Thread: Styptic Pencil vs Alum Block

I use the styptic pencil. Otherwise, I use the wet alum block after every shave after rinsing my face with cold water. It closes up the pores and tightens up the skin nicely! Follow that up with an application of GFT Coral Skin Food and I'm ready to "face" the day!! (okay, that was a bit corny.)

Nonetheless, I use the alum block daily and the styptic for the really good cuts and nicks...if there are such things.

Jeff

I have started to use the alum block and it's pretty neat. I like the tightening affect on the face. I don't think it takes the place of the styptic pencil for a good nick or small cut.
Does anyone know if these products contain aluminum?
-Fred

Like several others here, I use both the alum block and the styptic pencil. The styptic pencil is better for the bigger nicks, the alum block for the tiny ones that are sometimes hard to track down with the styptic. After splashing my face with cold water, I rub the alum block all over while it's still wet. It does give a nice tight feeling to the skin. After it's had time to dry, I put on my aftershave. Then I'm ready to face the world!

Originally Posted by Korndog

True but it doesn't stop bleeding as well.

The block does both. It closes the pores and will stop the bleeding if you have a nick. I also use it on my empty hands when shaving to get some traction to stretch the skin. Make sure if you use two hands in shaving to wash the block off your hands before touching the razor. It will stain your razor. after shaving I run the allum block over my entire shaved area. Stings a bit but really closes up those pores. jmsbcknr

One small benefit of the styptic pencil is that it costs next to nothing. I got a clubman travel size (which is the only size I use), a two pack, for like $2.

Not that, compared to most things we get, an alum block is so expensive.

I have a small styptic thingy called Nik-Aid. It's a tiny liquid roll-on about the size of a chap-stick. Burns like hell but works pretty well for stopping nicks. Don't have an alum block, but plan to get one eventually. Normally cold water alone does the trick.

Jeff

It seems like there is no end to the stuff that can be obtained for this (?) hobby.

Every other time I check in here or check out places like Classic Shaving, I find stuff that I didn't know that I needed. It's not as bad as being a garage machinist though, the money I've wrapped up in mill and lathe tooling would buy a lot of 1st class shaving gear. Small consolation to my bank account!

I guess I'll just add an alum block to the list, which is already long enough!

Don in Ohio

Originally Posted by jmsbcknr

I also use it on my empty hands when shaving to get some traction to stretch the skin. Make sure if you use two hands in shaving to wash the block off your hands before touching the razor. It will stain your razor. jmsbcknr

That's a good idea, never thought of that. I'll have to try that.