Thread: Alum block

Anyone else use one of these after shaving? For me that skin tautening feeling is just the thing to really bring out the closeness of a shave.

Another thing ive been considering is using it before shaving, the astringent effect should lift the hairs and make shaving easier. Has anyone else done this? I dont want to go and make a mess of my face if i can help it.

I haven't used them before, but I use them after. It burns like hell sometimes, but I do like that tightening feeling.

Originally Posted by KurtTank

Anyone else use one of these after shaving? For me that skin tautening feeling is just the thing to really bring out the closeness of a shave.

Another thing ive been considering is using it before shaving, the astringent effect should lift the hairs and make shaving easier. Has anyone else done this? I dont want to go and make a mess of my face if i can help it.

Have one and use it sporatically. Nice tightening effect.

I like mine, too, but use it only after shaving. It makes my face feel great after a good, close shave.

Well, ive got some new soap on the way and ive timed a 3-pass so that my next shave will be another good one with said new soap (Taylors Sandalwood btw). Ill use that as a benchmark and try out the Alum before shave afterwards.

If you use it before shaving make sure you clean the razor very well before putting away,and dont store the razor in an enclosed box or drawer with the alum block,It will cause black spotting and eventually corrosion


Regards Gary

In the mid/late 60's I attended a military school. Flat-Tops were popular, and
we would put a handfull of canned shave cream in our hair and rub it down
with a block of alum....Hair would stand straight up all day...Maybe it would
do the same pre-shave?

Originally Posted by Marcus83

In the mid/late 60's I attended a military school. Flat-Tops were popular, and
we would put a handfull of canned shave cream in our hair and rub it down
with a block of alum....Hair would stand straight up all day...Maybe it would
do the same pre-shave?

This is what i would expect the astringent effect to do. Just need to test the idea.

Long time coming but i tested the pre-shave alum blocking, negligable to unnoticable effect.

Never used an alum block before so I was just wondering...does it tighten up more than the use of witchhazel? I sometimes I like to splash a little witchhazel on and it feels great and it tightens up nicely as it dries on the skin.

-Pary