Thread: Alum Block Burn - Question

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Alum will always burn a bit,so will your aftershave,using that perameter for blade sharpness is B.S

agreed, but I can also tell which parts of my face are getting too many passes or too much pressure by how much burn I get....

I've almost always experienced a little tingle when using alum. Once in a blue moon, the only sensation I feel is my skin tightening...but the planets have to be aligned just so. If you want a really satisfying burn, try Captains Choice Cat O Ninetails.

Thank you all for the great feedback. I will take quite a bit away and see what I can do to make these shaves a bit better!

when I first started using the SR I would get a sore face ( not every time but a lot of the time) so I started using the alum and yes it stung but I felt it was worth it in the end result. After about 100 or so shaves something clicked and I have not used one since and I have not had a sore face in over 200 shaves now. My theory being that you are still learning and have issues whether it be the razor, stropping or technique. Yes it will go away with time and experience

On occasion I have been called insensitive, but I rarely experience any tingle or burn from alum.

I never used it. I get red blotches from it, even in areas I didn't shave. I simply use a balm, sometimes followed by an aftershave.

After 2 more shaves, I have made 2 changes that seem to have had a great benefit thus far...
I eliminated using the pre-shave oil I have been using for 3 years (mostly cartridge shaving) from TAOS. I felt since I started with straights that it was a bit "sticky." This has certainly been a help. I also focused on a significantly lighter touch to my face with the blade, which also has helped. The burn is significantly reduced at this point. Using the alum pre-shave just to judge how my skin reacts to it without any initial irritation still tingled slightly, which I expected.

Overall I am happy with the progress and will keep pressing on....what a learning curve!

Thanks for posting the update, glad it is working out for you.

Bob