I've heard so much about Alum Block, but would like your input on it. I ordered one from WCS. does it work the same as a scytpic pencil? I tried rubbing a pencil side ways and my face looked all powdery.
Alum Block ordered - what are the virtues of this stone?
- Thread starter Omnichron
- Start date
Not quite. Alum is not as fierce as styptic, which is only used in small dabs to seal cuts. Alum is an astringent to heal andsoothe skin. It won't seal up anything but the faintest of weepers, and that's not it's purpose.
I prefer WH or a good AS anyway. I only use Alum as a traction agent for skin stretching with a straight. Chimensch taught us that one.
I prefer WH or a good AS anyway. I only use Alum as a traction agent for skin stretching with a straight. Chimensch taught us that one.
Alum is excellent for treating small nicks and weepers. It is also a good gauge as to how well your technique is working. If , after shaving, you apply it and your face stings , you know that you didn't get it 100% right
I use my alum block after every shave. I rub it over my face after a cold water rinse and before I splash on witch hazel and apply my ASB.
Pete
I use my alum block after every shave. I rub it over my face after a cold water rinse and before I splash on witch hazel and apply my ASB.
Pete
Alum is excellent for treating small nicks and weepers. It is also a good gauge as to how well your technique is working. If , after shaving, you apply it and your face stings , you know that you didn't get it 100% right
I use my alum block after every shave. I rub it over my face after a cold water rinse and before I splash on witch hazel and apply my ASB.
Pete
+1
Cold Water Rinse
Alum wipe
*clean up for a minute or two*
Cold Water Rinse
Witch Hazel
*clean up a bit more*
Apply balm
Works every time, and I never need a styptic - even for the two times I sliced my cheek recently
I have been meaning to try it as a traction agent for stretching - the video Chimensch did shows him wiping his fingertips across the alum before stretching, and I can understand why. Stretching skin where good lather has been, even after it's shaved, is a slippery proposition.
That white powdery substance is likely the titanium dioxide that the styptic pencil contains. TiO2 is used in addition to alum to make up the styptic pencil material. The "problem" with titanium dioxide is that it is white and powdery when dry.
This is one reason that I only use styptic pencil on places that my alum block doesn't close up.
HTH!
Alum block is a chemical, potassium alum, and serves both as an astringent and an antiseptic. After rinsing your post shave face with warm water, wipe your mug with the block after wetting in cold water (it slides across the skin smoothly if done right). Rinse it off with cool water in a reasonable period of time. Application of witch hazel at this point would be redundant and superfluous. FWIW, Charles @ QED USA has/had best price of $4 for a block, no need to drop big buxx on "name" brands of alum.
I use an alum block after every shave, I find it a good toner for the skin. Its a great antiseptic, and all it can do is help. I've been using the same alum block for about a year, and there's hardly a dent in it. Its become a part of my shave routine. 
Alum is excellent for treating small nicks and weepers. It is also a good gauge as to how well your technique is working. If , after shaving, you apply it and your face stings , you know that you didn't get it 100% right
I use my alum block after every shave. I rub it over my face after a cold water rinse and before I splash on witch hazel and apply my ASB.
Pete
Exactly that!
You picked a good one, great price and it's a big block. Just wet your face and the block with cold water and rub it all over. Let it stand for a minute or so and rinse. I usually take that time to clean my gear. Leaves no residue.
Concerning the pencil, you may want to try wetting the pencil tip with cold-to-semiwarm water, then just touching the tip to any bleeders (styptic pencils are for spot-treatment, not whole-face astringent action). A little of the styptic should drip off the wet pencil and stop the bleeding.
Alum blocks rock.
alum block = the feeling of pouring salt into your wounds when you have nicks and weepers.
Love this stuff! i alternate between the bloc and w/h, sure can tell if you have had a good shave or not, calms the skin a treat.
Alum Blocks are the true measure of a good or bad shave - it will always tell you the truth. anyone who says different is in denial - an angel told me!
