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I have a styptic pencil that is kept in a plastic tube. It seems like the thing deteriorates very quickly, with the surface getting all bumpy, then it starts to crumble, even though I'm a long way from using it up.
Any suggestions about how to prevent Chronic Styptic Pencil Degradation?
Leave it out of the tube so that it can fully dry. I think residual moisture is the cause of the problem. Then again, excessive use might be part of the problem as well!:D
I have noticed this as well with my styptic pencil and my razorock alum. I now leave my alum container open to dry, but even with that, I notice a crystal build up around the base.
I think the best bet is to pat it dry after each use and leave open to air dry. Thank god I have not needed my styptic pencil in some time. I still have a scar from the last time I needed it. :banghead:
I use the liquid stuff and don't have that problem!
I leave the top off now after I use it then seal it up later..
Dry it off with a towel before you put it in the tube. Dry every last bit of moisture off, and it will last forever.
Yep, it's the moisture that does that. It's a good indicator of how humid the room is. Usually though they last long enough so you just buy a new one once a year or so.
Not sure where you are storing it. I keep mine in the medicine cabinet and always keep a couple of dessicant packs in there for that and for anything that gets put in there with moisture from my hands. Wiping dry and storing this way I have never had any problems.
I always wipe the moisture off it before storing.
You might punch a hole in the container cap to allow moisture to escape.
I have the Clubman (I think) travel size at $1.29 so I don't worry too much about it. When I need replace it, no big deal. But yes, I do make sure it is completely dry before I put it away.
I only wet the tip of the styptic pencil for use. The moisture that remains, corrodes the rest of the tube if the tube is stood up on the base. I store the pencil such that the tip is angled down, it keeps the moisture from travelling the length of the tube to the base. The pencil seems to stay cleaner since I've started doing this. I keep it in the medicine cabinet, and I'm not anal about drying every last bit of it anymore.
I get the crystalization all over mine too. I keep it in the medicine chest. All I do is rinse it off after I use it and then shake it dry. At a buck apiece, I can afford to let them disintegrate a little. I have enough things to wipe off in my life.
Thanks for the tips in this thread. I had the same problem with my styptic pencils until I read these posts. Now I keep it dry & leave it out of the tube until the next day. The pencil looks brand new.
I've tried using the pencil and found it left white powder then I tried the Proraso gel but I returned to my favourite allum block. I even wet my finger and dip it into the powder that is left when it is finished.
Styptic pencils should not be stored upright. They should be stored lying on their side.
If you look, you will see the air hole on the bottom. If you stand the case upright, the air hole has no access to the environment. So moisture stays inside and equilibrates.
If the stick does degrade, just dissolve it in a small amount of water to make a saturated solution (some crystals on the bottom). You then have "liquid styptic".
I stopped nicking myself after my first few shaves with a straight, so perhaps a new technique or routine using different quality products (quality pre-shave, nice shaving cream, etc.) will help you to avoid nicks and cuts altogether. I switched to a high-end Italian shaving cream and started using the T and F pre-shave oil, and I haven't needed my styptic in a couple of years now.
It's funny how little changes in technique, products, routine, etc., can totally change your shaving experience for the better! Because in my eyes, if you are having to use a styptic that often, something should be addressed so that you don't start leaving little scars on your face.
Just my two cents...hope it helps a little. Also, you may want to get a bar of alum...it works in the same way as a styptic pencil and will never crumble apart like a cheap styptic pencil...plus it will last forever. Have a good week, Friends!
Certainly avoiding nicks and cuts is a good way to keep your styptic pencil in good condition. One good way to reduce such cuts is to use the same or very similar razors most of the time. I find that I am most likely to cut myself when I'm in a rush and am shave testing multiple razors or an unusual razor. I can shave my entire face blindfolded with a razor (round point) that I use regularly, but that established muscle memory can betray me when I use an odd size, or especially length, of razor.
Alum will work for minor abrasions or nicks, but it won't help staunch a cut the way that a styptic pencil can. They don't work the same way.
Keep it dry I know that Turkish barbers keep their alum blocks just on a shelf.
Yeah the rushing is the biggest culprit for causing nicks and cuts.