I use an alum block. Pretty cheap at Classic Shaving. Probably lasts as long as your rzor will. I used to use those "Walgreens Snap Cap" styptics, they work pretty well. When I first started using a straight, I cut myself so bad I thought I saw sparks flying. Anyway, you just run the alum under cold water and rub it into the wound untill the bleeding stops. Stings a bit. I rub it on my face after every shave, closes up any little nick and tightens your mug a bit.