Alum Block ... what does it teach you?
Okay I'm pretty new to SR shaving. With about 20 shaves or so under my belt and the other days I use a DE. The DE has improved since using a SR. From memory my first shave was the best result. I'm guess because Lynn honed the razor and since then it's lost some sharpness. I keep searching for the right sharpness sometimes I feel it's too sharp and harsh feeling. I've refreshed on felt with diamond spray, scrub leather and finish on english leather.
Today I got a pretty good result maybe a little above average which is a trace amount of stubble in the more difficult areas, neck, chin upper lip. Yesterday I hit the BSS shave with my DE. Wasn't going to go for it but it was just one of those days. No irritation at all and BSS too boot.
So that brings me to the Alum Block. What does it teach you? Are there healing benefits from using this mineral? Today like I said was a SR shave with three light passes and some mild touch up. I could start to feel some irritation so I settled for good enough. The alum block was rinsed in cold water and rubbed all over my shave area. Very little stinging but just not sure what I should be looking for.
My shave angles have improved along with razor pressure but streching my skin needs a lot of improvement. I suspect when that happens my shaves will get closer. With a SR I can only tolerate about 3-4 passes max so I have to hit the goal by then or settle for good enough. Sometimes after 2 passes if I feel I'm off I'll use the DE for the third pass. Occassionally the alum block really stings because I did too many passes or used too much pressure.
Just wanted to get your thoughts on the alum block and if you use one.