Use of the Alum block. Tips?

Hey, Guys,

I see in the "Shave of the Day" section that a few of you use alum block. I thought I'd give it a try and ordered one from Classic Shaving--hoping it will add some variety, or whatever, to my shaves. It should arrive in a week.
So, how do you guys use (enjoy) this stuff?
It's obviously a simple product to use, but I'm certain that you veteran alum users might have a few tips to enhance my (our) shaves.

Thanks!
Ron A.

Ron,
Use it after splashing cold water on your face and wet the bar before application. Drag it across your face. It will feel like dragging an ice cube across your face. It will letyou know where there is a little irritation and take care of it. Then rinse and go to nex step. I use the alum block then witchhazel and finally Nancy Boy AS gel. I like the alum enough that I bought one to travel with.

Martin

I also use it to finish off. I have sensitive skin so it does sting a bit where maybe I've gone too close. On cuts it stings like hell. But assuming you've had a good burn-free shave, what it's meant to do is act like an astringent on the skin and tighten and tone it all up. You can almost feel your skin tightening after a few minutes.

I have tried witchazel first then alum, and now generally I do alum first then witchazel. The only difference is that the soothing witchazel continues to soothe if you put it on last.

I've also read you can use alum before a shave to tighten the skin. Have yet to try that.

Make sure you wash it off before using other post-shave products because I've found it reacts with most products in a bad way. E.g. D.R. Harris Arlington shave milk goes from nice 'n' gloopy to runny as hell if alum is still on your face.

And don't drop the block. It will shatter and leave you with very sharp edges on the block. I dropped it in the sink, shards came off, too sharp to use on face, and spent 5 minutes grinding down the sharp edges with a pumice stone.

It does also last forever it seems!

Martin covered it very well.

Some people have let it dry on the face in the past - but I'd speak against this. As suggested, I rinse with cold water before and after.

Actually, in summer I sometimes use an ice cube after it for some extra cool kick.

And yes on the feedback - you WILL know if you were too addressive. Some people also have claimed extreme sensitivity to alum - but I can't say if this is just sensitive skin or irritation from shaving that wouldn't show otherwise. Easy to experiment - use alum without shaving first. If you're OK, then you should be able to use it after shaving, if your techniqie and razors are up to par.

Last but not least - there are some opinions thrown around about potential harmful effects, as well as opposing views. I believe ForestryProf is more informed on this issue

Cheers
Ivo

In one of my barber collectibles books there is a copy of a page from an old barber supply catalog. Amongst several different products on the page is something called an "Alum Egg." It is a smooth, egg shaped block of alum mounted into a metal ferrule with a ring and screw eye for mounting.
I imagine it was meant to be attatched, dangling down, from the wooden backbar shelf. The description reads, "Prevents the razor from slipping while stropping."

I'm guessing that the alum blocks we use today could be used the same way (that is, of course, if one wanted too). Nothing on the page about method for use though. I imagine it would be applied dry preventing sweaty hands due to its astringent properties.

Kinda interesting.


Scott

After I finish my final pass, i splash my face with warm water, wet the alum block and then drag it along my face. Like these guys have said it takes care of irritation, closes up your pores, and for minor nicks acts as a coagulate to stop the bleeding. Directly after applying I suggest washing it off with cold water to finish closing up the poors. Follow it up with an AS or balm. Hope this helps!

Count me as another alum convert. After a shave, a hot water rinse, a cold water splash, I then apply the alum block (no real need to wet the alum block if your face is still wet). I've found that alum works well before most aftershaves and Coral Skin Food (my typical finish). However, if you are applying a balm, alum may not be a good match. My experience is that alum will denature most balms. When I use my T&H Classic Balm, I do not use alum.

As to the suggested adverse health effects of the aluminum in alum: from my admittedly limited research, there is no scientific evidence to support this urban legend. I've covered this in more detail in past posts if you really want to go there...my suggestion is don't bother.

Cheers,
Ed

Don´t ever use alum on a "real" cut in your face!
I am not able to explain the exact chemical progress but I can tell you that using alum on a fresh cut leaves some heavy scar-tissue (guess where I´ve got my Nickname from?).

When using cold water from a bowl to rinse off you face after shaving, you can just put the alum block into the water for a few minutes.
That way it´s effect is a little less concentrated.

Thanks guys,

The block arrived today in the mail. I'll shave tonight and use it for the first time. Thanks for the tips.
Ron