I can't find a clear answer as to what chemical is in each. It seems they have similar functions, but are they different? Is one better, in your view?
How does an alum block differ from a styptic pencil?
- Thread starter jhe888
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Block is in crystal form, and pen is in powder form. The only difference is that the powder penetrates into wounds much better than the crystal. blocks are more used for all over the face. Chemically, they are identical.
From what I know, the pencil is a more concentrated form of the material. The block actually contains more water and so dissolves on your face easier, can still leave residue behind but certainly not as much as the styptic pencil. Definition from SRP:
Styptic Pencil
"A styptic pencil is a tool used for targeting and cosmetically eliminating small cuts and nicks from shaving. The pencil work by applying some form of alum, usually aluminum sulfate, or titanium dioxide to the wound, which when introduced to the blood causes the vessels to contract which stops the bleed and removes the cut visually. The cut is still there but it doesn't bleed and isn't red since blood-flow to that particular area is constricted. Styptics tend to be more aggressive than alum blocks due to the difference in the active substance (aluminum sulfate vs. aluminum potassium sulfate)."
This is the best answer I've heard on this topic.
As always, better depends on the criteria. An alum block is better for razor burn and very minor cuts and weepers but it's fairly useless for cuts beyond a point. Styptic works better for the latter. "Is one better?" tends to imply mutual exclusivity but I don't consider them to be as such and keep both on hand.
Don't overlook the Wiki:
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Alum
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I also keep both on hand. I give my face a once-over with the alum block after every shave (and for my own amusement, use the amount of sting to gauge how well I shaved: less sting = better job), but only get out the stypic pencil for the rare nick or cut.
I also like the styptic pencil for those annoying non-face cuts that, despite being very minor, just won't stop bleeding, like the ones that are very shallow but managed to catch a lot of capillaries or something.
I also like the styptic pencil for those annoying non-face cuts that, despite being very minor, just won't stop bleeding, like the ones that are very shallow but managed to catch a lot of capillaries or something.
I just got a styptic pencil in the mail and hope I don't cut myself but am curious about using it.
I would imagine this would work for cuts in general too...not just on the face.
I would imagine this would work for cuts in general too...not just on the face.
Hi jmsodpc
Yes you are absolutely correct a styptic will work wonders on cuts anywhere on the body. In fact if you are ever in a trauma room you will notice that the physicians and/or nurses are putting a great deal of pressure on wounds to help stop the flow of blood and thus eventually save the patient from bleeding out. Thus the same principle is at work in both cases; avert the flow of blood to the area long enough for clots to form and become stable.
Just as a side note there are some medical discussions as to why so many GI's unfortunately died since medics and med-vac helicopters were able to remove them from the area so quickly. One theory which seems to be correct is over use of IV fluids. The idea being that the clots were not stable and the extra volume acutely increased the pressure causing the clot to be dislodged and break thus renewing the bleeding. Interestingly enough during the Falkland war many of the British GI's did not have access to med-vac helicopters, instead the medics relied almost solely on applying pressure to the wound and more of them survived. Keep in mind of course that large wounds with heavy hemmoraging require suturing and no amount of pressure in the world will allow that poor individual to survive.
Happy slicing,
D
Yes you are absolutely correct a styptic will work wonders on cuts anywhere on the body. In fact if you are ever in a trauma room you will notice that the physicians and/or nurses are putting a great deal of pressure on wounds to help stop the flow of blood and thus eventually save the patient from bleeding out. Thus the same principle is at work in both cases; avert the flow of blood to the area long enough for clots to form and become stable.
Just as a side note there are some medical discussions as to why so many GI's unfortunately died since medics and med-vac helicopters were able to remove them from the area so quickly. One theory which seems to be correct is over use of IV fluids. The idea being that the clots were not stable and the extra volume acutely increased the pressure causing the clot to be dislodged and break thus renewing the bleeding. Interestingly enough during the Falkland war many of the British GI's did not have access to med-vac helicopters, instead the medics relied almost solely on applying pressure to the wound and more of them survived. Keep in mind of course that large wounds with heavy hemmoraging require suturing and no amount of pressure in the world will allow that poor individual to survive.
Happy slicing,
D
Styptic pencils sting like hell, and I've told my barbers that they are never to use them on me again - I would rather hold a tissue over the bloody spot for 15 minutes.
I've had some big cuts from using a shavette, and the alum block did the job of stopping blood flow without too much stinging pain. I can't see the point of styptic pencils.
Regards,
Renato
I've had some big cuts from using a shavette, and the alum block did the job of stopping blood flow without too much stinging pain. I can't see the point of styptic pencils.
Regards,
Renato
I have a styptic pencil just in case. I have really needed it only once, when I first used the R41. I never need it with my Feather AS-D1. (Just TRY to cut yourself with that thing; I don't think it can be done.)
I don't understand the need for an alum block. If you want to sooth your skin after shaving, apply some moisturizer that contains aloe.
I don't understand the need for an alum block. If you want to sooth your skin after shaving, apply some moisturizer that contains aloe.
I use the Osma products. The styptic pencil is made from aluminum sulfate, and the alum block is made from potassium alum. I don't know the significance of these different ingredients.
I have both and use them as needed.
whatever you do, don't say to yourself "well, I can just use this styptic pencil like an alum block" and rub it all over your freshly-shorn neck and face.
worst idea ever.
worst idea ever.
Yeah..... I just did that. +1 on worst idea ever lol
Oh yeah. Been there. Done that.
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