Yes, the key is to wash it off after applying it for 30 seconds or so....
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Yes, the key is to wash it off after applying it for 30 seconds or so....
Bought one at a local outdoor market for less than a dollar. Never had any luck with it, though. Doesn't burn much at all, but it causes a whole lot of redness and itching that persists for a while. Did the same even when I tried it without shaving. Seems almost like an allergic reaction. :confused:
Might be that there's something else in this brand that's bothering me, and that I wouldn't have the same experience with other varieties. FWIW, this was a very traditional barbershop Turkish alum block being sold alongside Arko creams and whatnot. Here's a picture of it:
http://i32.tinypic.com/24fzhis_th.jpg
(mine had only the red sticker, not the white one)
Gentlemen,
In an earlier post in this thread I noted I use alum block occasionally. Since then I am back to using it after every shave.
Following the shave, I rinse with warm water and apply the wet alum block. After the cleanup, I rinse the alum off with warm water, splash on cold water and pat my Hollywood face dry. A little witch hazel, followed by aftershave balm and finally an aftershave ends this delightful daily pleasure.
During the day, I refresh the face with several applications of witch hazel followed by aftershave. Gentlemen, there is nothing like being clean shaven and smelling good.
Also, I am always ready in case Brad Pitt is unavailable and Hollywood turns to me to fill in.
Regards,
Obie
Just got mine and followed the directions on the back of the package.
I don't think the stinging sensation is any harsher then after shave (AKA..Splash). It's not something I'm used to doing, seems weird to be rubbing a block on my face after shaving, but I'll stick with it for now. I do like the tightening feeling, which is something I get, inconsistently, with after shaves.
Gentlemen,
Much useful information has been passed around on the merits of using an alum block after the shave. I myself have had a contentious relationship with the product, using it for a while then retiring it. Now once again I have started using it regularly.
I have seen several brands of alum block offered by various vendors. The only one I have used is Classic Shaving's; therefore, I am unqualified to offer opinions on the others available. I would like to try another brand as well.
Or does a specific brand ultimately make any difference in the overall quality of the alum block? Perhaps some of you gentlemen can offer educated opinions on the different brands available. Thanks.
Regards,
Obie
Gentlemen moderators, mentors and administrators,
I meant to put this item in a new thread, but obviously I did something wrong. It's not unusually for me, of course, to get lost in the intricacies of these computing machine thingies.
Perhaps someone would be kind to put this under a new thread.
Regards,
Computing machine thingie whiz,
Obie
I've used these and another brand as well, these seem to have some inclusions and seem less pure to me. It also starts out a whole lot rougher than the better ones. It does smooth out with use (or exposure to running water) but it isn't pleasant for the first few uses.
I also use my alum as deodorant, as it is the same stuff as the crystal deodorants you see just usually less expensive in the shaving shops.
I use one after every shave as well. They are amazing.
I use it everyday. Cold splash then the alum and wash it off with a Aftershave Astringent. Then follow with a balm. Great for the skin. I will say there are different quality Alums. You want one pure and hypo Allergenic.
I didn't understand the purpose of the alum block until reading this thread. I am assuming it's an either or thing? Either the styptic pen or the alum block?
I wonder if one is better than the other. I've had the pen, even before starting to SR shave, as the Mach 3's tended to chew up my face.
Nope, but I do use an alarum clock.
:fim:
I use my alum block on a near-daily scale, both as a post-shave cleanser / pore closer, and during the shave. Alum, when mixed with a little water, helps you increase your hold on your face when stretching the skin. I get a GREAT close shave by using an alum block I rub my wet fingers on when stretching.
As someone else said on here earlier, for $12, why not give it a shot? Plus, they taste...interesting?
I have one of the big ones from classic shaving, and other than burn I can't tell that it does anything... I was hoping to clear up some shave-bump problems but it does not help with that. I might try the method for increasing hold on my face for stretching though, that seems helpful!
Though the block hadn't seemed very rough to me before, I dug it out and rubbed it with my fingers under the faucet until it felt smooth as glass. Used it after my shave with no irritation! Strange that I couldn't feel it scratching me before, but that was surely the culprit. Thanks for the tip!
I generally use the alum block after a shave. Originally I had read on a health site somewhere that it was good for the complexion. Unfortunately I still deal with a bit of adult acne and the alum has helped greatly. Another good point to the alum is that being a new str8 shaver it really lets you know if your using too much pressure
i use it after every shave and i have to say o complaints up to this point
I use an alum block after everyshave. I havnt bled in a long time but i find that it really cuts down any irritation. I put cold water on my face then alum then cold water to rinse. After i rinse then i always use alcohol based after shave. Usualy pinaud clubman or bayrum. I have found this routine works great for my skin and i have almost no redness or razor burn when im done.
I use an Alum Block after each shave, but not on the entire face. I use it mainly underneath the jaws, under and on the chin as well as the throat sometimes (depending on how awake i was when shaving...) After applying it, I leave it for about 15-20 minutes and then apply my regular aftershave lotion or tonic, depending on my mood. I have a couple of times only used the Alum block, but it does get a bit uncomfortable later in the morning..
A recent convert to straight shaving I only discovered the joy of an alum block post-shave a few days ago. I am impressed by the nice tight/smooth feeling it gives my face. The fact that it was only a couple of bucks, and it probably will last many years makes it even more attractive.
BTW! It tastes like ... not so good, so stay away from lips.
I'll use an alum if I've visibly nicked or cut something, usually a spot or something like that. I don't think I need it every time, but I have a block handy and tend to take it with me when I'm travelling.
I use one every time I shave - rinse with cold water, rub the block on then apply an aftershave cream (currently using Proraso).
I find it more comfortable and it's a good indicator that you're blade and technique is good. Any sting = blunt/poor technique. When I do get a bit of sting it's only momentary (literally a couple of seconds if that), I don't feel any long terms effect.
I use mine just like pds. A cold water rinse and a quick rub with the block when the skin is still moist but not dripping wet,followed by some after shave lotion. I love the way it makes the skin feel. Nicks or weepers disappear instantly too. Far more effective than my styptic stick and it doesn't leave a white residue.
Now I got a bottle of Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner standing here which I haven't tried yet. I suppose I should use that in lieu of the block.
Yea, another new user of alum block. I use mine pre to make the stubble stand to attention and post to tighten the face and gauge how bad or good the shave was by the amount of snap,crackle and pop is generated. I follow that with Thayers witch hazel.
Bob
Excellent! A way to get both in at the same time. I haven't tried pre-shave alum block yet. Only used it for a couple of days.
I wonder if using it pre-shave will make you less prone to small cuts, kind of like self-sealing cuts on the Arrakis (that one is for the initiated).
As wise men have said for ages: Too much of a good thing is still a good thing!
As someone mentioned earlier, I always find it good to have one on my sink while shaving purely for the purpose of creating grip on my fingers. A little rub of damp fingers on the alum and they stick to your face like magic for stretching :) I'll buy another just for that when mine eventually wears out in about 4762 years :)
I guess that is the same deal as power lifters dusting their hands in that white powder before they hoist 500 lbs over the head. Still very masculine, not just quite as obvious a display of raw male power!!! But I bet most of them don't use straight razors.
Yeah probably. Only grippier :)
Weight lifting chalk is magnesium carbonate. Alum is hydrated potassium aluminium sulfate (potassium alum), KAl(SO4)2·12H2O. Probably much more astringent and grippier.
I've just used mine for the first time today and I really quite liked it. The little HB&H razor I has isn't too forgiving on the neck (thin blade and little flex) but the block stopped the bleeding on contact and felt quite nice on the rest of the face too.
I have been using witch hazel and think ill continue to do so with the block. It cools as it evaporates and feels good too.
I do! :)
I think the Alum block is useful because it gives you feedback on where you may have used too much pressure. I know for me, I have one spot on my neck that CONSTANTLY stings when I run the alum over it, so I know to be careful when shaving around that area,,
I use witchhazel for soothing and cleansing the skin before applying AS.I now use my Alum pretty much for deoderant now which works very well. Styptic for cuts.:)
I always use the block after a shave, cuts or not. I rinse with cold water and rub it all over. Then i dry my hands, clean and strop the razor, clean the brush and the scuttle and put them away before rinsing my face again with cold water. I pat dry and apply a generous amount of Thyers witch hazel (currently the lemony kind) and admire my handiwork for a moment or two.
I found out that I don't get a lot of sting except when the razor is freshly honed or in need of honing... just honed razors have always been mean to me for some reason. Razors that need honing are just plain mean.