The Ultimate Henson Shaving FAQ: Global Guide to AL13, Ti22, and Precision Grooming

By Megha Tyagi | Founder, SAMA Homes (Chestermere, Alberta, Canada)

At SAMA Homes, we champion the "Buy-It-For-Life" (BIFL) heirloom philosophy. Whether it is a lab-verified 99.6% pure unlined copper water bottle, a 10-piece 1-person Kansa bronze dinner set, or a CNC-milled titanium safety razor, we believe in owning precision tools that last a lifetime. Below is our complete FAQ database answering every technical, dermatological, and global shipping question about Henson Shaving.

Part 1: Henson Basics, Aerospace Engineering & Models

What makes the Henson Shaving Razor different from traditional safety razors?

Traditional safety razors are die-cast from molten zinc alloys, which can leave microscopic variations in blade clamping. Henson razors are CNC-machined in Ontario, Canada inside an AS9100 aerospace facility—the same standard used to manufacture components for satellites and the Mars Rover—to tolerances of 0.0002 inches. By supporting the blade right up to the final 33 microns (0.033 mm) of the cutting edge and building tungsten-grade evacuation channels into the baseplate, Henson eliminates "blade chatter" (the microscopic flexing that causes razor burn and nicks).

What is the difference between the Henson AL13 and the Henson Ti22?

The cutting head geometry and 30-degree shave angle are identical; the difference lies in the metal, weight, and thread engineering:

• The Henson AL13 (6061-T6 Aerospace Aluminum): Weighs an agile 37 grams (1.3 oz), offers effortless control around the jawline, knees, and ankles, and is anodized in a spectrum of satellite-grade finishes (Aircraft Aluminum, Jet Black, Copper, Tan, Steel Blue, and more).
• The Henson Ti22 (Grade-5 Ti-6Al-4V Titanium): The ultimate heirloom instrument. Weighing 63 grams (2.23 oz), it delivers nearly double the mass of the AL13 for a weighted, gravity-assisted glide, and embeds a Nitronic 60 stainless steel thread insert inside the handle so the titanium threads never gall or cold-weld.

Mild (+), Medium (++), or Aggressive (+++): Which Henson efficiency should I choose?

• Mild (+): Best for daily shaving (every 1–2 days), fine-to-normal hair, sensitive skin prone to razor bumps, and body/leg/underarm shaving.
• Medium (++): The versatile all-rounder for thicker or coarser facial hair and shaving every 2–4 days.
• Aggressive (+++): Engineered for extremely coarse, dense wire-like beards or mowing down 5–7 days of growth.

Why does the Henson razor head look flat instead of curved?

Unlike traditional bulbous safety razors that force you to guess the 30-degree cutting angle with your wrist, the Henson head is CNC-beveled at a flat 30-degree plane. When you rest the flat face of the Henson head flush against your cheek, neck, or leg, the blade is automatically locked at the exact 30-degree cutting angle—zero guesswork required.

Part 2: Technique, Usage & The #1 Baseplate Rule

Why is my new Henson razor skipping or not cutting hair? (The Baseplate Check)

If your Henson razor glides over your face without cutting hair, 99% of the time the baseplate is installed upside down! Unscrew the handle and inspect the middle baseplate: the scalloped lather channels must face UP toward the blade and top cap (not facing down toward the handle). Once flipped right-side up, it will cut effortlessly.

Will the Henson razor eliminate razor bumps and ingrown hairs?

Yes. Multi-blade plastic cartridges use hysteresis ("lift-and-cut") to pull hair upward and slice it beneath the skin line, causing trapped ingrown hairs (pseudofolliculitis barbae). The Henson's rigid single blade severs hair cleanly at skin level without pulling.

How much hand pressure should I apply when shaving with a Henson?

Use virtually zero downward pressure. Rest the flat 30-degree bevel gently against well-lathered skin and glide with short, light strokes.

Part 3: Blades & Replacements

Do I have to use RK Shaving Blades, or do universal DE blades fit?

Every Henson AL13 and Ti22 accepts any standard universal Double-Edge (DE) safety razor blade—including RK Stainless, Feather Hi-Stainless, Astra Superior Platinum, Derby Extra, Merkur, and Rockwell. We stock 100-blade bulk saloon packs of RK and all major global brands in our Blades & Refills Collection.

Part 4: Shaving Soaps, Stands, Travel Cases & Airplane Rules

Can I pack my Henson safety razor in airplane carry-on luggage?

Yes—with one mandatory rule! Global aviation security (CATSA in Canada, TSA in the USA, and EU/UK airport security) permits the solid metal Henson razor handle and head in your carry-on bag ONLY if the double-edge razor blade is completely removed. Pack your replacement blades in checked luggage or purchase blades at your destination.

Why should I store my Henson razor in a vertical stand?

Storing your Henson upright in a precision matching aluminum stand allows water droplets to drain away from the blade edge after rinsing, preventing premature blade oxidation and doubling blade life.

Part 5: Global Shipping from Chestermere, Alberta, Canada

Why buy your Henson Razor from SAMA Homes?

SAMA Homes (operated by Sairam Solutions Ltd.) is a verified Official Authorized Canadian Stockist headquartered at 140 Kinniburgh Drive, Chestermere, Alberta, Canada. Every Henson razor, stand, and blade pack is 100% factory-authentic, backed by Henson's lifetime warranty, and dispatched within 24–48 business hours.

How does Free Standard Global Shipping over $75 CAD and international customs (DDU) work?

Orders totaling $75 CAD or more (or local currency equivalent) automatically qualify for Free Standard Global Shipping Worldwide ($15 CAD flat rate under $75 CAD) across Canada, the USA, the UK, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the UAE, and Israel! Standard global shipping is tracked wherever available and ships via International Air Mail where tracked service is unavailable, with Paid Express Courier Upgrades (DHL, FedEx, UPS) available at checkout. (Note: All international orders shipped outside Canada are sent strictly Delivered Duty Unpaid / DDU, meaning local VAT/MVA/GST or customs clearance, if applicable, is settled by the buyer upon arrival).