Alum Block rocks!

**Mark T** · 06-11-2010, 05:52 AM

I used the new RazoRock (from WestCoastShaving) today and I must say that my face/head feel great. The alum closes up the pores and has astringent properties. I have been using witch hazel, but this stuff works much better. I shaved my face with a str8 razor, and my head with a DE. Smooooth shave!!! The alum makes it even better. Try it.

**Duncanh48** · 06-11-2010, 06:55 AM

Alum does work well, you can judge the quality of the shave by the amount it stings, if I can get a great shave with no sting from the Alum then I consider that a job well done!

**W_B_K** · 06-11-2010, 07:47 AM

Do a double whammy... alum, then after a couple of minutes wipe off with WH

**RazoRock** · 06-15-2010, 04:11 PM

Thank you for the kind words and for supporting one of my online retail partners.

**mouscacha** · 06-15-2010, 04:13 PM

Originally Posted by W_B_K

Do a double whammy... alum, then after a couple of minutes wipe off with WH

After I use the alum, I rinse with water then apply the WH. I doubt it does anything additional, but I just like the smell and the feeling of WH. Just that light amount of alcohol feels great, especially if I'm using a balm.

**professorchaos** · 06-15-2010, 05:45 PM

Yes it does. Try keeping it in the freezer. Surely eccentric, but so nice.

**dpmtherrien** · 06-15-2010, 05:56 PM

The alum block is great. I use it right after I've done my warm then cold water rinse. After its dried, I rinse it off with cold water, pat my face dry, and then apply witch hazel. After the WH dries I then apply whichever AS or balm I'd like. Could this be overkill? It might, but it works for me, and my face feels great.

**Don** · 06-15-2010, 06:01 PM

Originally Posted by professorchaos

Yes it does. Try keeping it in the freezer. Surely eccentric, but so nice.

You sly devil.

**shaneburns** · 06-15-2010, 06:12 PM

I just ordered one yesterday so hopefully I like it just as much!

**Numb** · 06-15-2010, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by dpmtherrien

The alum block is great. I use it right after I've done my warm then cold water rinse. After its dried, I rinse it off with cold water, pat my face dry, and then apply witch hazel. After the WH dries I then apply whichever AS or balm I'd like. Could this be overkill? It might, but it works for me, and my face feels great.

I tried this exact routine for a while but it became too cumbersome quickly. I am impressed you keep it up. How long have you been doing that?

**MichaelG** · 06-15-2010, 08:30 PM

I was skeptical of alum, but I ordered a RazoRock (from Phil @ Bullgoose) and have been using it for a couple of weeks and I've noticed less irritation. I had a couple of very minor trouble spots on the sides of my neck, just under my ears and on my lower neck near the collar line and they've basically gone away using Alum.

I use it right after my shave on my wet face and leave it on while I clean up my brush and razor. I then rinse off the alum residue and apply my usual aftershave(s). No minor bumps or irritation.

Weird but true. If there are any guys on the fence about trying alum, I'd say go for it.

Originally Posted by Mark T

I used the new RazoRock (from WestCoastShaving) today and I must say that my face/head feel great. The alum closes up the pores and has astringent properties. I have been using witch hazel, but this stuff works much better. I shaved my face with a str8 razor, and my head with a DE. Smooooth shave!!! The alum makes it even better. Try it.

**duderdo** · 06-15-2010, 09:16 PM

I always look forward to my alum. I rotate my creams, soaps, and aftershaves on a daily basis, but using an alum block is definitely a daily necessity.

**StylinLA** · 06-15-2010, 09:23 PM

Originally Posted by professorchaos

Yes it does. Try keeping it in the freezer. Surely eccentric, but so nice.

Count me in for that

**Bay Rum** · 06-16-2010, 10:42 AM

I just took advantage of the Father's dale sale and got a Feather Portable with a RazorRock.

**Big Kev** · 06-16-2010, 03:29 PM

I had never even heard of alum before this site. I picked one up the other day just to try it and see what it was all about. I am impressed. I don't really have a problem with nicks but this thing is great. I will definitely make this part of the every day routine.

**calcustom** · 06-16-2010, 03:36 PM

Would an ammonium alum-based deodorant stick work as well and give the same effect as a potassium alum block?

**RazoRock** · 06-16-2010, 03:47 PM

Originally Posted by calcustom

Would an ammonium alum-based deodorant stick work as well and give the same effect as a potassium alum block?

Short answer is NO. Ammonium Alum is a completely synthetic compound that is not recommended for use after shaving (especially on raw skin). Personally, I have tried it (someone has to take one for the team). It burned like hell, turned my face beet red and was not effective. Like anything else, YMMV.

**huntmol** · 06-16-2010, 05:52 PM

Yep, I love alum after a shave

**calcustom** · 06-16-2010, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by RazoRock

Short answer is NO. Ammonium Alum is a completely synthetic compound that is not recommended for use after shaving (especially on raw skin). Personally, I have tried it (someone has to take one for the team). It burned like hell, turned my face beet red and was not effective. Like anything else, YMMV.

Thanks for takin the hit and the heads up!