"shave isn't complete without an alum block"

[NB Rob]

I read this a couple of weeks ago and put an alum block on a recent order...

WOW!! It absolutely completes the shave. Although the variables are many; I went from a Weishi to a sledgehammer, and I retired my old grocery-store boar brush in favor of a new best badger brush. First shave withe the sledgehammer was amazing, with a fresh feather blade. New Speick cream, new brush, new razor, and new alum. Today was day 2 and the shave was just as incredible!!

As for the alum; if you're thinking about it, get one!!

 

[mkevenson]

glad you see the truth.

 

[BROWNS]

I was thinking of making a thread just like this. I got my first alum block a few days back and it's already something I'd swear by, it really has made a world of difference.

 

[Matt P]

So what do you do with it? Rub your face post shave? Does it take the place of witch hazel?

 

[sigmasix]

So what do you do with it? Rub your face post shave? Does it take the place of witch hazel?

rinse with cold water, then rub alum block all over your face, let it dry, then use WH if you want.

It's like an antiseptic and toner in one, I'm so glad I found this site and have been using an alum block since day one otherwise it would not have been so pleasurable and fun so far for me

 

[gollum83]

So what do you do with it? Rub your face post shave? Does it take the place of witch hazel?

It does in my shave when I do use one. I'll switch between the two depending on how I'm feeling that day.

 

[RichGem]

It does in my shave when I do use one. I'll switch between the two depending on how I'm feeling that day.

+1. Tho these days, the alum block is becoming more and more reserved for shaves that I know were bad (as opposed to most daily shaves) and for travel.

 

[Ru4scuba?]

I've used Alum off and on. I'm not 100% convinced its necessary and completes the shave, but again this is very YMMV. It definitely can give the feeling of "closure" with the instant feedback it gives...even more so than an strong alcoholic based AS IMHO.

 

[Matt P]

I've used Alum off and on. I'm not 100% convinced its necessary and completes the shave, but again this is very YMMV. It definitely can give the feeling of "closure" with the instant feedback it gives...even more so than an strong alcoholic based AS IMHO.

So you are saying it stings?

 

[The National Razor]

I swear by mine too. It really does let you know if a shave was as good as you think it was. When traveling I used a bic sensative--I think it was an okay shave...the alum proved t wasn't!

Also, it seems to close my pores so well that the stubborn stubble on my neck and jawline "disappears"--that is, it seems to enhance the closeness of the shave.

 

[taffy]

I love the block as well and as said above tells you if your shave was good or not, does not sting a lot but its there if that makes sense.

 

[dpmtherrien]

+1000 on this. You can't beat that alum block. It just finishes off the shave, and its so good for the skin.

 

[Ru4scuba?]

So you are saying it stings?

Certainly. Especially in places where you might have overdone your shave or attempted too hard to get that last darn piece of stubble. Instant feedback that yep, you went too close.

 

[DSB]

So you are saying it stings?

Certainly. Especially in places where you might have overdone your shave or attempted too hard to get that last darn piece of stubble. Instant feedback that yep, you went too close.

I would add that I think it stings in a good way. I know that doesn't make much sense, but I think you'll know what I'm talking about once you use an alum block.

 

[Nils]

Well, I tried it and absolutely hated the sensation on my skin. My shave is complete without it!

 

[chfair]

i try not to need to use mine to be honest. i prefer not using it but if i know i have razor burn from a shave it is a face saver.

 

[htownmmm]

So you are saying it stings?

The 'block' is a great indicator of the type of shave you have completed. Stinging lets you know that something needs to be changed in your shave(technique or equipment). When you can slide it down your face and all u feel is the cold water, you know you're in your sweet spot for shaving.

Take a note of your equipment @ that time and u will b better able to repeat the experience.

My alum block lets me know when I my technique is perfect- and when it wasn't!


marty

 

[rdeakle]

Do I need an alum block if use witch hazel? Should I use one, or the other, or both?

I too have been thinking about getting an alum block, but not sure if I need it.

 

[Matt P]

I would add that I think it stings in a good way. I know that doesn't make much sense, but I think you'll know what I'm talking about once you use an alum block.

Sounds good. I like the sting/burn of Clubman or bay rum. Looks like another item goes on the purchase list.

 

[The Knize]

I am really glad to hear that others are liking their alum blocks. I really liike mine and I have the feeling that it is really good for my skin, and for ingrown hairs, and any irritation. but I use so many products I really have nothing to base that on. So my liking of my alum block has seemed potentially baseless and irrational!! But I guess it is not from this thread.

I do not see alum as a substitute for witch hazel. But I do tend to see witch hazel and bay rum as interchangeable, or at least of filling similar roles. I do not leave the alum on for more than a minute or two. I rinse it off with bay rum or witch hazel.

It would be interesting to know exactly what the alum or for that matter witch hazel and bay rum are actually doing on/to the skin. I haver seen mention of alum re-adjusting the pH of skin to what it should be. I have no idea what would change the pH of skin during a shave. Lye in the shaving soap? Is this pH thing something unique to alum? Or does something like witch hazel do this too? Do other products do this? Does this pH thing exist at all?

Whatever it is that alum does as a "toner" sure does feel good on my skin. Witch hazel feels great, too, but I would not have said that it feels like the same thing exactly that it is doing. What the heck does a toner do exactly anyway? I guess "close up pores." But is that what they actually do? Do all "toners" purport to do the same thing?

I like the "burn" in all of these products, and in AS generally. I would guess that in witch hazel, bay rum, and AS it is is mostly the alcohol doing the burning, though. (Not sure it is all alcohol in BR. Some BR seems to burn more that has lower % of alcohol.) "Real" witch hazel is fairly low in alcohol. Some "witch hazel" pretenders have no alcohol. I do not think of any witch hazel as burning much.

In alum it has to be the alum itself, so that part of the mechanism of what they each do is clearly different.