Thread: Do you use an alum block after shaving?

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

Originally Posted by BobH

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.