Henson: Splitting Hairs

[Odinarcade00]

I am sure there are those that can perceive the slight difference, but after blind testing, I may not be one who can. The risk-reward (comfort- efficiency) band is narrow.

So far, I have tried Astra SP, Naset, and Kai blades in each - two blades, two razors, and unknown to me which is which prior to staring. Four times I picked the + as the more comfortable (mild feeling), three times I thought the ++ was the more comfortable, and twice I could not perceive a difference. Definitely grasping to detect a difference. I have to conclude that I am the bigger variable (nuisance variable) than the razors. Alum testing produced similar results as did my measure of shave quality. I was hoping a favorite would emerge.

I will continue with Kai for three more shaves and then move to Feather, but I am to the point where I don't think my opinion will change.



From what I have heard, the step from ++ to +++ is more apparent.




I think many of us have problems in that area. My hair grows sideways and inward in that area and trying for BBS there (ATG) will lead to discomfort - not a worth it for me on a daily basis.

I will try Feather blades early next week after a few more shaves with Kai. I am most impressed so far with Kai, but I am only one shave in.

Cheers.

yeah me too! the hair grows down and then swooshes to the side near my adams apple and if I go XTG there I can definitely get some irritation so I just go ATG and thats it.

 

[Captainjonny]

I forgot to mention my favorite blades in the Henson. I agree that the Feather is harsh in the Hensons, but I do like the BIC Chrome Platinum for a sharp blade that is smooth. The BIC quality is not as consistent as the Japanese Feather, but I have found that some tucks are 100% good...and others will have 1 bad blade. Overall, I would give BIC a score of 95%. I also like the pre 2017 Polsilver and the real Russian Nacet blades (both not available, but have hundreds). Wizamets are smooth, but not as sharp as the BIC's.

 

[BrandX]

I forgot to mention my favorite blades in the Henson. I agree that the Feather is harsh in the Hensons, but I do like the BIC Chrome Platinum for a sharp blade that is smooth. The BIC quality is not as consistent as the Japanese Feather, but I have found that some tucks are 100% good...and others will have 1 bad blade. Overall, I would give BIC a score of 95%. I also like the pre 2017 Polsilver and the real Russian Nacet blades (both not available, but have hundreds). Wizamets are smooth, but not as sharp as the BIC's.

Thanks for the suggestions!

I guess I was lucky when I restocked Nacet blades. The box of blades that arrived from Amazon was Russian manufactured.

I normally like this blade. Didn't have too good experience however in the two Hensons. It was the blade I kicked off the comparison with, and I believe I applied too much pressure. I have since backed way off and weepers have disappeared.

I have only once tried Bic and that was years ago from a sample pack. I have heard of quality issues, so never revisited using them, but I will.

I haven't tried Polsilver or Wizamets. I will get a few tucks. I have heard other Henson users mention good results with theses.

Unfortunately I do not believe there will be any blade that will solve my dilemma- which to keep? Very hard problem to solve when you cannot tell them apart!

The Mild version will likely win the battle, if for no other reason, because I prefer milder razors (odd thing if it comes down to specs).

 

[spacemonkey42]

Yes, the + and the ++ are fairly similar. I can tell the difference, it takes more buffing with the + to get me to where I want, but both can do it. And yes, there is a bigger jump to the +++, that has a lot of exposure and gap. One has to watch the angle carefully. I go shallow with it and it is one of my very top razors.

I find the Hensons to really sing with a sharp blade. Nacets and Perma-Sharps are my faves, but sharper is better IMHO. The strong clamping produces a rigid blade edge, which is really important to me.

One of the challenges people face with the Henson is adding too much pressure. The lighter you go, the better it shaves. It is counter-intuitive, but true. If you're getting any hotness or irritation, lighten up. I thought I was going as light as possible, then found I could go lighter. Then again lighter. Then everything clicked. Happy shaves to you!

 

[Leo K]

I had to learn to lighten up with my Hensen mild too, it made all the difference. I use Nacet blades my mine.

 

[BrandX]

Just a final update on my comparison between the + and the ++....

The blind testing I did each day involved using both razors - one randomly assigned to my left side, and the other the right.

What I did not anticipate was finding results, but totally independent or razors; it was differences that had to do my technique and/or how I shaved each side of my face. 75% of the time (16 shaves), I had less irritation on my right side compared to my left based on alum feedback. Secondly, 70% of the time, I felt the right side was the better shaved - so a no pain, no gain scenario. Well, that is one possible explanation.

Of course I wasn't looking for this outcome, just what the data showed. When accounting for side of the face effects, there were no differences between razors base on perceived comfort, number of weepers, or quality of shave. This only applies to my circumstance and at this time in my journey.

I find the Hensons to really sing with a sharp blade. Nacets and Perma-Sharps are my faves, but sharper is better IMHO. The strong clamping produces a rigid blade edge, which is really important to me.

One of the challenges people face with the Henson is adding too much pressure. The lighter you go, the better it shaves. It is counter-intuitive, but true. If you're getting any hotness or irritation, lighten up. I thought I was going as light as possible, then found I could go lighter. Then again lighter. Then everything clicked. Happy shaves to you!

I had to learn to lighten up with my Hensen mild too, it made all the difference. I use Nacet blades my mine.

@spacemonkey42 and @Leo K: Thank you both for passing along these observations. I know light pressure + sharp blades yield great results for many.

Feather was the last of four blades I tried. Historically, this blade has been problematic, but with as light of pressure as I could apply, I experienced my best results with this blade- smooth, close cut, and nearly no irritation. I still require some practice to reinforce this until becoming a habit, but by holding the razor loosely (sometimes with just three fingers), I was able to minimize the pressure and achieve excellent results. I have got by applying more pressure with less sharp blades, but this blade requires attention and minimal pressure.

I experienced excellent results with Nacet as well, but I believe Feather was my favorite among Astra SP, Kai, Nacet, and Feather blades.

 

[UDShaver]

My Mild has been a great experience for me.

RK, Astra Green and Blue (India) Bic and Wilkinson Sword (GER) all work great.