I had what I thought was a pretty decent shave this morning until I broke out my block of judgmentalism. It was ANGRY. So angry that I had to laugh as the stereotypical image of the overbearing piano teacher popped into mind where the slightest mis-hit on a key ends with a slap upside the head.
Alum Block: The Piano Teacher of the Shaving World
- Thread starter Tipsy McStagger
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Curious how two seemingly-identical shaves can result in completely different feedback from the alum.
The alum is good in many ways, i use it both after shaving, as deodorant (not the same block 
) and for whenever i notice something about the skin, a rash for example. Many times it's germs and the alum quickly kills that.
Only now, with probably around 200 wetshaves with a DE behind me, have i realised just how important *blade angle* really is.
Since having started to pay very close attention to it i very rarely get punished by the alum.
) and for whenever i notice something about the skin, a rash for example. Many times it's germs and the alum quickly kills that.Only now, with probably around 200 wetshaves with a DE behind me, have i realised just how important *blade angle* really is.
Since having started to pay very close attention to it i very rarely get punished by the alum.
An alum bloc makes me break out. Am i the only one?
Oh yeah. The alum is the decider, tough love, fair but no mercy.
I call it "The Alum Test". Shave in the shower, BBS, dry up, moisten the face and slide the alum bar over the neck and chin. No sting and I pass the test.
"Perfect Shave" = BBS + passing The Alum Test
I have been very reluctant to try an alum block. I read somewhere early on that it could cause some sort of long term problem with your health....but that's probably only if you eat a block a week for 100 years. I've also been afraid of the sting and irritation. I learned early on that I HAD to use a soothing ASB as opposed to an alcohol based splash, because I always got a sting that was uncomfortable. Now that my technique is much better, maybe it would be different. Still, I can think I have a great shave and when I put on my most soothing ASB, I still get a bit of sting. It has some alcohol in it, but the sting is only 2-3 seconds.
I just don't want to have a red, irritated neck and face after what would normally be a decent shave, just because of alum.
Are all blocks of alum created equal? Are there any brands that are preferred over others?
I just don't want to have a red, irritated neck and face after what would normally be a decent shave, just because of alum.
Are all blocks of alum created equal? Are there any brands that are preferred over others?
It doesn't work that way. Either you irritated your skin during the shave or not; alum and/or an alcohol-based splash does not create the irritation. They disinfect and tighten you up.
I believe some think the aluminum content in alum causes cancer. (Sunlight causes cancer...)
FWIW, I have stopped using all creams, like Eucerin and related stuff supposed to stop redness and soreness, and have gone exclusively to alcohol-based aftershaves, and my skin has never felt and looked better in my life. I used to have chafing around my nose; no more.
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As far as I have seen, Alum blocks are all the same though packaging may vary. I am using an Osma Alum block which seems to be one of, if not the most common block out there.
As to the sting, I feel like the Alum blocks feedback is manageable, more so than a styptic pencil. However, and this is a big however, the use is different. You don't rub a styptic all over your face. The Alum block, since you do rub it over the entire shaved area, will let you know if you used too much pressure on areas on your face.
For me it has been a great source of feedback and essentially tells me after each shave how I did. It definitely encourages you to pay better attention to your techniques and what you are doing.
As for the longevity of the burn, it's not too bad. It gets your attention then quickly fades.
The blocks are fairly cheap so I would say grab one, try it out on your forearm in an isolated location, leave it for 2-3 minutes then wash off with a damp cloth and see if you get any irritation from the block minerals If not give it a go after a shave and see how you fare.
martym
Unacceptably Lasering Chicken Giblets?
I love alum. I use it pre and post shave and use a second as deodorant.
great stuff
great stuff
I think everyone should at least try alum. I thought it would be just another product of limited application, but now I don't want to shave without it. The stinging feedback and the smoothing of the skin is quite useful. The tightening of the skin is interesting, it seems like it turns my face into a rubber band.
Question: After applying alum and letting it sit / dry for a while, how thoroughly do you rinse it off before applying an after shave lotion or balm?
I only use my alum if I notice a nick. Otherwise, I just splash on some Witch Hazel after a shave. I let it dry while I'm cleaning up and then apply an aftershave.
I noticed a white chalky/gummy residue would form in the AS when i didn't rinse the alum off. A couple of splashes with cold water does the trick in preventing that from happening, I'm not that thorough about it.
I haven't been trying to wash it off much since the brand I use doesn't leave a residue and I like the feeling afterwards of my skin.
Alum- it's the teacher you hated in school but now that your done you are glad that you had.
I love using Alum no odor, leaves your skin feeling taut, only bites when you have done poorly and seems to let my balms work better too.
I love using Alum no odor, leaves your skin feeling taut, only bites when you have done poorly and seems to let my balms work better too.
