Thread: Use of alum block

71L, That is great info! Thanks so much!

BobH, Good info! Thanks!

I use my alum block for weepers and cuts, right after I am finished shaving, and rub my fingers on it to help in getting a better grip when stretching skin. I always dry it off when I am finished. My block has lasted over 2 years. So far, so good.

I have recently made a change to my post shave that has given me great results. Right after my last stroke with the razor, I set it down and splash on a generous amount of Thayers without having rinsed my face. Then, while that is still wet on my face, I run the alumn block over it. While that sits, I rinse my brush and shake it out. After that, a cold water rinse. Apply aftershave and or balm as you normally do. There is something about that sequence that has agreed with me.

That is exactly the way I do it too! I know the alum block us kinda redundant, but using the wet face from the witch hazel has provided a nice feeling after the shave, Tc

I'm surprised no one has mentioned using alum during their shave. Like most who make use of an alum block, I did so as a step in a post shave ritual.

At some point I started touching the block while shaving just because it's astringent properties rid any slipperiness from fingers, those holding the razor and those stretching my skin. It's surprising how the soap yields under alumed fingers. Give it a try. The skin stretching part is a key ingredient to the perfect shave and alum really helps.

And instead of rubbing up after a thorough rinse (a number of you said this left you dry ) rub your hand on the block , like a bar of soap, then rinse. Wow! The soap disappears (with my soft water it seems impossible to rinse without it). You won't need to reapply after the rinse, though no rule says you can't.

Originally Posted by jleeg

At some point I started touching the block while shaving just because it's astringent properties rid any slipperiness from fingers, those holding the razor and those stretching my skin. It's surprising how the soap yields under alumed fingers. Give it a try. The skin stretching part is a key ingredient to the perfect shave and alum really helps.

I would be careful about alum being in contact with steel. IIRC alum has corrosive properties when it comes to steel.

Bob

I've not seen any problem, but thanks for the heads up.

Ive seen some folks use alum before the shave and some during the shave for grip on their skin. I have only used it after particularly intense multi pass shaves and I love it for its soothing qualities. Cold water rinse and aftershave of your choice. Great stuff.

I use Alum sometimes. It stings like hell. Lately I’ve been just splashing on some Thayer Lavender Witch Hazel then Coral Skin Food.