I am just curious if there is any difference in the chemical formula and performance of a cheapo drug store styptic pencil and the more expensive variety found in shave specialty stores or from high end shave gear companies? I looked for reviews found none.Any info would be appreciated.Thanks!!!
styptic pencils
- Thread starter brucea
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Never heard of or read about a difference. Just like alum blocks, I believe you should just buy the cheapest one. I have never read anything otherwise.
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- #4
Thank you guys for answering.I was using a free one I received from Ogallala or WCS I don't even remember . It broke up about 3 or 4 months ago. I looked online for a replacement and it seemed to be a bit high. I went to my corner drug store and got the cheapest one they had and it seems to work as well. It is much thinner though. I think I will also go with the cheapest I can find as well unless someone here has a good reason why I or we shouldn't.
The only "real" difference is between the raw ones and the ones that have a plastic "case"
I have a raw Pinaud Styptic in the drawer and a Col Conk cased one I take in my DOPP. Both are identical in HOW they work but different in how well they travel
If I did not have one I would go with one that can be kept in a covering just because the loose one seems to be a little "fragile" and very selectable to wet hands
I have a raw Pinaud Styptic in the drawer and a Col Conk cased one I take in my DOPP. Both are identical in HOW they work but different in how well they travel
If I did not have one I would go with one that can be kept in a covering just because the loose one seems to be a little "fragile" and very selectable to wet hands
Hear hear. That echoes my impressions as well.
i use a stick from germany and one block from brasil ,both are eficients,little burning over the bleeding,not important....
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- #9
So there is some chemical difference.I will look up the difference in the two compounds.I would expect sodium and potassium to be similar in their chemical properties though? Thank you .
No problem! From what I've read around, some people have bad reactions to the sodium alums and they do not last as long as potassium alums. I've also read that Osma alum is very good, with a 75g block lasting a year.
Although my styptic pencil is a Clubman Pinaud Dab-On Nick Relief, which is a lot easier then a pencil since its a dab on stick.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-270890.html
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Good question. The Pinaud styptic is good enough for me!
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- #12
Thank you! Its scary what comes into a persons mind sometimes with regard to this hobby.But I guess its a healthy curiosity?Salim thank you for the link.
Styptic pencils and alum blocks are not the same.
Not very helpful without details...
Styptic for bleeds, blocks for sanitization/ soothing?
I thought blocks were used instead of an alcohol aftershave... but I am new to this.
The ones at Walgreens work for me. YMMV as with anything here. If you're really curious try the options (same for any other comparison) and see for yourself.
Don't overlook the wiki and existing threads:
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Alum
At the bottom of every page is a link with similar threads that you can use in addition to the search function or a site-restricted Google search.
There can be a bit of overlap as both alum and aftershave can act as astringents. I use alum for razor burn, minor weepers and skin issues such as acne. My AS contains alcohol but it also has other ingredients to help my skin. I don't consider them exclusive but you have to find what works for you. Not everyone uses alum and/or alcohol aftershaves.
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- #16
I busted out my styptic pencil yesterday for the first time in at least a year and a half. It was a cheapo from Wally World or Target. Do folks go through stypic that often? I guess I must tread lightly on my face.... :dunno:
Styptic is styptic, and alum is alum. Each will work fine. I find that the pencil will tend to break easier. For the past several years I've been using a liquid styptic that I get at almost any barber shop. The bottles are really small, but one tends to last a good long time, a couple years with the occasional use for a nick, wheeper, or cut. You just wet the tip of your finger with it and apply. Costs around $3.00, but its much easier to use than the pencil or even the alum block.
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- #19
Not really using one that often. Was just curious about the price difference and whether or not there was a real difference from higher to lower priced items
