Henson AL13 Mild vs Medium vs Aggressive: Which Should You Buy?
Choose Henson AL13 Mild if you shave daily, have sensitive skin, or want the easiest learning curve. Choose Medium if your beard is denser, you shave every few days, or you already use a safety razor confidently. Choose Aggressive only if you know you want more blade feel and a more efficient shave. The important buying detail is that common AL13 colours such as Copper and Tan are Mild or Medium, while the Aggressive AL13 is a separate Grey +++ model, not a gap option on every colour.
Why Henson AL13 is different from many safety razors
The Henson AL13 is built around consistency. Instead of feeling like a loose traditional head where the user has to find the angle entirely by feel, the AL13 design helps guide the blade into a narrow shaving angle. That is why it suits people moving from cartridge razors: it encourages a lighter, more controlled shave.
That does not mean every AL13 feels the same. Mild, Medium and Aggressive still change the amount of blade feel and efficiency. The right choice depends on how often you shave, how dense your beard is, how easily your skin gets irritated, and how confident you are with safety-razor pressure.
Quick answer
| Choose | Best for | Avoid if |
|---|---|---|
| AL13 Mild | Daily shaving, sensitive skin, beginners, light to average growth | You regularly need several passes to clear dense growth |
| AL13 Medium | Most confident users, average to dense growth, shaving every 2-3 days | You want the softest possible first safety razor |
| AL13 Grey Aggressive +++ | Experienced users who want more efficiency and blade feel | You are new to safety razors or press hard |
| Ti22 | Premium titanium Henson shoppers | Premium titanium step-up; check current availability before choosing it |
Henson AL13 Mild
The Mild AL13 is the safest starting point for most first-time Henson buyers. It keeps the shave controlled and forgiving, especially if you are still learning how little pressure a safety razor needs. Mild is also the best fit if you shave every day, have a lighter beard, or regularly get redness on the neck.
Mild does not mean weak. It still uses a double-edge blade and can give a close shave when paired with the right blade and lather. The difference is that it gives you more margin for error while you learn. If you are switching from cartridges and want a calmer first few weeks, Mild is the more sensible choice.
The Copper and Tan AL13 models both offer Mild variants, and both also have Medium variants for shavers who want more efficiency.
Henson AL13 Medium
The Medium AL13 is the better choice if you already understand safety-razor technique or if Mild razors often leave too much work for a second or third pass. It gives a more efficient shave than Mild while keeping the Henson angle-control feel.
Medium suits people with average to dense growth, people who shave every two or three days, and users who want a closer result without moving into a very aggressive razor. It is also a good option if you tried mild razors before and found them comfortable but slightly underpowered.
Medium is a strong choice if you already have a little safety-razor experience or need more efficiency than Mild. The Henson AL13 Medium is a useful example of that balanced setting.
Henson AL13 Aggressive +++
The Aggressive AL13 needs careful wording. It exists, but it is not simply a third gap option on every AL13 colour. The Aggressive AL13 is the separate Grey Aggressive +++ product rather than a third option on every colour.
Do not assume Aggressive is available in every AL13 colour. The common colourways are Mild and Medium, while Grey +++ is for users who already know they want more blade feel and more efficiency.
Choose Aggressive if you have dense growth, shave less often, and already use light pressure with a safety razor. Avoid it as a first safety razor if you are still learning angle and pressure. A more efficient razor can save time, but it can also punish rushed technique.
What about Henson Ti22?
Henson Ti22 is the premium titanium step-up from AL13. If it is available, it is worth considering when you want the same design philosophy in a heavier, more premium material.
For most buyers choosing today, the AL13 Mild, Medium and Grey Aggressive models are the simpler place to start.
Mild vs Medium: the practical choice
If you are unsure between Mild and Medium, ask one question: do you want the safest learning curve or the most balanced long-term efficiency?
Choose Mild if comfort matters more than speed. It is the easier first purchase, especially if you shave daily and do not want much blade feel.
Choose Medium if you want one razor to grow into. It still has the Henson guided-angle feel, but it clears denser growth more efficiently. Many users who already have wet-shaving experience will find Medium the better long-term fit.
If you are buying a gift, Mild is usually the safer choice unless the recipient already uses traditional safety razors.
Blade choice still matters
A Henson razor does not remove blade choice from the equation. A sharper blade can make Medium feel very efficient. A smoother blade can make Mild feel calmer. If your first shaves feel too sharp or too tuggy, test blades before assuming you bought the wrong Henson.
Change one variable at a time. Use the same razor and shaving cream, then try a different blade. That is the fastest way to learn whether the issue is the razor gap, blade sharpness, pressure or lather.
Final recommendation
For most shavers, start with Henson AL13 Mild if comfort and learning are the priority, or Henson AL13 Medium if you want a more efficient long-term daily razor. Treat the Grey Aggressive +++ as a specialist option for experienced users, not the default upgrade. Treat Ti22 as the premium titanium step-up if it is available.
FAQs
Is Henson AL13 Mild or Medium better for beginners?
Henson AL13 Mild is usually better for beginners because it is more forgiving while you learn pressure and blade angle. Medium is better if you already have safety-razor experience or denser beard growth.
Is Henson AL13 Medium too aggressive?
Medium is not usually considered extreme, but it has more blade feel and efficiency than Mild. It suits confident users better than people who are completely new to safety razors.
Does Henson AL13 Aggressive come in every colour?
No. The Aggressive AL13 is a separate Grey +++ product. Do not assume Copper, Tan or other AL13 colours are available in Aggressive unless the product page specifically lists it.
What is the difference between Henson AL13 and Ti22?
AL13 is the aluminium Henson range. Ti22 is the premium titanium range, so it costs more and has a different weight and feel. Choose AL13 for the lighter aluminium option, or Ti22 if you want the titanium step-up and it is available.
Which Henson AL13 should I buy for sensitive skin?
Start with AL13 Mild if your skin is easily irritated. Use light pressure, a suitable blade and slick lather before moving to Medium or Aggressive.