Thread: Styptic Pencil vs Alum Block

What's the difference between the two? I use those clubman styptic pencils and they work great. Why would I want a huge alum block bar to rub on my nicks? Is there an advantage to one verses the other?

What are your preferences, if any?

I have both; the pencil works better for me.

I mainly use a styptic pencil as well. However, some people use an alum block as an aftershave, essentially, over the entire face, to close the pores and tighten the skin. I suspect that's why it's that size.

Does the Alum leave trace white residue the way the stypic does? I'm guessing not... and that being the case, I could see the prefrence for the alum over the stypic.

Originally Posted by Kelly

Does the Alum leave trace white residue the way the stypic does? I'm guessing not... and that being the case, I could see the prefrence for the alum over the stypic.

True but it doesn't stop bleeding as well.

I just rub off the white residue off after a few minutes anyway.

The alum block lasts a long, long, time. Like straight razor time. Buy one and your done. I've heard of guys applying to the whole face. Seems odd to me, but never tried it. I agree its slightly less effective then styptic. Its a little more geared to straight razor shavers. We either need a little alum or gauze packs. DE users nick themselves pretty severly and need the styptic. Ofcourse the styptic being more effective is more popular. But I do like the clear application of my alum block.

I cut myself, not too badly, at the very top of my lip. Of course, it bled like crazy. So, it took a few minutes of alternative pressure and styptic applications to get it to stop (can't put a band-aid there, either).

By the time I was finished, the styptic had dried my lip out to the point I looked like I had a hare lip. Fortunately, it promptly recovered.

Just funny, at least to me. Though not at the time!

I'm going to have to try an alum block now.

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

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.