Question about alum

[shaverjoe]

I've been DE shaving for about two months now and my post shave routine includes cold water rinse, Thayers witch hazel and, on occasion, AS or balm. I have never used alum. Is it necessary to use after the shave? If so, does it matter what kind I purchase?

[paco664]

i find it necessary....

i use the "natural crystal" deoderant from the local walgreens/CVS....... runs about $5 and lasts forever... and ever.... and ever....

[Luc]

You may find it useful or not. In my case, other than getting a good sting, I didn't... More info on alum here

[the_edski]

YMMV on alum (much like everything else here), some like it as a feedback device or AS or both. Don't overpay for a block, there isn't "fancier" alum and see how you like it.

[doug1066]

I find it totally unnecessary.

[Not The Original Kermit]

whenever I used it, it turned my face splotchy and red. Other than that I noticed no benefit from it. try it yourself but don't pay too much for it. I really don't think its necessary but thats just my opinion.

[shaverjoe]

Thanks guys. I have had a very good experience with DE shaving so far. Would estimate about 40-50 shaves now and have not had to use a styptic pencil. Didn't know if the alum was necessary. I am expecting my first straight tomorrow and I understand some folks use that to improve the grip on the straight.

[paco664]

i shave with a straight and use about the lightest grip on the razor i can while still holding on to it securely......

tight grip=too much pressure
too much pressure=razor burn and bumps....

[Banjoman]

After using it for a couple of weeks I decided it was not for me.

[Mad Man]

Forgot to pack the alum is week whilst away on biz. Still doing HR, CR and then my fave Proraso AS.

Surprised at how little diffo to the face-o.

MMMV.

[fccexpert]

Is it necessary, as your own experience shows, absolutley not. I have never used it and I'm still here, still getting BBS one pass NaturalShaves(tm).

[N2theBreech]

I was using it for a while, but then found that I, too, was getting a rash from it. Now I just use it to get a better grip on my razor... and my face. It keeps my fingers from slipping on wet skin. That might make it useful for straight shaving. Good luck with the straight!

[DFSDAILY]

I just started using it a week or two ago and I think it has helped with razor bumps that I can get on the neck line if I don't have a perfect pass. I tried the deodorant but got a rash from it so I make sure to rinse well with cold water and so far no problems.

[Puerco]

I used it for a long time, after every shave and I rinsed it of after a minute. Still gave me a rash so stopped using it, now I only use an aftershave splash followed by some unrefined sheabutter. No rash now and the face and neck feel very smooth and the acne that was troubling me all my life is now gone too.

[nosedog]

I wouldn't be without my alum, followed by rinse, then witch hazel, then ASB. It's great feedback on how good your shave was. If it stings, you need to do better next time! Experienced guys who have settled on a routine probably don't need this feedback, but while I'm experimenting with different razors and blades, I like it.

It's the only thing I use for deodorant as well, and I consider that discovery the equal of traditional shaving.

[Captain Pre-Capsize]

I bought some and used it a bit and now it just sits on the shelf. I personally don’t use it nor do I use a pre-shave oil. Others do and love ‘em but then, I can’t be right all the time. Ha, ha!