Alum Block - First experience, and what to expect?

[ShavedFrank]

I used an Alum Block last night on my second DE shave. Complete newbie but i'm having a blast.

When I applied the Alum I felt it sting in a few areas of the face. Was hard to tell if the sting is because of my poor blade technique, or does Alum always sting slightly? Once you get good with blade technique does an Alum block not sting anymore at all, or is it just a part of the process and always sting slightly?

I've read many people say that the Alum can teach you so much since it will sting where you need better technique. Hoping some of you experienced guys can share some input so I can be sure I am reading its feedback right.

My face also felt really tight and dry after applying it. Not dry as in moisture dry, but more as it tight dry. Once I applied Nivea post shave balm if felt great. I'm sure this is common.

I wrote this in my shaving journal but figured it was worth sharing here while on the topic of Alum Block:
NOTE TO SELF: Don't get the alum anywhere near your lips or lick your lips until AFTER you rinse the alum block off. I sure learned that the hard way

 

[gearchow]

I think it will sting a little bit most every time - I know using an alcohol splash usually does even if it looks and feels like a perfect shave. Your taking a very sharp blade across your face - bound to have imperceptible irritation here and there.

In places where you might be using too much pressure, I can well imagine the alum giving you feedback.

-jim

 

[Oscroft]

I always get a little bit of sting from an alum block, and I reckon a gentle sting that's even across my face is a sign of a good shave - distinct areas of sharper sting indicate patches that might have had a bit too much pressure, bad angle, over-buffing etc.

My face also felt really tight and dry after applying it. Not dry as in moisture dry, but more as it tight dry. Once I applied Nivea post shave balm if felt great. I'm sure this is common.

Yep, an application of alum, perhaps a quick rinse, and then a nice soothing balm - great way to finish.

 

[Cumberland Sausage]

Alum gives me a sort of tingling senation over my face that I find quite pleasant. It's a bit more than a sting where I've been heavy handed, but it doesn't last long.

 

[Corsair66]

When I've done a good job (no nicks, no blood), the alum doesn't sting at all. It feels like a room temperature block of wet ice just gliding over my face. I love that nice, tight feeling I get after it dries.

Ken

 

[Eeyore]

Tip: Sanex A/S balm contains alum already (and comes in a cool glass bottle). I like that product, and not only for the alum in their formula. It really works on my face.

 

[sarimento1]

Alum is great, simple, effective.

 

[Toltepeceno]

Alum does not sting or tingle unless you have irritated spots, burns or weepers. Take the block and rub it anywhere else, for example neck, forehead, etc. If you are getting tingling everywhere you might look at technique, blades, etc. If I use a cheap blade like a lord I get tingling spots all over (obviously irritating), my sweet spot is an astra blade and only tingling if I get a weeper.

When I've done a good job (no nicks, no blood), the alum doesn't sting at all. It feels like a room temperature block of wet ice just gliding over my face. I love that nice, tight feeling I get after it dries.

Ken

Exactly.

My current piece

 

[Pedro Navaja]

I've been using Alum religiously for the past two weeks, and I'm loving it. Bought a few blocks, and I'm using another one as deodorant which has worked wonders. I still have the sting every time, but like you said, it has taught me a great deal and I'm getting less and less irritation.

 

[Toltepeceno]

I've been using Alum religiously for the past two weeks, and I'm loving it. Bought a few blocks, and I'm using another one as deodorant which has worked wonders. I still have the sting every time, but like you said, it has taught me a great deal and I'm getting less and less irritation.

It's dual puropse, it's great for the irritations and weepers and great for showing you irritation you may not even know you have otherwise. I posted in another thread that my face is MUCH better than it had been in years between the alum showing me the problems and my witch hazel/rosewater 50/50. I'm down to only weeper stings (unless I get cocky and go too fast and get irritation) and could probably just go to alum for weepers, but i like the feeling too much and it's way too cheap here.

At the inspiration of keith in Korea I will do a worldwide pif of a good size chunk when I visit in the US next time.

Sorry if I rattle on in my posts, forums are the only place I get to speak english. I think this will be my sig.

Edit: Pedro, the wife saw your screen name and laughed out loud, she thought it funny on a "gringo" (said with affection) forum.

 

[jwilock]

For me it usually stings just a little, a lot less than say an alcohol after shave. If I have a particularly good shave with great lather perhaps I can't feel it at all.

 

[l3ortron]

I love the alum. It only stings where you've irritated your skin or have weepers. I found a good size alum block for $2.00 at a local Indian market, seems like it'll last forever.

 

[Ron Scott]

I've grown tired of it and slowed down on use. Not sure what it adds to the WH + aftershave routine.

 

[Chadao]

I consider it great feedback on the quality of my shave.

 

[pjp_t]

I am an alum lover. Really helps with irritation. It tells me where I have been too heavy handed. Be sure to rinse well. You will always have a tight sensation after, in my experience, but to me, that is part of the experience. I really miss it on days I don't use it. Moisturize well after and all will be well!

 

[TacticalPanda]

I usually use my RazoRock stick after a shave, although sometimes I won't if I'm just using an aftershave splash with alcohol. It almost always has some measure of sting to it, but rarely unbearable unless you really went at your face. I usually rinse it off before applying a post shave product.

 

[Cagliostro]

To me I have used it after a shave and felt no sting, I think the sting is reflect of your technique lacking or spot on. To be truthful, that is lol.

 

[ShavedFrank]

Great feedback everyone. So I take it the minor burning is a cross between the blade touching my face, and more so lack or experience with DE wet shaving. For now I am going to keep it in my routine and eventually try to take it out and then see if I miss it.

If my afteshave already has alcohol it in (Proraso Green), should I be applying in a sequence of:
-Alum Block
-Nivea Post After Shave Balm Moisturizer
-Proraso Aftershave
Does it make sense to change the order of applying these, or should I eliminate any?

EDIT:Forgot to say those sure are some sexy looking Alum blocks/rocks guys!

 

[Eeyore]

This is the ASB that I meant; it already contains alum as ingredient:

 

[ShavedFrank]

This is the ASB that I meant; it already contains alum as ingredient:

Interesting, thanks for sharing. For now i'm going to refrain from buying since I've already invested in these others, but i'll definitely keep this in mind for the future.