The Global Guide to Henson Shaving: Why the World is Importing the AL13 from Canada (2026 Edition)

Last Updated: January 2026 | Reading Time: 15 Minutes | Author: Sama Homes Editorial Team

If you are reading this from Sydney, London, Berlin, or Texas, you have likely heard the whispers. There is a "Quiet Revolution" happening in bathrooms across the world. Men and women are abandoning their plastic cartridge razors—tools that haven't changed since the 1990s—and switching to high-precision aerospace tools that last a lifetime.

At the center of this revolution is one Canadian engineering marvel: The Henson AL13.

Hailed as the "last razor you will ever buy," it is precision-engineered to the same tolerances as a Mars Rover component. But for international buyers, stock is hard to find. The Titanium (Ti22) models sell out instantly in Europe, and local retailers in Australia often mark up the prices significantly.

The Secret? Smart international buyers are importing directly from Canada.

As one of the few Authorized Retailers with Global Priority Shipping, Sama Homes has become the "Henson Hub" for the world. In this comprehensive "Encyclopedia of Shaving," we will break down the metallurgy, the economics, the science, and why buying in Canadian Dollars (CAD) is your secret weapon.

1. The "Global Arbitrage": Why Import From Canada?

It comes down to simple economics. The Henson is a Canadian invention, manufactured in Ontario. When you buy from a Canadian retailer like Sama Homes, you are buying from the source, cutting out the middleman distributors.

For Our Friends in Australia (AUD) 🇦🇺

We see thousands of orders from Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. Why? Local retailers often have to pay import tariffs, warehouse fees, and GST, which they pass on to you. By purchasing directly from us:

• You pay the Canadian Price (which often converts favorably to AUD).
• You get access to the Full Color Range (Tan, Copper, Blue) that local shops rarely stock.

For Our Friends in the USA (USD) 🇺🇸

While new trade regulations mean duties may apply to cross-border shipments, the Strong US Dollar is your advantage. The USD typically holds significant purchasing power over the CAD. This means that even with potential fees, the final conversion often remains highly competitive compared to US MSRP—especially for hard-to-find Titanium models.

💡 The "Sama Speed" Guarantee: We ship all international orders via Tracked Priority Air. Most packages to the UK, USA, and Australia arrive faster than you’d expect—often within 6-12 business days.

2. Aluminum (AL13) vs. Titanium (Ti22): A Metallurgical Deep Dive

This is the #1 question we receive. "Is the Titanium worth the extra money?" To answer this, we need to look at the physics of the metals.

The AL13 (Aerospace Aluminum)

This is the "Sports Car." It weighs 37 grams. It is machined from aerospace-grade aluminum and anodized to protect it from corrosion. Because it is so light, it provides incredible feedback. You can feel every single hair being cut. It is agile, fast, and nimble.

The Ti22 (Grade 5 Titanium)

This is the "Luxury Tank." Titanium is biocompatible (used in hip replacements) and stronger than steel. It weighs 64 grams—nearly double the aluminum.

Why is it expensive? Titanium is incredibly difficult to machine. It destroys CNC tools. Making a Titanium razor takes longer and costs more in tooling than aluminum. But the result is an object that is virtually indestructible.

3. The 30-Degree Science: Why It Doesn't Irritate

Why does the Henson shave better than a Gillette or Dollar Shave Club razor? It isn't magic; it is geometry.

The Problem: "Blade Chatter"

Standard razors (both cartridge and cheap safety razors) hold the blade loosely. As the blade hits a thick hair, it flexes and vibrates microscopically. This vibration is called "chatter." Chatter acts like a grater on your skin, causing razor burn.

The Solution: The "Clamp"

The Henson AL13 clamps the blade closer to the edge than any other razor in history. This makes the blade rigid. No vibration = No irritation.

The "Baked In" Angle

Traditional safety razors require skill to find the 30-degree cutting angle. The Henson head is machined with a flat plane. You simply place the flat metal against your face. The geometry ensures the blade is always at the perfect 30-degree angle. You cannot get it wrong.

4. The Financials: The 10-Year Case Study

The "Razor & Blade" business model was invented to drain your wallet: Sell the handle cheap, but make the cartridges expensive. Henson flips this model.

When you buy a Henson, you are pre-paying for a lifetime of savings. The Refill Blades we sell cost pennies, not dollars.

5. Beyond the Face: Women & Head Shaving

One of the biggest secrets of the AL13 is that nearly 50% of users are women and head shavers.

For Women: Ending the "Pink Tax"

Ladies, you have been overpaying for decades. The AL13 is a game-changer for legs and underarms because of the Zero-Clog Channel.

• Legs: You can shave an entire leg in long, sweeping strokes without rinsing every 2 seconds.
• Knees & Ankles: The flat head acts as a stabilizer, preventing nicks on bony areas.
• Recommendation: We recommend the AL13 Mild in Copper or Tan for body shaving.

For Head Shavers: The "One-Pass" Dome

The scalp is vascular (bleeds easily) but the hair is dense. This is a nightmare for cartridge razors. The Henson AL13 Medium glides over the scalp curve without biting. Because you often shave by feel (blind) on the back of your head, the tactile feedback of the flat head is crucial. When the metal touches your scalp, you know you are safe.

6. Blade Science: RK vs. Feather vs. Astra

The Henson AL13 is a "Neutral Exposure" razor, meaning it relies heavily on the blade you put inside it. While it works with any standard double-edge blade, here is our breakdown:

Our Recommendation: Stick with the RK Stainless Blades (100-Pack). They are calibrated for the Henson geometry.

7. The Master Class: Advanced Technique

If you are getting irritation, it is usually because you are treating the Henson like a plastic razor. Here are the rules:

Rule 1: ZERO Pressure

Plastic razors require you to press down to engage the blades. Do not do this with a Henson. Let the weight of the razor do the work. Imagine you are wiping the lather off, not cutting the hair.

Rule 2: Grain Mapping

Hair on your neck often grows sideways or in swirls. Feel your stubble.
• Pass 1: Shave WITH the grain (direction of growth).
• Pass 2: Shave ACROSS the grain (sideways).
• Pass 3: (Optional) Shave AGAINST the grain for "Baby Butt Smooth" skin.

8. Maintenance: Making It Last 100 Years

The Henson is built to last a lifetime, but aluminum and titanium still need basic care.

• Rinse Well: The exit channels are huge, so a quick blast of water clears it.
• The "Quarter Turn": After shaving, twist the handle a quarter-turn loose. This allows air to flow between the blade and the head, preventing rust marks.
• Deep Clean: Once a month, disassemble the 3 pieces and scrub them with an old toothbrush and dish soap.

9. The Gift of 2026: Kits & Bundles

Whether for a graduation, a wedding, or a birthday, giving a Henson is giving a rite of passage. But don't just give the razor alone.

Our curated Shaving Kits & Bundles are designed to provide the complete experience. These bundles include the razor, the stand (critical for hygiene), a 100-pack of blades, and often our 3-Step Skin Care system.

Why Bundle? It solves the "what else do I need?" problem for beginners and ensures they have the best possible start to their wet shaving journey.

10. International Shipping & Duties FAQ

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