Thread: cooling the burn

I have been shaveing with a straight for most of the summer now. I have even had some really great shaves but sometime have to use a saptic stick to take care of a nick. And some time have a little rush on the neck. Which is best for getting relaif on the neck area? Is a Alum block better on these areas without the burn of a saptic stick?

Jeez. Don't know. I would try and figure out the cause of the burn/irritation.

There should be no burn or irritation with a straight.

I would consider trying aloe vera and skipping both.

this is interesting... I have also head that there should be no burn with a straight.

However, I do get burn on my neck if I do too many passes. I never get burn on my cheeks or my upper lip. Is this a problem with technique or could this be from an improper stropping technique.

I'd get burn on my neck when I started using a straight, but it went away when I got the hang of the angle and pressure.

I am talking about the burn caused by the us of the stypic stick. I only got some rush on my neck some of the time. I use Wicth Hazle after I shave then shave balm.

Alum does have less sting then styptic. Its also a little less effective. It would still be my choice, mostly because its clear.

I like using an alum block. I only use styptic if I have a small cut! I use alum all over my face after I shave. Now as far as burn you are going to have a little but it should not be bad. More than anything its probably you are using to much pressure when you shave. If you use to much pressure your after shave or in your case the styptic pencil will burn like all hell!! I am no pro by any means but I know when I use to much pressure. The aftershave always reminds me of it

Alum blocks are cheap and the only way to know if they are for you is to buy one and give it a go!!!

Originally Posted by catackett

I am talking about the burn caused by the us of the stypic stick. I only got some rush on my neck some of the time. I use Wicth Hazle after I shave then shave balm.

Sorry I should have read more!!!

If you cut the skin the alum block will burn but in my experience its less than a styptic !!

Originally Posted by catackett

I have been shaveing with a straight for most of the summer now. I have even had some really great shaves but sometime have to use a saptic stick to take care of a nick. And some time have a little rush on the neck. Which is best for getting relaif on the neck area? Is a Alum block better on these areas without the burn of a saptic stick?

Try experimenting on how you stretch the skin of the neck-- it took me a while to find the right angle that gives me a nice smooth shave there.
I use Nivia Balm For Sensitive Skin after my shave. So far so good.

-Chief

As time goes by, and you get more shaves under your belt, this will become a non-issue (I hope). My first year of straight razor shaving I lived with the alum block and the steptic pencil. + witch Hazel, Coral Skin Food, Balms, you name it. Since I have learned to go lightly and not press, plus learning the concept of just reducing the hair with each pass - and proceeding to the next pass to pick off what I left on the previous pass; I no longer need these products! I rarely nick myself or cut myself, and when that occurs, it was because my mind wasn't paying attention to where the edge was. I have, also, learned the characteristics of my skin and my face. You will find there will be places on your face you will seem to cut yourself (or nick) on the same place. You will learn to be very careful when shaving that area and to use the proper angle and pressure of your blade.

It will get better! Give yourself time to learn these things. The best is yet to be!

Go lightly my friend!!

Steve