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.