I always use the alum block, after the cold water rinse.
I doesn't sting, except at shaving blemishes, if they occur.
Sure, I can feel a mild astringent effect, but it's more a titillating sensation than something painful.
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I always use the alum block, after the cold water rinse.
I doesn't sting, except at shaving blemishes, if they occur.
Sure, I can feel a mild astringent effect, but it's more a titillating sensation than something painful.
I didn't vote but it varies. Sometimes it stings a little and sometimes it doesn't and sometimes it depends on different areas of the face. Its one of the ways I know when a razor is getting close to needing a touchup honing.
I use after the rinse. I like the feel of my skin after using it. Sometimes it stings, sometimes it doesn't. I'll have to start paying more attention, I never thought about it being an indication of blade sharpness.:hmmm:
I use alum to stop the bleeding :) I will try it all over tomorrow, which I have not done in a while, in order to see if it still smarts as much as alcohol on fresh shaved skin:w
Like Glen, I use the alum primarily to judge my shave. Those bits that sting tell me that I've been too heavy with the touch. It has got to the stage where I pretty much know exactly where it's going to sting before I use it. When I do achieve BBS and zero sting, that's an indication of a GREAT shave :tu.
Happens about once every three shaves. The first time I used alum I thought I was going to die, it hurt that much. So it's a great way to improve your technique.
I use it every now and again to get the face to tighten...It is a great feel.