I have a tip to pass on that I haven't seen in the forum (forgive me if I missed it). In addition to using the alum block as a stypic and aftershave, my greatest use is to improve my grip. When you are stretching your skin before the stroke, if your finger tips slide on your wet soapy face, just wet your finger tips and rub them on the alum block and they will grip the skin like Spiderman.