Thread: Do you use an alum block after shaving?

Originally Posted by New2CutThroats

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.

The are to different things, 2 different minerals

Nope, but I do use an alarum clock.

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!

Originally Posted by Wildtim

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.

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!

Originally Posted by New2CutThroats

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.

The block is like an after-shave treatment. The pencil for treating specific cuts. They're both good.

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..