Henson AL13 Mild vs Medium: Which One Is Right for You?

The Henson AL13 has become one of the most talked-about razors in traditional wet shaving circles, largely thanks to its precision-engineered, aircraft-grade aluminium construction and distinctive floating head design. But before you add one to your basket, there's an important decision to make: Mild or Medium? The two versions look almost identical, yet they're built for different shaving styles, skin sensitivities and beard types. This guide walks through what actually separates the two, who tends to get on better with each, and how to make a sensible choice if you're new to the Henson AL13 or to safety razor shaving in general.

What Is the Henson AL13?

The Henson AL13 is a single-edge style safety razor from Henson Shaving Razor Co, built around a floating head design rather than the traditional three-piece baseplate-and-cap construction most wet shavers are used to. It's machined from aircraft-grade aluminium, which makes it noticeably lighter in the hand than many stainless steel safety razors, and it uses standard double edge (DE) blades like most traditional razors stocked at Shaving Time.

Henson produces the AL13 in two blade exposure settings, Mild and Medium. The frame, handle and overall engineering are the same; what changes is how much of the blade edge is exposed to the skin during the shave.

Mild vs Medium: What's Actually Different

In simple terms, blade exposure refers to how much of the blade's edge sits proud of the razor's safety bar and guard. A razor with less exposure feels gentler and more forgiving, while greater exposure increases cutting efficiency but also increases the margin for error if your angle or pressure isn't quite right.

• The Mild version has less blade exposure, making it a softer, more forgiving shave.
• The Medium version has slightly more blade exposure, giving a closer, more efficient cut with less need for repeat passes.

We'd recommend checking the exact blade exposure figures on the current Henson AL13 product listings before publishing any specific measurements, as manufacturers occasionally revise specifications between production runs.

Who Should Choose the Henson AL13 Mild

The Mild is generally the better starting point if any of the following apply to you:

• You're new to double edge safety razor shaving and haven't built up blade angle and pressure control yet.
• You have sensitive skin or are prone to razor burn, nicks or irritation.
• You're switching from a cartridge razor and want a gentler transition.
• You shave fairly frequently and want a razor that's less punishing if your technique slips on a tired morning.

Many traditional wet shavers who've previously used milder razors such as the Edwin Jagger DE89 or a Parker safety razor tend to find the Mild AL13 a comfortable, familiar step up in build quality without a dramatic jump in aggressiveness.

Who Should Choose the Henson AL13 Medium

The Medium suits shavers who:

• Already have confident technique with a safety razor and understand how to manage blade angle without pressing down.
• Have coarser or denser facial hair that needs a more efficient blade engagement to achieve a close shave in fewer passes.
• Have previously used mid-to-higher efficiency razors, such as a Merkur 34C or similar, and found milder razors require too many passes.
• Want to reduce shaving time without switching to a more aggressive open-comb or adjustable razor.

It's worth noting that 'Medium' in the Henson range still sits closer to the gentler end of the wider traditional razor spectrum rather than at the aggressive end occupied by some open-comb or heavily adjustable razors.

How Blade Exposure Affects Your Shave

Blade exposure is one of several factors that determine how a razor feels and performs, alongside blade angle, weight, and the blade brand and sharpness you pair it with. A small increase in exposure, as you get between Mild and Medium, can be the difference between needing three careful passes and needing two, but it also narrows your margin for shaving at too steep an angle.

Technique Adjustments

If you move from the Mild to the Medium, it's worth paying closer attention to a few basics:

• Let the weight of the razor do the work rather than applying downward pressure.
• Keep the blade angle low and consistent, adjusting in small increments until you find the angle that clears hair without tugging.
• Consider a fresh, sharp blade when trying the Medium for the first time, so you're not compensating for a dull edge as well as a new razor.

Henson AL13 Compared to Other Traditional Razors

Compared with classic three-piece razors from brands such as Merkur, Muhle or Edwin Jagger, the Henson AL13's floating head and aluminium build give it a different handling feel, lighter overall, with a head that moves slightly during the stroke rather than staying rigid. Shavers used to heavier brass-core razors sometimes need a session or two to adjust to this lighter feel, regardless of whether they choose Mild or Medium.

If you're deciding between a Henson AL13 and a more traditional adjustable razor, such as those offering multiple numbered settings, bear in mind the AL13 only offers the two fixed exposure options rather than a dial-adjustable range.

Can You Own Both?

It's reasonably common for wet shavers to own both a Mild and a Medium once they've settled into the hobby, using the Mild for sensitive days, travel, or when skin needs a break, and the Medium for a faster, closer shave when time or beard growth demands it. There's no compatibility issue, both use the same blade format, so it comes down to budget and how much you value having a second option in the cabinet.

Quick Decision Guide

• New to safety razors, sensitive skin, or shave daily: start with the Mild.
• Confident technique, coarser hair, or want fewer passes: the Medium is worth considering.
• Not sure: the Mild is generally the safer starting point, since it's easier to grow into a more efficient razor later than to back off from one that feels too aggressive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the actual difference between the Henson AL13 Mild and Medium?

Both share the same frame, handle and floating head design, but the Medium has a greater degree of blade exposure than the Mild, meaning more of the blade edge is presented to the skin. This makes the Medium cut more efficiently but gives a smaller margin for error with angle and pressure. Exact exposure figures are best checked on the current product listing.

Which Henson AL13 is best for beginners?

The Mild is usually the better starting point for anyone new to double edge safety razor shaving, as it's more forgiving while you build up confidence with blade angle and light pressure technique.

Is the Henson AL13 Medium too aggressive for everyday use?

Not typically. The Medium sits towards the gentler end of the wider traditional razor spectrum rather than among the more aggressive open-comb or heavily adjustable razors, so it's usually suitable for regular use once you're comfortable with technique.

Can I switch from the Henson AL13 Mild to the Medium later?

Yes. Many shavers start with the Mild and move to the Medium once they've developed consistent technique. There's no reason you couldn't own both and use each depending on your skin, time available or beard growth.

What blades does the Henson AL13 use?

The AL13 uses standard double edge (DE) razor blades, the same format used by the vast majority of traditional safety razors, so you can use whichever blade brand and sharpness you already get on well with.

Does the Henson AL13 suit coarse or thick beard hair better than fine hair?

The Medium's extra blade exposure can make clearing coarser or denser hair more efficient in fewer passes, while the Mild can still manage coarser hair but may need an extra pass. Fine or sensitive skin types often prefer the Mild regardless of hair coarseness.

Is the Henson AL13 heavier or lighter than a traditional stainless steel razor?

The AL13 is machined from aircraft-grade aluminium, which generally makes it lighter in the hand than razors with brass or stainless steel cores, so shavers used to heavier razors may notice a different handling feel at first.

Choosing between the Henson AL13 Mild and Medium really comes down to where you are with your shaving technique, how your skin reacts to closer blade exposure, and how coarse your facial hair is. The Mild is the sensible default for most people starting out or managing sensitive skin, while the Medium rewards those who already shave with confidence and want a closer result in fewer passes. If you're still unsure, starting mild and working up tends to be the more comfortable route into the Henson range.