Revisiting the humble alum block

[ryder]

When I first started wet shaving I bought an alum block as part of my kit. Two months later the alum block was no longer part of my routine. I was sick of the stinging and sick of the time it took to rub it all over my face, then wash it off before having to apply my aftershave balm. It just seemed like a pointless step that I was getting nothing from. At the time I was still learning (in fact I believe I am still learning now... almost a year later) shaving was taking a minimum of 20 minutes, usually around 30, which is far too long for me.

Since then I have experimented with aftershave balms, splashes.... the lot, and found that I absolutely love PRORASO green aftershave splash. The problem is that its pretty expensive and my 100ml bottle is running very low. I intend on buying the 400ml bottle for around £27 including delivery. This should last me 6 - 10 months possibly more, but I dont have the spare cash floating around right now.

So a few days ago I decided to follow the suggestion of B&B member MARCO who uses a splash of cold water and an alum block as his post shave routine. I have done this twice now and the results are amazing. I now have very little if any sting from the alum (which suggests my technique has improved), it does take a little longer than my normal routine but my face feels great and I have noticed redness in my "tricky" areas has almost vanished. I then follow up with my favorite moisturizer (BULLDOG, available in the UK - its so good my wife keeps stealing it).

I do already miss the cooling menthol effect of the Proraso but have learnt the alum block is not to be overlooked as part of a effective post shave routine.

 

[mcdidher]

An alum block is to shaving what a red pen is to teaching. It really helps you (student) see where you messed up.

 

[mheusler]

I normally use my alum block first, then a tiny splash of aftershave followed by a thin coat of a good balm (right now I alternate between C.O. Bigelow's black elixir and Razorock's Green Tobacco). I shave every other day, and on non shaving days I alternate moisturizers (between Speick's Intensive Cream, Dr Gordshell's Magic Cream and Taylor's Herbal Moisturizer). My skin has never looked or felt better.

Max

 

[mikeadams]

Hmm, it's become such a habit I haven't given it much thought. A quick rub with the block and then rinsed off with cool water, followed by proraso green and finally a nice moisturizing balm or shea butter. Only takes a moment or so

Steve

 

[AjaxLepinski]

I always forget to do this but, alum blocks are also used to get a closer shave...
When you rub the wet fingers of your free hand on an alum block, they become 'sticky' and grip wet skin more efficiently. This allows you to pull your skin tight for a closer shave.

 

[AceByTerror]

I absolutely love my alum block. My technique is to the point where I have little to no sting, but I still really enjoy the effects and feel of the alum block. Post shave, I apply the block with cold water. While the alum is drying, I "police up" the area... clean my razor, brush and bowl...wipe down the counter, etc.

By this time my face is pretty much dry and the alum has left my face feeling amazingly tight and clean. I then rinse well with cold water, wipe dry and apply after shave. Not sure I'd have it any other way at this point. I just feel so awesome after this, and alum is a big part of it.

 

[Kinja]

I got the '444' bar from Vintage Scent, it was also abandoned for 3 months. Then I started used again and now it is part of my routine. It's one of the best investments because it will last forever and is ridiculous cheap.

 

[LouBarraza]

You can probably substitute the Proraso splash with Skin Bracer.It's alot cheaper and has almost the same cooling effect.Until you get more Proraso of course.
I havent used my alum block for along time now because I felt it had no benefit either,but may try it out again after reading this.

 

[brooks_bro]

You know you don't have to wash the alum off your face. It takes no time at all to apply. What sort of technique were you using?

 

[global_dev]

You can probably substitute the Proraso splash with Skin Bracer.It's alot cheaper and has almost the same cooling effect.Until you get more Proraso of course.
I havent used my alum block for along time now because I felt it had no benefit either,but may try it out again after reading this.

Those are definitely not equal substitution. Id rather go without than apply the skin bracer. Yeech.

 

[Coler]

I find the alum great during the shave (for grip) and great after the shave too. I do supplement with a splash of pure witch hazel and a good balm followed by moisturiser though.

 

[Wetshavingswede]

I always forget to do this but, alum blocks are also used to get a closer shave...
When you rub the wet fingers of your free hand on an alum block, they become 'sticky' and grip wet skin more efficiently. This allows you to pull your skin tight for a closer shave.

Cheers, this reminds me why lurking on this forum is such a good idea. Wouldn't have thought of that use unless i had read about it. Thank you Sir!

 

[sdekuyper]

I have really sensitive skin and I am a huge fan of alum block. Follow it with a splash of witch hazel and my skin can handle anything.

 

[duckdown]

I use the alum block proceeding my shave each time as well. Some days it stings a lot more than others. Different blades seem to do it in varying levels.

 

[eth]

I then follow up with my favorite moisturizer (BULLDOG, available in the UK - its so good my wife keeps stealing it).

Interesting, I enjoy a Bulldog face wash before a shave. The scrub is decent too, but not as good as Mystic Water tea tree and oatmeal soap. Bulldog gets a point for local availability though, and I think I will try the moisturizer.

I use an alum block for grip as mentioned already, for me it's necessary for straight shaving. I occasionally use it on my face too, but a good splash seems to do the same thing. I always use a splash, so I rarely use alum post-shave.

 

[chilliman64]

if you want menthol post shave balm on a budget do this (trust me, this will give you the aroma and cooling effect you desire):

get a small bottle or jar - pour in equal quantities (50/50 to 40/60) of aloe vera gel and witch hazel (the more witch hazel you use the runnier it will be), recap the container and shake like crazy - get some therapeutic grade menthol essential oil and start adding 5-10 drops at a time, recapping and doing the crazy shake like before until thoroughly mixed in - keeping adding the oil and shaking until you have the aroma/strength you are looking for - this will cost you much less than 27pounds. a 10ml bottle will be enough to get you started.

you can add eucalyptus and menthol oils if you want to. also, there are two types of menthol essential oil, mentha arvensis (usually called menthol) and mentha piperita (usually called peppermint). I use the arvensis and it's pretty good. I also have vanilla, lime, eucalyptus and orange - they do smell great. ebay has many varieties available.

you can also add a few drops of these oils when whipping up a bowl lather - the Arko haters can get a great Arko lather that smells like eucalyptus and menthol - very refreshing!