Grooming · Safety razors
Henson AL13 Mild: Will a 37g Razor Feel Too Light to You?
In this guide
Product links go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
A razor described as precisely machined can still feel surprisingly light in your hand. Henson AL13 Mild weighs 37 grams, and that matters if you associate a reusable metal razor with substantial heft. There is also a version decision hiding behind the familiar name. This guide examines the Aircraft Aluminum Mild package, its five supplied blades and its assembly routine. The useful detail is underneath the head: baseplate orientation and handle tightening matter as much as the appearance when you decide whether this format fits.
The Mild package starts with five separate blades
The selected Henson AL13 Mild is the Aircraft Aluminum finish in this US product listing. Its photograph shows a silver razor, a black carton and five individually wrapped RK Stainless double-edge blades. The listing specifies Mild aggression. Those blades form a starter supply; one blade goes into the head at a time.
The manufacturer’s US product page identifies a fixed 30-degree blade angle, a 37-gram razor and an anodized finish. Its five-blade package is separate from optional accessories. The product photograph’s plain carton and blade display help distinguish that starting package from a larger bundle.
| Detail | This selected package |
|---|---|
| Version | Mild aggression |
| Finish | Aircraft Aluminum |
| Supplied blades | Five individual RK Stainless blades |
| Published razor weight | 37 grams |
| Replacement format | Separate double-edge blade inside a reusable head |
| Accessories | Stand and head cover are separate options |
The light feel changes what your hand expects
Aluminum gives this tool a different starting point from a weighty traditional razor. Someone moving from a disposable handle and someone accustomed to a substantial metal handle bring different expectations to the same object. The published weight is a useful purchase criterion before judging the finish or the engineering language.
In Sharpologist’s updated review, mantic59 finds smooth threads and impressive fit and finish, while emphasizing the light feel. His measured weight includes a blade, so its small difference from the manufacturer’s stated figure is a different measurement context. His observations also separate appreciation of the construction from preference about handling.
Imagine the movement rather than just the object on a counter. A handle that feels easy to steer offers a different experience from one whose weight is immediately noticeable. If heft is part of what you enjoy about shaving, the aluminum construction deserves attention before the purchase. Our long lined-handle buying guide explores another handling question without treating the tools as equivalent.
The shiny bushing reveals an upside-down baseplate
The official assembly walkthrough explains that unscrewing the handle separates the top cap and baseplate. Place a blade on the cap’s locating tabs, handling it by its short edges. The shiny bushing belongs on the underside of the baseplate; its visibility is the maker’s check for correct orientation.
Reassemble the stack and tighten the handle finger-tight as directed. The manufacturer describes holding the dry grip near the head between thumb and index finger to limit overtightening. This is a deliberate blade-changing task involving several components, rather than exchanging a complete cartridge.
Think through your usual replacement habits. A separate blade, cap and plate give you specific pieces to keep organized during a change. The useful question is whether that sequence suits your routine. A familiar-looking handle alone tells you little about how much attention you want to give the loading step.
A fixed blade angle still leaves technique to learn
Henson’s walkthrough says to keep the shave plane flat, adjust the handle slightly to find the cut and use only enough pressure for contact. For beginners, it directs shaving with the grain. Treat those as operating instructions rather than an invitation to press harder because the razor feels light.
Sharpologist separately discusses a June 2022 head update, reporting a wider usable angle range than on the earlier design. That distinction matters when reading older reviews: criticism of the original head’s narrow angle range describes a different point in the design’s history. The updated observations are more relevant to the purchase being considered here.
In a July 2026 US verified-purchase account, J. Leslie describes an enjoyable first shave with the Aircraft Aluminum version, while saying it was probably not the closest. Another US verified buyer, Will in LA, reports multiple passes on coarse facial hair and dislikes the light weight. These are individual experiences, with Leslie explicitly describing a first impression. They show why closeness and handling deserve separate attention.
Drying position belongs in the buying decision too
The manufacturer’s care FAQ recommends rinsing under running water or swishing in water rather than banging the razor against a sink. For drying, it describes loosening the handle until the blade stops bending and storing the tool on its side in a dry place. Close the handle fully for shaving; the loosened position is for storage.
During blade changes, the same FAQ describes gentle cleaning with soap, water and a soft brush, followed by drying before a fresh blade is fitted. It excludes harsh cleaning solutions and dishwasher cleaning. A place outside the shower therefore belongs in your plan alongside choosing the finish.
Our shaving-cream application guide covers a separate preparation step. When browsing grooming offers, keep the intended version, supplied blade count and storage routine together. An attractive package makes more sense when its replacement and care tasks fit the way you want to shave.
FAQ
Does the selected package include a stand?
It contains a razor and five blades. A stand is a separate accessory.
Are the blades proprietary?
The manufacturer states that standard double-edge blades fit the razor.
How is Mild identified on the razor?
The maker uses a single plus symbol on the package and inside the cap and baseplate.
Verdict
Choose Henson AL13 Mild if you want a light aluminum handle, individually replaceable blades and a defined assembly routine. Its 37-gram weight is central to that choice: the appeal is a tool you steer rather than a feeling of substantial heft. The Aircraft Aluminum package provides five starter blades, with accessories chosen separately. Skip this version if you strongly prefer a heavy handle or expect a particular closeness from the Mild label. Published experiences vary on that point. Match the version and finish carefully, and make room for loading, rinsing and dry storage as part of ownership.
More to explore: Edwin Jagger DE89: Does the Long Lined Handle Suit You? · How to Use Proraso Green Shaving Cream With Hands or a Brush · King C. Gillette Safety Razor: Five Refills, but How’s Grip?