Thread: Whole face styptic?

Originally Posted by jkshave

I thought alum was a type of salt maybe im wrong lol

There you go Alum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bob

Thx now i know more you right i stand corrected lol

So why does the alum block feel good and the pencil stings more iscit because it has a more concetrated amount? Bexause its bascily the same

It a compount that has salt in it ok i was parcial right lol

Well, the wikipedia article does say that alum is both a specific compound and also a generic term for a family of compounds involving sulphate salts.

Perhaps the intense stinging sensation felt with a styptic pencil over an alum block is related to both the concentration of the compound and the type of compound found in the pencil. It could be that the "alum" in an alum block has a different chemical composition to the "alum" found in a styptic pencil?

James.

I think the difference is that alum blocks are cut from naturally formed stones while the pencils are formed by melting alum and putting it in a mold. That makes the blocks smoother. I remember reading something like that on a post on badger and blade a few months ago.

Yes, the styptic form is more concentrated - not exactly a good thing for skin.

One thing I've never given up, after getting rid of most of the prep and after the shave oils, balms, and ointments I first tried, is the Alum block...for me, pure joy on the skin, really feels great and does wonder's for my skin, followed by a nice splash of AS.

The styptic pencil is only used when bitten by a blade....and it has come in handy a few times!!

Here is an article on alum blocks and styptic pencils All about Alum Block | A Great Shave . One small note, I asked a pharmacist what the difference was between alum with potassium and one with ammonium and was told the ammonium one would sting a bit more. I am currently using a crystal deodorant stick for my shaving alum. As far as I can tell alum blocks/deodorant sticks are a product of an industrial process involving the use of some heavy duty chemicals. I guess alum crystals do form naturally but probably not in enough quantity for consumer use so the word "natural" in connection with these products may have to be taken with a grain of salt. Probably more that you ever wanted to know but there it is.

Bob

"". You can get a block of alum made from a mold of your whole face. When your done shaving you just put your whole face into."" Think I saw that at Niagara Falls Canadian side this past summer. The shop where you could make a wax 'copy of your Fist'. Won't go on beyond that for fear of expulsion!!