Thread: alum bar?? how and why?

I really love that BURN!!!!! And I am not the only one (you know who you are)

I take bloodthinners, so when I nick myself it tends to bleed or weep alot. I use alum powder which helps stop the bleeding. Though I've never tried a styptic pencil.

Originally Posted by Ruben00110010

Thanks for the info and the wiki link. That pretty much does it for me. I'm gonna get a block. Since I'm a cut-throat newb, I get razor burn galore.

That will improve as your technique improves. I've been using a straight for a couple months now, and I already feel my technique has improved dramatically, but I also know I have a lot to learn. The main thing I try to focus on is using the least amount of pressure I can. Then it's just a matter of learning how to shave each part of your face. I had a wonderfully smooth shave last night, but after I was finished I found a couple spots that still had some whiskers. Oh well, those are the areas I'll pay more attention to next time. It reminded me of when I first started using a DE. I didn't get BBS every shave right away. It took awhile. Some mornings I would find spots I missed after I went to work. The next time I shaved, I made sure to take care of those areas. Eventually you learn how to shave each spot and develop your own pattern of shaving.

Don't worry, it will come. Enjoy the journey because that's what it's all about!

Originally Posted by kipper

I take bloodthinners, so when I nick myself it tends to bleed or weep alot. I use alum powder which helps stop the bleeding. Though I've never tried a styptic pencil.

Get one ASAP. I use the Pacific Shaving nick stick. It's like a tiny roll-on deodorant bottle, but the "sticks" work fine too and are cheaper. You can get one at Wal-Mart for $0.97
I'd be worried with the blood thinners. It sounds like alum has done the job so far, but you might get a cut someday that alum can't handle very well. The styptic pens work amazing;y well.

Thanks for the info Hayduke, I just ordered 2 styptic pecils.

Originally Posted by Hayduke

That will improve as your technique improves.

I sure hope so. I've been able to shave everywhere on my face WTG and XTG, I mostly get the burn when I make the last shot ATG and mostly on the neck and chin around the corners of my mouth. I've only been using an SR for about three weeks now and the the post shave feel.

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

Rube

Originally Posted by Ruben00110010

I sure hope so. I've been able to shave everywhere on my face WTG and XTG, I mostly get the burn when I make the last shot ATG and mostly on the neck and chin around the corners of my mouth. I've only been using an SR for about three weeks now and the the post shave feel.

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

Rube

As your avatar might say...

A very light touch a straight shaver must have.

Seriously though, I haven't using the straight too much longer then you, but the light touch has been the most important lesson I've learned so far. I'm also discovering that, like with a DE, I have to learn how to shave each part of my face. Each little curve requires a unique approach. It's kind of like learning a racetrack (car, bikes, whatever), you learn each turn separately. Everytime you mess up in a turn (cut yourself, cause razor burn, or miss a spot in our case), you learn something. Eventually you learn the whole course. Eventually you will have intimate knowledge of every part of your beard and face.

Good luck

Originally Posted by Doc

I really love that BURN!!!!! And I am not the only one (you know who you are)

Oh ya!!!! (it's like a little added bonus)

Does that make us a little strange

Was reading a bit on Alum, where some additional considerations were offered to the Wiki info as follows:

Alum blocks should not be confused with styptic pencils. They act as an astringent...much the same as an alcohol based aftershave. After shaving just wet you face and gently rub a wet block over the shaved area. Alum closes the skin pores and tightens the skin. It will stop bleeding from "weepers" and there is no scent to interfere with your choice of cologne. It also serves as a yardstick to judge the quality of your shave.....if you have shaved too close..you may feel some mild stinging.

I also keep another one for use as an underarm deodorant. Alum has an antibacterial function...it won't stop you sweating....but it does kill the bacteria which cause body odour.

All in all....it's well worth the buy. This was the Original Aftershave. It has saved me a fortune on expensive aftershaves and is much more effective. I prefer to use a longer lasting cologne for my scents.

I wet it and rub it on my face after the shave... first with warm water... then cold water and I leave it there for about 5-10 minutes. Then, I rinse and put on some aftershave balm to rehydrate my face.

Since I got an alum block, I don't use an aftershave, per se (the AS balm is mainly used as an hydrating cream). And it is also A LOT cheaper... AND works a lot better. No more ingrown hair.

Originally Posted by sbrouwers

Oh ya!!!! (it's like a little added bonus)

Does that make us a little strange

And the Bay Rum aftershave right after....ohh ya!