When it comes to the realm of safety razors, two names often crop up as major contenders in the market: Henson and Supply. Both have their legions of dedicated fans, with the reasons for their preference ranging from design, craftsmanship, and shaving experience.
In this article, we dive deep into the world of these two brands, exploring their pros and cons, in an effort to answer some frequently asked questions about Henson and Supply razors.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Henson | Supply |
| Design Philosophy | Precision-engineered for a safe, mild shave | Classic hefty design with modern adjustments |
| Material | Aerospace-grade aluminum | Solid stainless steel |
| Adjustability | Fixed blade exposure | 3 different settings |
| Shaving Experience | Beginner-friendly, ideal for sensitive skin | Customizable to user’s preference, offers more control |
| Weight | Lightweight | Hefty |
| Price Point | Mid-range | Premium |
| Long-term value | High durability | Lifetime guarantee |
Overview of Supply and Henson Razors
Supply Razors
Founded in 2018, Supply offers a single-edge safety razor system designed for simplicity and sustainability.
Their razor handles are made from aircraft-grade aluminum available in a variety of colors.
Supply also provides a subscription blade service with blades delivered to your door.
Key Features:
- Aircraft-grade aluminum handle
- Minimalist, elegant design
- Single blade shaving
- Subscription blades
Henson Razors
Launched in 2019, Henson razors feature an innovative alloy handle and focus on skin comfort. Their razor handles come in metal and plastic options.
Henson provides subscription blade packs focused on reducing razor bumps and irritation.
Key Features:
- Al13 razor alloy handle
- Plastic handle options
- Skin comfort focus
- Subscription blade packs
Henson Razor: Precision-Engineered for a Gentle Shave
Founded on the principles of design and precision, Henson brings a level of craftsmanship that’s typically seen in the aerospace industry. Their razors are famously made with the same equipment used to manufacture parts for Mars rovers.
Pros of Henson Razors
- Design and Build Quality
The Henson Razor’s design is focused on precision, offering a tight blade exposure that ensures a clean, gentle shave.
Crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum, it’s both lightweight and sturdy.
- Ease of Use
The low aggressiveness of the Henson razors, combined with their lightweight build, make them easy to use. This is particularly beneficial for shaving beginners or those with sensitive skin.
- Value for Money
While not the cheapest on the market, the Henson razor’s durability and design mean that it’s a worthwhile long-term investment.
Cons of Henson Razors
- Limited Aggressiveness
For those who prefer a more aggressive razor, the Henson might feel a bit mild. Its design focuses on safety and precision over raw cutting power.
- Lack of Heft
While the lightweight nature of Henson razors can be a pro for some, others might find the lack of heft disappointing. A heavier razor can provide a feeling of stability and control for some shavers.
Supply Razor: A Hefty Classic Reinvented
Supply razors, on the other hand, bring a slightly different philosophy to the table. Inspired by classic safety razors, they aim to combine the old-school feel with modern innovations.
Pros of Supply Razors
- Adjustable Settings
Supply razors stand out due to their adjustable settings. They offer three different levels of aggressiveness, providing a customizable shave that can suit different preferences and skin types.
- Solid Build
Made from solid stainless steel, Supply razors have a heft and solidity that many shavers appreciate.
It feels durable and robust, delivering a satisfying shaving experience.
- Lifetime Guarantee
Supply’s lifetime guarantee reflects their confidence in the product’s quality.
This offers great peace of mind for customers, knowing they’re buying a product built to last.
Cons of Supply Razors
- Price
Supply razors come at a premium price, which might put off those on a tighter budget.
- Learning Curve
The adjustable settings of Supply razors also mean a steeper learning curve. It takes time to figure out which setting works best for you.
Key Differences Between Henson And Supply Razors
There’s a lot that sets Henson and Supply razors apart. Let’s explore these key differences in detail, focusing on design philosophy, material, adjustability, and overall shaving experience.
- Design Philosophy
Henson and Supply approach their design philosophies from different angles. Henson leverages precision engineering to create a safe, mild shave, while Supply opts for a traditional, hefty razor design with a modern twist.
- Material
Henson razors are made from aerospace-grade aluminum, making them lightweight yet durable. On the other hand, Supply razors are crafted from solid stainless steel, which adds weight and a sense of sturdiness to the overall product.
- Adjustability
In terms of adjustability, Supply clearly takes the lead. Their razors come with three different settings, allowing for varying degrees of blade exposure, depending on how close a shave you prefer. Henson, however, has no such adjustability feature. The blade exposure is set, focusing more on safety and mildness.
- Weight
The weight of a razor can impact shaving performance and feel. As mentioned earlier, Supply razors are on the medium-heavy side while Henson razors have a lighter aluminum alloy or plastic handle.
The Supply razor’s weight presses the blade more firmly to the skin. This can equate to fewer passes needed for a close shave, especially for those with coarse facial hair. However, the extra weight could cause nicks or irritation over time for some users.
Alternatively, the lighter Henson razor places less pressure against the skin. Those prone to irritation or ingrown hairs may benefit from the Henson’s lighter touch. But more passes may be required to cut thicker stubble.
Choosing a heavier or lighter razor comes down to your hair type and skin sensitivity. The Supply and Henson weight difference is moderate though, not drastic.
- Cost Comparison
When looking at cost, the Henson razor clearly comes in at a more budget-friendly price point versus Supply.
The Henson AL13 razor handle costs $55-70 depending on the color. Plastic handles cost only $19. Blade subscription packs cost $9-20 for 8-16 cartridges depending on frequency.
Supply razors handles fall between $125-185 each depending on color and limited editions. Their subscription blades cost $9 for 8 cartridges.
For the razor handle alone, Supply costs nearly 3 times that of a Henson plastic handle. The Henson metal handle is still 25% cheaper too.
However, blades cost about the same from both brands. So if you change blades frequently, the long-term costs even out over time.
Supply is a premium product though, from the materials used to the packaging. So you pay for that luxury factor with Supply over Henson.
- Blade Options
Both brands offer subscription plans for replacement blades automatically delivered to your door. However, the blade types differ between the two.
Supply uses a single-edge blade placed into disposable cartridges. Henson utilizes a traditional double-edge safety razor blade.
Supply cartridges snap onto the handle for easy loading. With Henson, you have to unscrew the handle and carefully place the blade inside.
Both blades types offer an excellent, comfortable shave. However, if you prefer quick cartridge loading rather than handling loose blades, Supply has the edge in blade convenience.
- Sustainability
For environmentally-conscious consumers, sustainability is an important factor to consider.
Supply aims to reduce plastic waste by providing metal handles and recyclable aluminum blade cartridges. Their subscription program repurposes spent blades into new material.
Henson razor handles are made of reusable metals as well. But their double-edge blades arrive individually wrapped in plastic. The recyclable plastic blades themselves reduce waste versus plastic cartridges though.
Both brands ship orders in recyclable paper packaging. Supply also carbon offsets their shipping emissions which is a bonus.
Supply seems to have the upper hand in terms of sustainability efforts. But both Supply and Henson are better eco-friendly options than razors with disposable plastic handles and cartridges.
- Shaving Experience
Shaving with a Henson razor is generally seen as more beginner-friendly due to its mild nature. The lightweight design makes it easy to handle, and the low aggressiveness helps to reduce the risk of cuts and razor burn.
It’s a go-to option for those with sensitive skin.
Supply, on the other hand, provides a shaving experience that can be tailored to the user’s preferences. With its adjustable settings, users can choose a milder or more aggressive shave as they please. The heft of the razor can also give a sense of control and stability during the shave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Henson razors are generally well-regarded for their design, precision, and ease of use. They are especially suitable for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Apart from Supply, Henson faces competition from other premium razor brands such as Merkur, Edwin Jagger, and Rockwell.
The answer to this question largely depends on personal preference. Both Henson and Supply offer unique features that cater to different shaving needs. The best razor would be the one that fits your skin type, shaving style, and budget.
With proper care, a Henson razor handle can last for many years of use. The metal alloy is quite durable. Replaceable blades typically last 5-7 shaves. Change blades more often if they tug or cause discomfort.
For reducing razor bumps, look for razors with a pivoting head, lubricating strip, and multiple blades like Gillette SkinGuard or Henson AL13 Medium. Single blade razors like Supply also minimize irritation.
Supply recommends changing cartridge blades after 5-7 uses. But you may get more or fewer shaves depending on your hair coarseness, shaving frequency, and blade care.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, both Henson and Supply bring distinctive attributes to the table, boasting high-quality products that cater to various needs.
Whether you prioritize precision, adjustability, lightweight design, or a solid heft, you’re sure to find a razor that suits you from these two premium brands.