Thread: I Love Me Some Alum Block

i got some alum block in the post today
it came in shave stick style which i found easier to use than the block
a plastic base also helped with the grip
as in the past the amount of times the old block would slip & break on the sink or floor,

Originally Posted by MODINE

Right on for the Stooge generation... My Dad hated them. All the kids used to watch them though. I just ordered me a hunk of Alum. Is Alum the same mineral as Styptic pencil?

No. Both basically a kind of salt, but ALum is a slightly different.

Originally Posted by MODINE

Right on for the Stooge generation... My Dad hated them. All the kids used to watch them though. I just ordered me a hunk of Alum. Is Alum the same mineral as Styptic pencil?

Most styptic pencils are aluminum sulfate. Alum, at least the most common alum is Potasium Aluminum Sulfate.

Originally Posted by KingOfBreifne

I have about ten straight razor shaves under my belt, but yesterday was the first one where I applied alum block to my face after the shave.

Some minor stinging under the nose and a little bit on the neck.

But most importantly, I have NO RAZOR BURN today! I had some pretty significant burn after my three shaves previous to this last one. I gave my face a few days to recover, shaved, and applied the alum block.

The Shavex brand alum block leaves no residue, as advertised. Just be sure not to lick your lips before you rinse your face! Alum block tastes pretty bad.

Great results, though.

If you're new and wondering what you can do to help with any razor burn you might have, delay no longer...get yourself an alum block.

~ Ryan

right on brother that stuff is great!!

Did a little searching online and found one retailer selling then for £0.60 then they go and spoil it and bung nearly £4 to deliver 1 bar. Still thats a good price

ian

Ryan,

Rubbing an alum bloc on my face after shaving and applying some cold water is part of my daily shaving ritual. I have been doing so for many years--long before I began using a str8 razor.

Alum is not for everybody, but I'm glad you liked it. To each his own...

Originally Posted by jhenry

Alum is not for everybody, but I'm glad you liked it. To each his own...

Yeah...to be honest, I wish it wasn't necessary. It stings, and I'd much rather just apply a nice soothing aftershave balm and moisturizer right after my post-shave rinse, but the alum has worked wonders on heading off any razor burn.

It's an excellent tool for anyone like me who is susceptible to razor burn.

It's my sensitive, ruddy Irish skin.

~ Ryan

You know, I've been wondering about alum blocks: I use one every day, and it stings a little bit all over when I do - more, of course, if there's a nick. What I'm wondering is, is it *possible* to have a shave (close on a moderate to tough beard) that is so smooth and proper and the alum block doesnt sting at all? Is that what you guys who have been refining your techinique/razors/honing/everything for years get to? Or is that impossible, and it's just a fact of life that the alum block will sting some (though of course how *much* it stings can still be an indicator of how irritating the shave was)?

Originally Posted by Mijbil

You know, I've been wondering about alum blocks: I use one every day, and it stings a little bit all over when I do - more, of course, if there's a nick. What I'm wondering is, is it *possible* to have a shave (close on a moderate to tough beard) that is so smooth and proper and the alum block doesnt sting at all? Is that what you guys who have been refining your techinique/razors/honing/everything for years get to? Or is that impossible, and it's just a fact of life that the alum block will sting some (though of course how *much* it stings can still be an indicator of how irritating the shave was)?

I'm sure this is possible, and common for shavers who really have their prep and technique down pat. I've managed it a few times, and it's a way for me to "grade" my technique as I continue to learn. When it's right, it feels like a cool block of plastic I'm rubbing around my face. Sweet!

Originally Posted by Mijbil

What I'm wondering is, is it *possible* to have a shave (close on a moderate to tough beard) that is so smooth and proper and the alum block doesnt sting at all?

You'll get there. It's so0o0 nice when you do. It's cool, and tingly and utterly refreshing.