Alumblock/styptic pensil?

Would someone be so kind as to explain to me the difference between an Alumblock and a styptic pensil?

When to use the two different products, and what is the pros and cons on each?

Thanks in advance.

Happy belated birthday Thomas!

A styptic pencil is better at sealing cuts, whereas an alum block seals smaller nicks. Alum also helps kill some bacteria and is sometimes used as a deodorant, and can be rubbed all over the face after shaving to seal nicks and give feedback on how the shave went. I hate using a styptic pencil because it leaves a sticky substance that kind if repells the lather.

The alum block is primarily used as a post shave astringent and to take care of razor burn. The styptic pencil is used for more serious cuts or nicks. It's faster acting than the alum block. Styptic powder is an option if, for some reason, you dont care for the pencil

Great answers gentlemen.

I got the info that I needed.

:)

I have always had pencils. I kind of hate them. I need to try the powder some day. I do like the Alum block but I think I will be happier with a RazoRock. I like the base. My alum block is getting funky on the end I set it on.

--Shoki

AFAIK they are actually one and the same. Styptic pencils are just alum in stick form. Perhaps some styptic brands have additives, but that's basically all they are.

From my research.
Alum (pronounced /ˈæləm/) is both a specific chemical compound and a class of chemical compounds. The specific compound is the hydrated aluminium potassium sulfate with the formula KAl(SO4)2.12H2O. The wider class of compounds known as alums have the related stoichiometry, AB(SO4)2.12H2O.

Alum in block form (usually potassium alum) is used as an aftershave, rubbed over the wet, freshly shaved face.

Styptic pencils can contain aluminium sulfate, titanium dioxide or potassium aluminium sulfate.

My experience is that most styptic are aluminium sulfate(56%) or titanium dioxide.
Look at a pencil and then at an alum block the block, the block is translucent while many styptic pencils are very white (titanium dioxide is a white powder).
You might also notice that your styptic if it is aluminium sulfate tends to burn a bit more than your alum block.

Interestingly aluminium sulfate is not an alum, but the chemistry is pretty close.

I use both, Sometimes you need the pencil.

I switched over to the Razorock in lieu of the standard Alum Block. It's great. It never fails, I always drop the block, and it breaks into a bunch of pieces. Razorock is much more secure when you hold it, even with wet hands...

Has anybody tried this stuff from Proraso?

http://www.winkelplein.nl/barbershopsuply/default.asp?

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachm...3&d=1296327710

"Proraso Styptic Gel:Similar to a styptic pencel,Proraso offers this unique formula to help bleeding from small nicks andcuts.Apply a small amount to cut,wait a few seconds. 2,5 0z."