Henson Al13 Razor - From the Guys Who Brought You The ISS

Hensontech
Thank you for your offer, but I think I'm going to use one and/or two shims for the next two shaves, and see if that improves the result.  If not, then I'll simply resell the razor, and if I lose $10 that will still be okay.  You probably designed this razor for newbies, and if so a very mild razor makes perfect sense.  I'm an old man who has been shaving since 1964, and I have a very coarse beard.  So my razor requirements are not so mild.  My favorite razor is probably the Weber.  Anything milder than that is likely going to be inadequate to my needs.  One size definitely does not fit all.  I'll be in touch.  All the best.

I, finally, ordered one, yesterday, after reading some good reviews, having a good price, being light-weight and Canadian-made. I plan on using it for my head shaves, so I figured with it mildness, it would be a good candidate. If it is overly mild, I'll use one or two shims to increase its aggressiveness.
I, highly, doubt that I'll use it for my face shaves, as I prefer more 'aggressive' razors.

If I may, assuming you have the more aggressive version, (.002" exposure and .033" blade gap) your shim being a modified blade, (which is .004"), will make your exposure become .004" and the Blade Gap .038

I'm sure you're capable, but might as well say anyway, make sure the blade, whether it's modified or bought as is, spans across the bulk of the 2 contact strips on the base plate.  Seeing as ours are rather wide, a short shim might fall short of sitting in the right spot. 
The shim width ought to measure minimum .620" and up to .700"

Thank you for your considerate reply and I'll make sure to follow your recommendations. However, I just placed my order, yesterday, so I'll have to wait until the razor arrives.

I, finally, ordered one, yesterday, after reading some good reviews, having a good price, being light-weight and Canadian-made. I plan on using it for my head shaves, so I figured with it mildness, it would be a good candidate. If it is overly mild, I'll use one or two shims to increase its aggressiveness.
I, highly, doubt that I'll use it for my face shaves, as I prefer more 'aggressive' razors.

If I may, assuming you have the more aggressive version, (.002" exposure and .033" blade gap) your shim being a modified blade, (which is .004"), will make your exposure become .004" and the Blade Gap .038

I'm sure you're capable, but might as well say anyway, make sure the blade, whether it's modified or bought as is, spans across the bulk of the 2 contact strips on the base plate.  Seeing as ours are rather wide, a short shim might fall short of sitting in the right spot. 
The shim width ought to measure minimum .620" and up to .700"

Thank you for your considerate reply and I'll make sure to follow your recommendations. However, I just placed my order, yesterday, so I'll have to wait until the razor arrives.

I agree, very considerate.

There are some vendors who refuse to share any specs like gap, exposure, etc. on aluminum razors. Kudos to Hensontech. He even gave you specifics to make the an appropriate spacer.

That's awesome IMO!

So anyone able to opine how this compares to my new daily choice... the MJ90A (which is just an ever so slightly more efficient de89)?

From what I'm reading this should provide a shave equivalent to my GC 84, but I wonder if I will still be able to shave with reckless abandon like I do on the 90A? I can do 3-4 passes, followed by an extensive cleanup without irritation. Even the GC 68 only allows minor cleanup before it starts to irritate. Of course, with that blade gap, I'm not picturing as much cleanup being needed. Still, I guess my focus is: will it actually be as smooth, forgiving as the 90A / DE89?

Even a de89? Any comparison? Anyone... Anyone... Bueller.

This morning I used a shim under the blade and got a noticeably better result.  For the next shave I will use two shims, 
if the razor's tolerances will allow.  That will be two days hence.  I will report the results then.

I’m very curious how slight increases in aggressiveness could make this razor even better for those of us with thicker facial hair

I had another great 3 pass shave tonight with the Henson. I found for me I need a thinner slicker lather with skin stretching and short strokes

Today I used two shims under a new Feather blade and got a pretty good shave.  I probably could have used three, but I don't think the razor's tolerances would have allowed it.  I used ZIRH latherless shave cream, which is both thin and slick, and short strokes like the doctor recommended.  I'm sure this is a good razor for some, but not for me.  I will probably list it on BS&T later today.

Received the razor, yesterday, and had a head shave, last night. It was fine. A bit mild, but it worked well.
I used it for one pass, this morning on my face and, as expected, it was mild/less blade feel, compared to my Blackbird. However, it is very well made and, for the money, well worth trying if you prefer milder/less-blade-feeling razors.
I'll keep using it for my head shaves and try some full face shaves with it, as well.
The handle is a very good length at 95mm, which I enjoy.

Second head shave, tonight, with the razor. Still find it quite mild and I have to perform quite a bit of touch-ups to get a smooth shave and also have to apply pressure to get good results because of its light weight. I used my Stork Ex Brass handle as it is quite heavy and that improved things a bit, but not by much.
Good results, but it requires much more time to get the results I can get with my other razors.
Overall, for $80 CDN, taxes and shipping, it is a very well-made razor and it would be ideal for those who prefer mild razors.