The Henson AL13 is a safety razor machined in Canada that clamps a double-edge blade at a fixed 30-degree cutting angle. The razor weighs 37 grams, sells for $89.00 USD, and uses a Type II anodize finish across five color options.
The maker states this fixed geometry cuts down the friction and tugging that lead to razor burn and ingrown hairs.
At Shaving School, we read the maker’s own page and lay out what it says, and what it leaves out. This guide covers the specs, price and policies Henson publishes for the AL13.
Is The Henson AL13 Worth Buying?
The Henson AL13 is worth buying if you want a fixed-angle safety razor that eliminates angle guesswork and requires zero dial adjustments. At $89.00 USD, you are paying for one fixed setting and the machining Henson describes. The break-even is the price gap against a cheaper traditional razor, which leaves the angle to your hand; if you would rather not manage the angle yourself, the AL13 earns its price, and if you already shave comfortably with a cheaper razor it does not.
Henson ships the razor with 5 premium double-edge blades, and sells replacement 100-packs of RK Shaving blades for long-term use. Henson states that a 100-pack should last a typical shaver 2 to 3 years.
Before buying, weigh the fixed cutting geometry against your personal shaving routine. Henson says the AL13 has no springs and no moving head. If you need to alter blade exposure for different parts of your face, our guide to the best safety razor reviews models with alternative head designs.
What The AL13 Is
The Henson AL13 is an aluminum double-edge safety razor produced at the maker’s aerospace facility in Ontario, Canada. Henson states that the razor is built to the AS9100 standards it uses to manufacture satellite components. The maker claims it machines blade exposure and blade angle to tolerances as tight as 12.7 micrometres.
The razor weighs 37 grams. Henson applies a Type II anodize finish to the metal, which the maker says is scratch resistant and will not peel or flake. The razor is sold in five finishes:
- Aircraft Aluminum
- Copper
- Jet Black
- Steel Blue
- Tan
Every finish is listed at $89.00 USD on the Henson AL13 product page. The product page lists a single default option with a Mild SKU code; a medium variant is not presented on that page. By comparison, Henson sells a titanium Ti22 razor listed at $300.00 USD that offers Mild, Medium, and Aggressive profiles.
Inside the package, Henson includes the 37-gram AL13 razor along with 5 premium double-edge blades. The maker also lists optional accessories on its store, including a Henson Stand machined from 6061-T651 aluminum, Protect Shave Cream, and a Leather Head Cover.
The cutting head holds the blade securely at a fixed 30 degrees. Henson says hair has a tensile strength comparable to copper wire of the same diameter. For step-by-step guidance on maintaining this angle against the skin, read our instructions on how to use a safety razor.
How It Differs From What You Use Now
The AL13 functions differently from adjustable safety razors, traditional fixed-head razors, and modern cartridge razors.
Henson AL13 Vs Adjustable Safety Razors
An adjustable razor allows the user to change the gap beneath the blade by turning an internal dial or adjusting the top cap. You can read our detailed breakdown of an adjustable safety razor to see how those mechanisms alter blade exposure.
The Henson AL13 offers no adjustments: Henson says it has no springs and no moving head, and the head holds the blade in a single position. If you want to change blade exposure to handle varying hair growth, an adjustable razor gives you options that the AL13 does not offer.
Henson AL13 Vs Traditional Fixed Heads
A Merkur-style razor, such as the Merkur 34C, leaves the blade angle to your hand. The AL13 takes that choice away.
Henson holds the blade at a fixed 30 degrees. In one online discussion on Reddit, one shaver reported switching from a Merkur 34C to a Henson AL13 and still getting cut during their routine. We present that account as one person’s experience rather than a universal result. Two external review articles exist for the razor; we examined only their headlines (one safety-razor review headline and one Mild safety razor review headline) rather than their full body text.
If you want technique guidance, read our guide on how to avoid nicks and cuts when shaving to adjust your lather and hand pressure.
Henson AL13 Vs Cartridge Razors
A cartridge razor mounts several blades in a head that pivots and flexes. the AL13 instead holds one blade at a fixed 30 degrees. Shavers weighing these systems can read our comparison of a safety razor vs cartridge for details on multi-blade mechanics.
To understand how blade exposure influences face feel across these categories, read our guide on razor aggression explained.
What It Costs
The retail price for the Henson AL13 sits at $89.00 USD on the official Henson Shaving store. The price remains identical across all five color finishes.
Henson offers a 100-day return policy that the maker labels a “love it or we take it back” guarantee. This gives buyers over three months to test the 30-degree head geometry on their own facial hair. Henson provides free US shipping on orders that total $125.00 or more before sales tax. The razor is also listed as eligible for purchase using Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds.
Long-term shaving costs center on replacement blades. Henson sells 100-packs of RK Shaving blades manufactured specifically to made to the AL13’s dimensions. Henson states that a 100-pack should last a typical shaver 2 to 3 years. Shavers looking for low-cost hardware options can compare budget alternatives in our guide to the most affordable safety razor.
Who It Suits
The Henson AL13 suits shavers who want a double-edge razor that requires no manual angle adjustment. If you want the blade held at a steady 30 degrees every time the razor contacts your skin, the AL13 provides that fixed alignment.
The AL13 weighs 37 grams, the maker’s figure. Henson says it machines blade exposure and angle to tolerances as tight as 12.7 micrometres.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Shavers who prefer heavy handles should look elsewhere. At 37 grams, the AL13 is a light razor. If you prefer a heavier handle in the hand, check the weight listed for any razor you are comparing it with.
Shavers who want adjustable aggression should also skip the AL13. Henson says the head is a single fixed position, so it offers no adjustment. Those who want adjustable aggression can start with our adjustable safety razor guide.
What Would Change Our Verdict
Our assessment relies on the published specifications, tolerances, and policies from Henson’s official store.
Our view would expand if Henson published an official Medium blade exposure option for the AL13 on its primary store. We would also update our verdict if comprehensive, independent long-term consumer testing provides clearer data on how the Type II anodized finish and mechanical tolerances hold up across multiple years of regular use.
The Short Version
The Henson AL13 delivers a fixed 30-degree blade angle, a 37-gram aluminum body, and machining tolerances Henson says are as tight as 12.7 micrometres for $89.00 USD. If you want a fixed-angle safety razor backed by a 100-day return policy, order the finish that matches your setup, pick up a matching blade pack, and check the 100-day return terms on Henson’s page.