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I just started using Alum Block tonight. WOW....it stings at first but really closes everything up, including nicks, minor razor burn etc. In a way it's really a refreshing feeling. Pretty amazing stuff. Now my routine will involve Alum Block follow by Witch Hazel.
I used to love the feel of alum, I don't really get the good burning anymore, still feels great on the skin though.
-dan-
Must admit I do like the feel of alum also. I have noticed of late that I don't get the same sting as before. Not sure if my technique is getting better or I'm just getting used to the sting. Although still get the odd belt in the face every now and then, especially if I rush my shave.
Alum serves as a good indicator of a shave! No sting means its been a smooth shave, not too aggressive with the blade and the technique has been good. Lots of sting means I've gone a bit too far with it and probably should be a bit more careful the next day. Generally I'm somewhere in between.
I used my alum block tonight to mainly seal a few cuts that were bleeding and flowed dark red (must have lost iron stores here). It was not my new straight that caused this but my DE as last night I rinsed it out but forgot to the screw the blade up tight again, tried to square up my side burns after my straight shave and managed instead to scrape a series slice marks 3 cm downwards.
I put the alum block directly on the cuts and held it there for a minute or so (a cold towel did not work) and the residue alum was running streams down my freshly straight razor shave, I almost went through the roof as if been stung by a 1000 wasps but the alum stopped the bleeding and sealed up the cuts fast.
Alum is basically the only product I can put on my face that does not cause acne 12-24 hours later, excellent stuff but it sure does bite if your skin is open with cuts or razor abrasions.
Hello, planetocean:
Alum is used more as an astringent after the shave. It repairs tiny nicks, tightens and refreshes the skin. For the bleeding cuts, however, I suggest a styptic pencil. It's for stopping the bleeding. If you nick yourself during the shave, stop, run the styptic pencil under cold water, and then apply it to the nick. This will stop the bleeding. Then proceed with your shave. For the next pass, you can lather over your cut and no problem. The styptic pencil will sting, which is to be expected.
Regards,
Obie
When I first started using straight razors (7 months now) I used the alum block to judge how effective my technique was. Big burn = bad technique. Now I can pretty much tell if it is going to burn, so I use the alum less often.
The best use for alum I find, is to dab wet fingers on it, to give me more grip to stretch soap slippery skin, whilst shaving.
This is a great tip! Tried it today....
I have used alum followed by witch hazel since I began DE shaving and it has become even more important since I started with straights. Alum and styptic pencils are complementary but different products. Until recently I had not used my styptic much, then came my foray into straights and we became reacquainted! LOL!
When I first started straight razor shaving, I found this product at the drugstore: "Kutkit STYPS Sanitary Styptic Swabs." They look like short Q-Tips and you break off one end and the liquid quickly flows down the tube into a swab and you apply it to your nick or cut.