Alum Block

[JMT]

I always thought that a styptic did the same thing as alum. So I have some questions.

I see that some people use an alum block everyday. What exactly does it do?

Are they usually available at local drug stores or is it something that needs to be ordered?

How do you use it?

Thanks and I apologize if this is a repeat post.

[ada8356]

I got mine from Classic Shaving.

It closes the pores and acts as a mild antisceptic... gives a nice sting/tingle.

After you've given your face the cold water rinse, run some cold water over the block and just rub it over your face/neck.

I'm pretty sure the stypic is the exact same thing, just smaller and intended for treating cuts.

[Jonnybc]

I use an alum block every day regardless of whether I've nicked myself. The Alum block is an antisceptic, reduces razor burn, stops minor bleeds and tells you how well you've shaved, the more it stings the harsher the shave. My shave isn't complete without one.

As far as I'm aware the styptic pencil is purely for treating cuts.

[kd7kip]

When my face is feeling a bit raw, usually Thursdays or Fridays (I don't shave Saturdays) I often give my face a good blocking. Its not exactly soothing, but does tighten the pores and helps recover the face a bit. I usually apply it while the Skin Food is still moist.

-Scott

[NMMB]

I use an alum block every day regardless of whether I've nicked myself. The Alum block is an antisceptic, reduces razor burn, stops minor bleeds and tells you how well you've shaved, the more it stings the harsher the shave. My shave isn't complete without one...

Once again I can say something to the effect of "John pretty much summed up what I think"...I use it almost every day (I'll admit that some days I simply forget it until after I've applied some sort of AS and then it is too late)... You know, it is weird that there are actually a few people here who I can almost count on to say what I would say if given the chance.

[Laney1566]

I use my block after most shaves. It is great to stop the small spot bleeding and razor burn. It also tightens up your face. Styptic I think is stronger and designed for cuts. The alum won't stop bleeding cuts. It dries on your face clear. Styptic tends to leave white marks on your face

[Jim]

Jim
I use one also The feeling is not really pleasant not bad- though I would not miss it for the world. A styptic pencil is salt pressed into a stick, different animal.
I purchased my alum ball from a beauty supplier near hear for a couple or four bucks.I would be happy to pick one up for you.
Jim

[JMT]

Jim
I purchased my alum ball from a beauty supplier near hear for a couple or four bucks.I would be happy to pick one up for you.
Jim

I might take you up on that, I am going to check a few stores around here and see what I can find.

[Leisureguy]

Just ONCE I'd like to read through all my unread Badger & Blade posts without finding something I feel I have to try. :001_smile

[english_barber]

Just ONCE I'd like to read through all my unread Badger & Blade posts without finding something I feel I have to try. :001_smile

How about trying this then...

In our Barber Shop we use a wet Alum block for making our Flat top crewcuts stand up. Clipper the hair really short, rub the scalp with a wet alum block and all the hairs stand straight up. All you need to do is cut the hair freehand with the clippers, just like a hedge!

I learnt this trick from the elderly Polish barbers who worked at the RAF Greenham Common barbershop keeping the US Air Force in shape during the installation of the cruise missile system of 1983/4.

Regards, Robert

[Leisureguy]

Interesting. It almost sounds as though it would be good to use the alum block as a pre-shave. Has anyone tried that?

[htownmmm]

For a real treat, pour some cold water (from the fridge) into the sink and then dip your alum block into that ........mmmmmmmmmmm :biggrin:

Your face will thank you!



Marty

[Jim]

Just ONCE I'd like to read through all my unread Badger & Blade posts without finding something I feel I have to try. :001_smile

What would be the fun in that ??
:lol: :lol: :w00t:

Jim

[kd7kip]

For a real treat, pour some cold water (from the fridge) into the sink and then dip your alum block into that ........mmmmmmmmmmm :biggrin:

Your face will thank you!



Marty

That actually sounds good! I will indeed try that, if only to cause my wife to shake her head at my bizarre behaviour yet again...

-Scott

[Jonnybc]

For a real treat, pour some cold water (from the fridge) into the sink and then dip your alum block into that ........mmmmmmmmmmm :biggrin:

That sounds fantastic, I'd be a bit wary of doing it after a Proraso shave though!

[NMMB]

That actually sounds good! I will indeed try that, if only to cause my wife to shake her head at my bizarre behaviour yet again...

-Scott

Isn't it great to have SWMBO just stop in her tracks and give you a WTF-look, but not actually say anything because she doesn't care about the answer, and she knows that the answer will be too long and confusing? :smile:

[madmedic]

I am sure Robert can correct me if I am wrong......but wasnt an Alum block the Original Aftershave?

Brian

[misterjoshua]

That sounds fantastic, I'd be a bit wary of doing it after a Proraso shave though!

Isn't that how Batman's Mr. Freeze got his super powers? :lol:

Good tips... I had thought that as I got better at this, the alum block and styptic pencil would be getting less use...

Josh

[Jonnybc]

Good tips... I had thought that as I got better at this, the alum block and styptic pencil would be getting less use...

Maybe the Styptic Pencil but the Alum Block is important. :wink:

[Jim]

How about trying this then...

In our Barber Shop we use a wet Alum block for making our Flat top crewcuts stand up. Clipper the hair really short, rub the scalp with a wet alum block and all the hairs stand straight up. All you need to do is cut the hair freehand with the clippers, just like a hedge!

I learnt this trick from the elderly Polish barbers who worked at the RAF Greenham Common barbershop keeping the US Air Force in shape during the installation of the cruise missile system of 1983/4.

Regards, Robert

I just tried this idea for my face as suggested and I am sorry to say I cannot recommend it, I am not sure of why but it caused the razor to drag -perhaps it acts lock a flocculat (sp) and kills the lubrication of the lather. The things I do for science:w00t:


Jim

[MJB]

It seems to have the same function as Thayer's whuch I like--anyone use both?

Frankly, from the descriptions here--the block sounds unappealing to me.

MJB

[english_barber]

Err, hair not face....

Robert

[Jim]

Interesting. It almost sounds as though it would be good to use the alum block as a pre-shave. Has anyone tried that?


This was the correct quote sorry!
Jim

[Jonnybc]

I wondered what was going on there!

[JMT]

Do you use the alum block in place of a toner or can you use them together?

[ada8356]

Do you use the alum block in place of a toner or can you use them together?

I use everything.

Alum block, whitch hazel, and I a few squirts of toner on my ASB while it's in my palm.

[Jonnybc]

I use the Alum Block after the cold water splash and before the ASB. I spray my face with witch hazel whenever I feel the need.

[NMMB]

It seems to have the same function as Thayer's whuch I like--anyone use both?

Frankly, from the descriptions here--the block sounds unappealing to me.

MJB

I often use both (but if I were going to skip one it would be the alum block rather than the WH - unless I am using an AS splash, then I skip the WH but use the alum before the splash). I apply the alum after a cold water rinse while my face is still wet (and the alum block is also wet with cold water). After my face dries I apply my WH then after the WH dries I apply a balm (if I am using an AS splash I will often apply a balm or moisturizer after the splash has dried).

[moses]

Ok, so looks like several people use both.... But why? Is there a distinct function?

[Leisureguy]

Just got a comment on the blog that pointed me to Shavex (http://www.shavex.com/), another source of alum blocks. What's interesting is this note on their site:

• To lift the hair, rub moistened Antiseptic Alum Block against the skin in an upward motion. This prepares the skin for a close irritation-free shave.

• Moisten your face with warm water. This softens the facial hair allowing the blade to cut them comfortably.

• Use an Aloe Vera and glycerin based shaving cream. It will provide a soothing shave and protect against razor rashes. Workout a rich lather. This allows the razor to glide freely.

This suggests alum blocks can indeed be used as a pre-shave. I guess I'll have to experiment.

[kasabian]

After reading this thread today, I ordered some Trumper's alum block :lol: :blushing:

[ada8356]

After reading this thread today, I ordered some Trumper's alum block :lol: :blushing:

I think it is one of the more useful, although overlooked, products that you can have in your kit.

[Leisureguy]

I got my alum block from Classic Shaving (their own brand) a couple of days ago, so I've used it twice. Man, it's nice. Really does top off the shave, finishing it up and getting it ready for the aftershave. What I do is give the face a cold-water rinse, then wet the alum block in cold water and rub it over the freshly-shaved portion. Sooooo nice. Then I let it sit a about half a minute, rinse again, dry, and put on the aftershave.

I just got my grandson a toy shaving set, and I'm disappointed they don't have a little toy alum block in there... :001_smile

[finegelernt]

I got my alum block from Classic Shaving (their own brand) a couple of days ago, so I've used it twice. Man, it's nice. Really does top off the shave, finishing it up and getting it ready for the aftershave. What I do is give the face a cold-water rinse, then wet the alum block in cold water and rub it over the freshly-shaved portion. Sooooo nice. Then I let it sit a about half a minute, rinse again, dry, and put on the aftershave. :001_smile

How do you dry the Alum block afterward, I understand that you can't just leave it wet or it will soon dissolve.

[fuerein]

I just place it back in the case and let it air dry. I've been using mine for about 3 weeks now and I can't tell any change in size from it dissolving.

[Jim]

Yep- it will dissolve if left in a puddle or in a very damp environment -I use a wooden soap dish that allows the water to drain away.

[randomtw]

do different manufacturers add different ingredients to the alum block? if so which manufacturer do you recommend buying from?

[TraderJoe]

How do you dry the Alum block afterward, I understand that you can't just leave it wet or it will soon dissolve.

i think he was referring to allowing the shaved-area to dry.

[dglsmason]

After rubbing my face with the wet alum block, do you let it dry before applying after shave balm? Do you rinse off the alum before applying after shave balm?

[ada8356]

After rubbing my face with the wet alum block, do you let it dry before applying after shave balm? Do you rinse off the alum before applying after shave balm?

I apply witch hazel after the alum. Then I let it sit for a bit and dab it off with a towel since sometime WH intereferes with ASB. Usually I'll squirt a bit of hydrosol on my face prior to ASB application just to help spread it out evenly.

[slomoshun]

The instructions that came with my alum block say to splash cold water on your face, run cold water over the block, rub it on you face, pat your face dry with a towel, wait a few minutes before applying aftershave

[Jim]

The instructions that came with my alum block say to splash cold water on your face, run cold water over the block, rub it on you face, pat your face dry with a towel, wait a few minutes before applying aftershave



Sounds about right - keep it out of your eyes and mouth tho.:biggrin:

[6jokers]

Isn't it great to have SWMBO just stop in her tracks and give you a WTF-look, but not actually say anything because she doesn't care about the answer, and she knows that the answer will be too long and confusing? :smile:
You get that too, huh?

[Folie]

Being a newbie and all I haven't heard of this alum block until now. After reading a thread I think I will order myself one.

[thestubblefactory]

Sounds about right - keep it out of your eyes and mouth tho.:biggrin:

I notice all of the instructions are to rub the block on one's face. Is there a reason why one cannot rub the block on his hands then apply to face? That seems to me to be a better way to apply to our faces since they are not composed of 90 degree angles. Just curious.

[Skyguy]

Jim, thanks for asking that question. I've been wondering what the big deal was with an alum block, too. Now I know that I don't want to use one. Thanks again!

[Jonnybc]

Being a newbie and all I haven't heard of this alum block until now. After reading a thread I think I will order myself one.

It'll be money well spent!

[Ashe]

I notice all of the instructions are to rub the block on one's face. Is there a reason why one cannot rub the block on his hands then apply to face? That seems to me to be a better way to apply to our faces since they are not composed of 90 degree angles. Just curious.I'm not sure whether rubbing the alum block first in your hands and then on your face will have the same effect as rubbing it directly on your face.

Also, I think one needs to rub the block very gently over your the shaved area and from the moment it touches your skin, you will feel the nice cold nature of the product. Rubbing it in your hands and then on your face will - I think - lessen the effect of the alum because the alum will get into your hands skin as well while rubbing it on.

Also, I try not to go over my face too much with my hands (only when I apply the moisturizing balm after the alum block) because the added hand touch may work a little "irritating" on the shaved skin. Of course if you shaved properly, you won't have this irritation but I find my skin to be a little more sensitive within the first couple of hours after the shave. In order to apply the alum via the hands better you'll have to rub more firmly with your hands, which would strengthen this "irritating" effect. It's also easier to rub over the face with the alum block than with alum wet hands.

It is a nice feeling to hold your cold wet alum block against a cold rinsed face and let your face airdry. I used to let it sit for a minute and then wipe it off gently with a towel, however my granddad told me to let the alum just airdry. It's completely dry within 2 to 3 minutes and this way you're not wiping alum of your face, it's getting in your skin completely.

Anyway, while rereading my post I'm probably not really making much sense here and a huge YMMV should be in place, but I really prefer to rub the alum block gently to my face instead of doing it with my hands.

[madmedic]

It'll be money well spent!


Definately.....I wish I had discovered it earlier. I wouldn't have spent so much on Liquid Aftershaves!

Brian

[crackstar]

Brian, I only once used an alum block in my entire life, and I was screaming in pain! :crying: :cursing: It was the one from Arko.

Jeff

[Capt. Pat]

It'll be money well spent!

:smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile:

[crosswind]

I won't shave without it...

I've been using an Alum block for two weeks now, and it has really made a difference.

After my morning shower I wet my face, rub in some Proraso pre/post shave, lather up and shave with the grain.

I then rinse my face with warm water, wet the Alum bar with warm water and rub it on my face against the grain (after this step you can not use the Proraso as it just dries up on your face). I lather my face up (the alum block kills the lather, so it doesn't look too pretty), then I begin shaving against the grain. The razor just seems to glide easily against my face and lets me work the razor in ways that were impossible for me before.

I then rinse again with warm, then cold, and lastly the Alum block (cold).

[bearwolf56]

Is the deodorant stones I see in the drugstores and heathfood stores the same as the alum block you guys have been talking about?

[Beaufort]

I like to put the alum block in the freezer before i shower and shave, take it out after shaving, use it post shave. Very cool and soothing. I suppose it shouldn't stay in the freezer too long, might crack.

[jvcjbl]

(after this step you can not use the Proraso as it just dries up on your face).

Boy I am glad I saw this. I have been trying to apply proraso on my face after the alum block and it just dries up. I am trying to figure out how I can work in my proraso post shave in if I use an alum block. No matter how much I rince hot or cold it still just flakes up as soon as I try to apply it. Anyone use proraso pre/post and alum block. Tell me how you work it in sucessfully.

[Shavegk]

Just took out the ol' alum block. I think the source of my irritation was that maybe the block became slightly rough after using it for a month or 2. I tried "pressing" it into my skin instead of gliding it and BAM, no irritation. I'm not convinced yet, but I'm going to use it daily again and see what happens.

[btisko]

Interesting. It almost sounds as though it would be good to use the alum block as a pre-shave. Has anyone tried that?


I have tried it Michael, and I found that it does help with getting a closer shave.

[Leisureguy]

Deodorent stones probably the same. From the Guide:

One good-sized alum block should last for a year or two (unless you drop it on a hard floor). According to Shavex, the company that makes the alum blocks sold by Mama Bear: “The Alum Block (for shaving and deodorant purposes) is usually Potash Alum. Potash Alum doesn’t sting so much as Ammonium Alum, but some companies do use Ammonium Alum as a shaving block.”

One inexpensive form of Potassium Alum (which is another name for Potash Alum) is deodorant crystal sticks—for some reason these are often priced much less than the alum block sold to shavers. The Wikipedia article on Alum provides more information.

[FrankB]

Deodorent stones probably the same. From the Guide:

Hmmm, yes, I checked online and the Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone I bought a while back is indeed 100% potassium alum. I'm glad I didn't throw it out (it absolutely didn't work as a deordorant on me :mad: ), and will try it as an A/S as I'm always looking for something that doesn't stink.

[Leisureguy]

I've been told that it's a good idea after gliding the alum block over your wet face where you shaved, to leave it a bit, then rinse it off and dry your face before applying aftershave. I had been doing that anyway: if I don't rinse off the alum, aftershave balms in particular get gummed up.

So I apply and let my wet and alumed face drip while I police up the area---rinse out and put away the brush, rinse and put away the razor, etc.---and then rinse off the alum, dry, and put on the aftershave.

[CJBianco]

I notice all of the instructions are to rub the block on one's face. Is there a reason why one cannot rub the block on his hands then apply to face?

The Thai Crystal brand of deodorant stones, which are made of 100% Potash Alum according to one forum member's research as posted in this very thread, is also available in a liquid spray deodorant. It's perfectly clear and a good deodorant. I pay $6.95 for several ounces at the local natural foods store. It lasts a long while.

(I've only used it as a deodorant, but I imagine it would work as a post-shave splash too.)

Christopher

[Brad]

I just tried this idea for my face as suggested and I am sorry to say I cannot recommend it, I am not sure of why but it caused the razor to drag -perhaps it acts lock a flocculat (sp) and kills the lubrication of the lather. The things I do for science:w00t:


Jim


I noticed this drag on my fingertips while using the alum block, so now I use the alum block to give better hold to my razors that have poor grips like the Futur and British Rocket. This helps keep the razor from getting slippery when using very slippery soaps and creams. I keep it on the soap rack and run my wetted fingers across it once the razor grip is too slippery.

Brad

[iron maiden]

Brad....you beat me to it.:biggrin:

Actually using alum to get a better hold of your razors is an old barber trick. My grandfather, who was a barber in Virginia, used the alum block for this purpose. He would prep the beard of the guy he was shaving, do the hot towels, then lather the guy up with the mug and brush, and then he would drag his slightly wet fingers across the alum block to give a better hold on the str8t razor.

I have his old boar hair brush...it is very, very soft, and stained kind of orange, dark yellow. My dad explains that the alum stained the hair through all those years of use. My dad still has his str8t razors, and they have a nice patina on them, kind of a dull grey, which might also be attributed to the alum, but I'm not quite sure.

So, alum will work to make the razors much less slippery. SO if you have one you don't like to use....you might at least find a purpose for it.

[Aevum]

news from spain, i tried to buy an alum block the other day, and apparently, its banned due to hygiene issues, apparently, they dont want something that is used of open wounds sold in multiuse quantities, but they found a good work around, they sold me a pack of matches, i open it, and see that the heads are white, he tells me "wet the tip a little and apply to the wound",

apparently, this is a legal work around becuase its in "individual servings", you take a match out, wet a bit the alum tip, apply, and then put it away for further use, when you notice it dosnt cut the bleed anymore, toss away the match,

anyways, if i find it problematic to use, i´ll just order a block with my next order of blades or soap from another country,

[rkowalick]

apparently, this is a legal work around becuase its in "individual servings", you take a match out, wet a bit the alum tip, apply, and then put it away for further use, when you notice it dosnt cut the bleed anymore, toss away the match

Styptic and alum are differents things! Don't go rubbing stypic matches all over your face, you will regret it! Styptics usually contain harsh chemicals, while alum is usually just either potassium or ammonium alum. I have nothing against styptics for sealing up a cut, but you don't want to use it as an all-over-the-face aftershave treatment. If you do want to use alum, find crystal deodorant that contains potassium alum, or order one from the internet. The price isn't bad considering you'll probably lose the thing or break it before you actually use it all up.

[fitzer]

When my face is feeling a bit raw, usually Thursdays or Fridays (I don't shave Saturdays) I often give my face a good blocking. Its not exactly soothing, but does tighten the pores and helps recover the face a bit. I usually apply it while the Skin Food is still moist.

-Scott

Umm... Whatever works... but don't most use the alum before AS?

[juddc]

Hi All - long time reader, first time poster.

I started shaving with a DE in January and was having a lot of irritation problems with it - I ordered an alum stone from Muehle and I can confidently say its saved my face. It was one of those night-and-day experiences for me.

I wet the stone and apply to my wet face right after rinsing off with cold water. I rinse the stone again and put it back on the counter to air-dry. I let my face air dry for a few minutes then apply aftershave. Though, I'm unsure how effective the AS is after the alum has closed up the pores.

Either way - its a face-saver!

[fitzer]

Just tried the Thai Crystal deodorant stone. I was worried because it didn't say potash, alum or anything for that matter. But it works great.

[jkh]

Just tried the Thai Crystal deodorant stone. I was worried because it didn't say potash, alum or anything for that matter. But it works great.

This information came from the Thai Crystal manufacturer's website (http://www.deodorantstones.com/aluminumquestions.ivnu)

Our deodorant stones are made of potassium alum. It is a pure product made without the addition of chemicals, fragrances, oils or alcohol. The chemical formula for potassium alum is K2SO4Al2(SO4)324H20. Potassium alum is a colorless substance that forms octahedral or cubic crystals.

[Knslyr]

Isn't it great to have SWMBO just stop in her tracks and give you a WTF-look, but not actually say anything because she doesn't care about the answer, and she knows that the answer will be too long and confusing? :smile:

ROFL. My wife exactly :)

[thevelvet]

It will have to be ordered. It closes the pores and stops bleeding and is a general aftershave antiseptic. All you do is get it wet with cold water and then rub it on a wet face all over. Hold it on nicks to seal them. It will burn like hell but works.

[kvanhorn]

Google guys! There are other websites besides B&B! Shocking I know!

Alum & Styptic are both double sulfates but use a different base ion (potassium vs. aluminum) & WH is a mixture of plant extracts and not even a mineral salt at all! They have very different chemistry even though their intended effects overlap.

Alum block = Potassium alum or potash alum is the potassium double sulfate of aluminium. Its chemical formula is KAl(SO4)2 and it is commonly found in its dodecahydrate form as KAl(SO4)2·12(H2O). It is commonly used in water purification, leather tanning, fireproof textiles, and baking powder. It also has cosmetic uses as a deodorant and as an aftershave treatment.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alum

Styptic = usually containing aluminum sulfate and more rarely potassium aluminum sulfate are used as astringents to prevent bleeding from small shaving cuts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styptic_pencils

Witch Hazel = Witch hazel is mainly used externally on sores, bruises, and swelling. The main constituents of the extract include tannin, gallic acid, catechins, proanthocyanins, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), essential oil (carvacrol, eugenol, hexenol), choline, saponins, and bitters. Distilled witch hazel sold in drug stores and pharmacies typically contains no tannin.

Witch hazel hydrosol is used in skin care. It is a strong anti-oxidant and astringent, which makes it very useful in fighting acne.[1] It is often used as a natural remedy for psoriasis, eczema, aftershave applications, ingrown nails, cracked or blistered skin, for treating insect bites, poison ivy, and as a treatment for varicose veins and hemorrhoids.[citation needed] (It is found in numerous over-the-counter hemorrhoid preparations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_hazel_%28astringent%29

[ptirmal]

So I finally picked an alum block up after DE shaving without one since February... WOAH, what a difference. Haven't been using anything with antiseptic properties, only a cold water rinse and AS balm so I occasionally get some irritated hair follicles/ingrown or light acne. Only tried it twice so far shaving every other day but I think my skin is cleaner (no acne, ingrowns etc...). It feels nice having a little tingling also. Will continue to use it.

[bnndx2]

When my face is feeling a bit raw, usually Thursdays or Fridays (I don't shave Saturdays) I often give my face a good blocking. Its not exactly soothing, but does tighten the pores and helps recover the face a bit. I usually apply it while the Skin Food is still moist.

-Scott

Wouldn't you rub the block on your face first, then apply the skinfood?

[themiz]

Any Of you gents know about shaping Bulk Alum crystals. I bought some bulk alum(big Crystals) and would like to shape it or at least smooth all the rough edges.
Any ideas???