How do you use an alum block?

Are you suing the alum block as a styptic for cuts or rubbed all over the face?
Do you wet the block and rub your face with it?
Do you work it like a bar of soap with your hands and rub your face with your hands?

I'm not clear on how to use it!

Tom

My question exactly. Just too timid to ask.

Just dip it in cold water and rub the bar on your skin.

Peter

Same here. I rinse the face with cold water, rinse the bar with cold water and rub it on the face. It can sting a little, so let your wife know that the screaming isn't you severing an ear.

Hehehhee, yeah just wet it in cold water and rub on the face, sometimes it dries halfway round so re-wet it. It will then almost certainly burn like fire and ochre for a few seconds. Be a man, subdue the scream, and enjoy as your face tightens and exhibits a baby smooth surface.

The burning of the block on the skin is really a technique to condition you to improve your shaving technique. A few rounds of the block on your skin after a poor shave and you'll improve pronto! (unless your into S&M)