Alum block or Styptic pencil?

Which is better, an alum block or styptic pencil?

They are used for different purposes. Styptic pencil stops bleeding of nicks/cuts. Alum bloc can be used as an aftershave/astringent and will only stop minor bleeding.

HeF said:

They are used for different purposes. Styptic pencil stops bleeding of nicks/cuts. Alum bloc can be used as an aftershave/astringent and will only stop minor bleeding.

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+1

Get both. Shop around for the Alum as prices vary considerably for what is exactly the same. An alternative to Alum is Witch Hazel.

Looks like you have your question answered sooo,

Welcome to B&B!

Yep, question is answered. I'll just welcome you to B&B too. Enjoy this site, and post any questions that might arise/

So, if I'm already using a good AS with aloe and witch hazel in it, the alum block is an unnecessary purchase?

I wouldn't say that. The alum block is antiseptic and is good for the face and skin. I use styptic if needed, but I also use the alum block as a good overall toner for the skin. After I wash off the alum I'll also give a nice splash of witch hazel before any AS. That routine makes my face feel really good and I don't think its overkill. Again, this is my routine, it works for me, but with many things YMMV.

Technically alum, witch hazel and alcohol are somewhat redundant in that they're all astringents and antiseptics.

Alum leaves a residue on the surface of your skin that you rinse off.

I use witch hazel by itself 95% of the time. I use alum when I've had a particularly rough shave. I don't use the two together. I only use a styptic with a cut that won't stop bleeding with a cold water rinse or alum/witch hazel. Fortunately, that's about twice a year.

Use whatever works for you and feels best on your face.



- Peter

I also find my alum block works well as a kind of litmus test. If I've used a bit too much pressure on a part of my face, the alum will let me know about it post shave and I can pay a bit more attention to that area on my next shave. I need such pointers less and less these days, but it still helps now and again.

I have an alum block I use sometimes, but no styptic pencil. The alum block has been sufficient so far. I do have a 40 year old can of alum powder I used to put on cuts from my cartridge razor. I just make a little paste out of it and put it on the cut. Haven't been cut that bad from a DE.

Alum block works for me stopping minor nicks and cuts from bleeding but i found it dryed my skin out too much when i used it all over my face so i stopped and just apply my alum block to nicks and cuts now

+1 for both, but to me the alum is the magic.

I paid too much for mine, but I wanted it bad.

I love my alum block. You really now how well you've shaved when you rub the wet alum block on your face.

Pete

Speick aftershave has alum in it and eliminates the need for a block for me. Not a bad scent either...