deodorant stick = alum block?

I'm new to wet shaving, and read several recommendations to use an alum block after shaving. I haven't had a lot of luck finding any locally, but then I read the thread about deodorant irritation. Several references were made to crystal deodorants being the same or similar to the alum block.

So, my questions for the B&B legion are:

1. Are some of the crystal deodorant sticks the same as alum blocks?

2. If so, is anyone using them for both purposes?

3. Do they work as well as blocks that are marketed for shaving?

Thanks!

WhatBear

Answers to your questions:

1. Yes. All the deodorant sticks I have seen -- Thai Crystal, Crystal Stick (are there others?) -- are made of Potassium Alum. This is the same composition as Alum blocks.
2. I don't use the deodorant stick for anything other than a post-shave rub on my face.
3. Yes, they work great. AND, because it's contained in a plastic applicator, you don't get alum all over your hands when you use it.

Thanks for the info Manuel! I had a feeling that they were the same, but I didn't want to take a chance with applying random stuff to my face after shaving.

WhatBear

I also use as a deoderant - but use a different stick.

They work great for both - for me, anyhow.

Didn't work at all as a deodorant for me, back to Old Spice. Worked wonderfully as a styptic.

-Allen.