Thread: Alum block thoughts.

The alum block is fantastic as an astringent and skin toner as well as everything mentioned above. Add witchhazel after it and that'll reduce razor bumps and spot inflammation and also acts as an astringent. I use both without any issues, but I would say if you use both make sure your soap is very moisturizing - goats milk/shea butter soaps work well for me.

For the first couple years I was very indifferent to alum, didn't really care if I tried it or not. I probably figured that my post shave routine was too complex anyway, and was fine without it . Then I got a RazoRock alum stick in with some free samples, and after it sat for a couple months I finally gave it a try. Instantly sold on it, and now it's an integral part of my post shave for all the reasons previously mentioned by our fellow members. I highly recommend it.

I often use my Osma brand block after a shave (DE only shaver) but I've never really noticed a benefit of doing so. Kind of the same with witch hazel. I do it because lots of others say to do it but if I don't I never really notice any difference. I figure it doesn't hurt but I'm not convinced it really does much that a cold water rinse doesn't. Now, a styptic pen, well, that's saved my bacon more than once.

Styptic pencil and cold water rinse is pretty much enough for me too. The alum block and witch hazel are in my tool kit but I do not use them every time for the same reasons that you mention. With a great shave I really just need the cold water rinse; even the styptic pencil goes unused most of the time now.