Necro-Post Jumpstart with the advent of the Holiday season- The Henson Mild Shaver
https://hensonshaving.com/products/h...craft-aluminum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k29Fhyu9qNY
Executive Summary- I am sold on the product
Ramble follows:
Well into my 40's, I was an agnostic shaver. Norelco electric, Reminton Electric, Bic disposable, Mach 3, Fusion etc. Gave little care for product or face prep.
I came across a couple of Schick "G" injectors at my mom's house (TG 2011 or 2012) and was introduced to "wet shaving." I even got the local grocery store to stock schick injector blades. Simultaneously, I realized that the cost of Mach 3/Fusion cartridges relative to injectors was significant.
Great shaves though cuts and weepers were always in play. This played havoc on more than one white dress shirt.
I then started down the road of DE shaving. A Schick Krona, a few simple birth year Gillettes and a blade sample pack later, I ultimately settled on the Krona with Astra SPs finding them delivering 95+% of the shave of a Feather with less cuts/weepers/irritation.
I then dabbled with Harry's liking the marketing and the travel friendliness. I then pivoted to Dollar Shave Club with COVID and a June 20 Father's Day Gift Certificate from the kids. 90% of a DE shave with 90% less cuts weeper when I prepped well with quality products and did a 3 pass shave. DSC was my razor 95% of the time.
When I used DE, I had to be careful or I would get a weeper or 2.
As I eschewed all things made in the PRC, I was recently taken by Henson and their all Canada pedigree.
I ordered up a "Federal Blue" Mild and the rest is history.
1. I find the razor to be very simple to use. When loaded with the Astra SPs. A DFS with ease, BBS on checks, still working on technique re neck and jawline. I can easily shave every other day and could go every third day absent court or a dress up event. I concur that if you use just a bit of care, it would be difficult to really cut yourself relative to an injector.
2. Given the mixed reviews of the included RK blades, I am inclined to simply stick with the AstrasSP as I find them to be a REALLY GOOD AND FORGIVING BLADE.
3. I strongly suspect that I will get a second razor in mild as well, a stand and close the loop on DE shaving.
4. I am endeavoring to consolidate my life in all things. I am identifying quality brands/items, I am buying them and selling/giving away previous iterations (i.e. I have sold all other razors except the "heirloom" injectors and the Krona)
5. Henson Mild is like the Glock 19 of the Razor world
a. Far exceeds the intersection of quality/performance/value
b. For the vast majority of folks, they work and work exceedingly well.
c. My hardware "problem" is therefore solved, freeing my mind to handle any software issues.
Razor- Henson AL13-Mild
Blade-Astra SP
Pre Shave Oil- Art of Shaving (It just works. I acknowledge that it is expensive for what it is relative to almond and other oils available at health food stores that likely work as well.)
Brush Cream- TOBS for Sensitive Skin
Tube Cream -Dollar Shave Club Shave Butter or Trader Joe's though I suspect any quality tube cream works well i.e. Proraso, Clinique, Kiehl's, Cremo etc. When it doubt, use some more.
Post Shave- Neiva After Shave Balm for Sensitive Skin
Happy Wet Shaving, brothers and sisters all.