your analysis -- more likely to believe what you have to say about the product than just "a regular person" doing a similar review
3) I like your "blind" approach to which razor is the more aggressive one -- I don't think you ever during the video said which of the two was the medium vs mild (I think the colored version was the medium?) and if you had indicated which was which at the end the video would have been textbook perfect -- near perfect just as it was
4) although you have probably shaved a million times already in your life, you presented the process as if you were describing the technique to someone who was new to the process and that was very nice to have. I feel that the more I know about the pluses and minuses of this type shaving method (and the tools used) the better I'll be in the long run
5) almost everything you said during your actual shaving was a "blow by blow" account of what you were experiencing and that "time line" is also very useful. You also did everything in real time so one can get an idea of just how long it takes to do something like this.
6) I was also impressed by how little "soap" you used! I see some of these videos where they're working up this large bowl of lather, etc. -- you really didn't have anything like that which indicates to me that maybe "less is better" (or at least OK). I've seen some of these shaving brushes on Amazon that are in the $100+ range -- maybe a lot of that is "fluff"?
One thing I wish you had shown was this "gel" that you used after the initial shaving w/ the foam/soap. I never got to see the label but if that is something that you recommend (whether as a substitute for soap/lather or as an adjunct perhaps (as you did) after the "1st pass") please indicate what the brand/name of that gel is.
again, a "5 star" review not just of the razor (which would have been good enough) but for all the other bits of info you provided. Clearly one of the best videos I've seen on both the Henson AND shaving technique.
Wow. Very kind of you to say this. Yes, Purple was medium. The Shave Gel I used during clean up was Kentos. I recommend Xotics shave gel. You can find it on Amazon. Lately I've been using Shave Oil by Shave Secret then a pump of Xotics then applying my lather. Perhaps overkill? Nice, smooth shaves though. Thanks again for your comments and asking the question on things I missed. I do these unscripted and un-rehearsed so it's easy to leave out something.
@@carolinabarbershop thanks for the follow-up note -- I'll look into these products (gels). and, as for the "unscripted and un-rehearsed" comment, you certainly winged it VERY WELL -- if you missed something, it couldn't have been much.
I absolutely love my Henson! I even use it to shave my head now it is so good :)
I have the AL13 and the leaf twig and i don't know why but i always go back to the classic DE razors to find that angle myself without any help, such as the lovely Parker 78R.
I have the Henson mild (+) and it is a great razor for my beard and skin type. I use the Astra blades, since they were recommended at the time I purchased my Henson. I have not tried the RK blades yet, but I will order some soon. I am currently using the Gillette Blue blades and they are very smooth in this razor. I am going to order a Henson medium (++) soon to try it out. I have found that I need to do a three pass shave and do the pick ups as well with the mild razor, but I almost never have any razor burn or nicks. I am curious about a slightly more aggressive razor. I appreciate the comparison. Thanks.
I'm still not sure which I would choose if only one. I think the Henson mild and Leaf Thorn are the best of both worlds for me, for now.
Sapone Di Paolo! It was his name - changed over to Eleven (which is kind of cool)
Silver = Mild
Purple = Medium
I have a bunch of DE razors and the Henson is definitely in my top 2, the other being the Rex Ambassador.
It’s definitely a smooth shaver and very nicely built. My only complaints are:
1. I wish it was stainless steel, so it was a bit heavier.
2. I wish it had a more textured handle because it slips sometimes.
Nice review.
I don't have any issue with slipping. I make sure my hands are dry. I think the weight, or lack thereof, helps with maintaining a smooth shave.
Something for beginners. Like you show in the video, if you pass on the same spot five times on dry skin and go chaotically(in the first pass in some spots against the grain and other with the grain) and also without a proper lather, it still doesn’t irritate your skin.
But the milder the razor, the less close up the shave result will be. But anyway for beginners it’s a good way to get the technique done, instead of cutting yourself and hating the whole shaving process.
Good advice for anyone.
Love the video as you're using same Derby blade I use, and the Gillette FB. I note we have the same 'stache- colour and texture, so what works on you will likely work on me and prevent irritation and redness. I'd be wary of using the Medium against the grain.
Great video and comparison
Loved the video. Wondering if your thoughts on the Henson Al 13 vs Medium has changed a bit in 2024 and if you still prefer the mild over the medium?
Good question. The easiest answer is I still prefer and use Henson more often than not. I have mild, medium and aggressive. It is the nicest aggressive I've ever used. I can pick any of the 3 up and be happy. I do find I tend to both use and recommend the medium most. If you have issues or shave daily, I may suggest mild, though.
@@carolinabarbershop Thanks for the insight
@@carolinabarbershop I received the Al13-Medium and did my first shave today. It was surprisingly good-more aggressive and efficient than the mild AL13. It removed more hair on the first pass, required fewer passes overall and didn't need multiple strokes per area. There was no discomfort and it felt just as smooth as the AL13. The end result was noticeably better. I will continue using it as my daily driver to test it out further.
I'm now also considering trying the AL13-Aggressive, which is only available at boutique stores and not directly on Henson's website, to see how it compares. Have you tried the AL13- aggressive and how was your experience comparative to the mild & medium?
@@LearningAndGrowingInLife it should be no surprise. It's an excellent product. Glad you enjoyed it. I do have, and use the aggressive. It's the smoothest aggressive you'll ever use. Some blades I can't do multiple passes with, some I can. Very nice. Needed? Subjective. If you have the money and want another razor, absolutely. I think medium is where it's at.
@@carolinabarbershop Thanks for sharing.
Try the Leaf Twig(mild) or Thorn(medium) razor, they are awesome razors.
I have both.
You have a lot of colored Henson-s... When you scratch them you can see the "silver" beneath right? How easily do they scratch and should I buy the unpainted one?
They're not painted, rather coated. I don't know what's underneath, never seem that as none of mine are scratched. I'd say get what you love. They're made well. I'm sure they can scratch, sure. We have some pretty blue ones we just got in stock Friday.
I’ve seen your face for 5 seconds and I’m going to believe everything you say.
- Raleigh NC
Also, I have super sensitive skin and will get razor burn on my neck pretty easily. I’ve been using old 2 blade razors after trying all the 5 blade models for years but they’re still $1 a cartridge. I think I’ll give Henson a try.
@@jerseylife8701 message me on IG (same name) and I will get you set up with a Henson
Yaki tile razor head braveheart handle lovely shave stainless steal a great shave great weight in your 🖐
Sounds great. Glad you have what you like. That's important
what's better for someone with sensitive skin, rockwell 6s or henson
Henson all day
Just a heads up, aluminum dents quite easily.
Ok