What's the deal with Alum?

**BubbleBoy** · 01-07-2012, 11:28 AM

Seriously? I see bars, sticks, and powders of whatever this stuff is. So what is it and what does it do?

**Greg1911** · 01-07-2012, 11:37 AM

It can be considered a dry aftershave. It has astringent and antibacterial qualities and takes care of your face after a shave.

You rub the alum over your wet face post shave. I usually wait a bit and then rinse it off with cold water.

Another good use is to measure irritation level. If you try a new soap/cream/blade , use the alum afterwards and see how much irritation you feel compared to your normal setup.

**napalm** · 01-07-2012, 11:40 AM

I've never tried one and I've been wondering about the same thing.
As far as I know they are some sort of magic crystal stones of wizardry, with healing powers and blood stopping abilities

I will stop by my local gypsy camp one of these days and try to acquire one!

**Champion of Capua** · 01-07-2012, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by napalm

I've never tried one and I've been wondering about the same thing.
As far as I know they are some sort of magic crystal stones of wizardry, with healing powers and blood stopping abilities

I will stop by my local gypsy camp one of these days and try to acquire one!

Thx, that gave me good laugh

**ajs2294** · 01-07-2012, 12:31 PM

It worth picking up a Clubman Stypic, they are 1-3 bucks and can come in handy to stop small bleeds. Just wet the tip and hold/rub it or a few seconds and it should stop.

**eastomjac** · 01-07-2012, 12:33 PM

alum is also good for stopping the bleeding of weepers,nicks and cuts.stings a little but stops the bleeding pronto.

**dpmtherrien** · 01-07-2012, 01:39 PM

Alum is some wonderful stuff. Because of its antiseptic properties don't be afraid to try it on just about anything.

I used it once on a developing cold sore one time when I left my prescription home. I was quite surprised when it worked so good that it stopped the sore from forming.

**quist** · 01-07-2012, 02:13 PM

I heard alot of great thngs about Alum Blocks so I ordered one. It seems to do the same thing as a steptic pencil but cost 5 times more. I have read how old timers use it ti strech the skin especially if you are straight razor shaving, but i havent found it very usefull yet.

**elmango** · 03-23-2012, 02:43 PM

Can't remember where on this site I read about Pacific Shaving Co's Nick Stick but I just ordered some. It came highly touted and eligible for Amazon's free Super Saver Shipping.

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**combatwombat** · 03-23-2012, 03:05 PM

I have an alum Rock from RazoRock. It comes with a plastic cover to help protect it when not in use. unlike others that are usually little rectangle shaped blocks this one is cylindrical and has a small base to hold it by. alum can be used for many different things, some people even use it as a deodorant as it leaves a salty layer behind which repels the bacteria that causes under arm odor.

**strop** · 03-23-2012, 03:11 PM

An alum block and styptic pencil are two different things. Both will stop bleding from nicks and cuts, but the styptic is usually just applied directly to the nick or cut. The alum block is rubbed over the entire wet face after a shave. It is a natural antiseptic and astringent. It will indeed tell you quickly how good your shave was!

Although I generally use an alum block because I like how it leaves my face, they were much more important in the pre-antibiotic era, when even a simple cut from a razor could turn into a fatal infection.

**Aldershot** · 03-23-2012, 03:23 PM

I bought one not long ago after wondering about them for quite some time. Doesn't really do much for me. I like a witchhazel splash after my shave and tried replacing that with the alum block. Went back to the witchhazel. I wouldn't bother with alum. Get a styptic pencil if you cut yourself.

**ShaveThis** · 03-23-2012, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by Greg1911

It can be considered a dry aftershave. It has astringent and antibacterial qualities and takes care of your face after a shave.

You rub the alum over your wet face post shave. I usually wait a bit and then rinse it off with cold water.

Another good use is to measure irritation level. If you try a new soap/cream/blade , use the alum afterwards and see how much irritation you feel compared to your normal setup.

Good explanation!

Originally Posted by combatwombat

I have an alum Rock from RazoRock. It comes with a plastic cover to help protect it when not in use. unlike others that are usually little rectangle shaped blocks this one is cylindrical and has a small base to hold it by. alum can be used for many different things, some people even use it as a deodorant as it leaves a salty layer behind which repels the bacteria that causes under arm odor.

This is what I use. I bought 2, one for shaving and one for deo use. Shaped right and the cover is great. Also good for travel.

**AverageJoe** · 03-23-2012, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by Aldershot

I bought one not long ago after wondering about them for quite some time. Doesn't really do much for me. I like a witchhazel splash after my shave and tried replacing that with the alum block. Went back to the witchhazel. I wouldn't bother with alum. Get a styptic pencil if you cut yourself.

Same here!! Save your $$ for other stuff. A styptic stops bleeding faster too.

**ShaveThis** · 03-23-2012, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by Aldershot

I bought one not long ago after wondering about them for quite some time. Doesn't really do much for me. I like a witchhazel splash after my shave and tried replacing that with the alum block. Went back to the witchhazel. I wouldn't bother with alum. Get a styptic pencil if you cut yourself.

I don't really use alum for cuts. I have a styptic for that which fortunately I only had to use once or twice. I use it like Greg1911 mentioned, as an all around treatment if I know I had a rough shave maybe once a week or so. Two different uses. Witchhazel is my first choice also. Alum is certainly cheap to try. Many do like it.

**Cicatero** · 03-23-2012, 06:22 PM

Anybody know anyone who makes a styptic pencil without the super effective pain-enhancers you find in Clubman styptic pencils?

**wallstreet77** · 03-23-2012, 06:27 PM

I use alum after a shave. Tightens my skin and makes it feel great. Wouldnt replace it for anything. I've also tried it as an underarm deodorant. It can be used as an alternative to the processed types but i must say, it might be risky business on a hot summers day depending on how bad you perspire.

**cwhiteboy** · 03-23-2012, 07:41 PM

I have one of Razo Rock's Alum stick. After trying it for a few days, it was obvious my face did not like it at all. I've kept it around becuase it works great for stretching the skin and adding grip for holding my razors; I just keep it out and rub my fingers on it, lets me grab the skin on my face and pull it really well, without slipping...

**infallible** · 03-23-2012, 08:10 PM

I ordered an alum stick recently, hasnt arrived yet. I'm curious to give it a shot, but I'm not sure its going to be something I use with every shave.

**MeanGene** · 03-23-2012, 08:15 PM

I use a Shavex alum block every day. When my face doesn't like it, it is because I have razor burn and it is giving me appropriate feedback via pain. I'll wash it off with witch hazel then apply RazoRock Aftershave Wax (rotating all three). I love using alum and won't ever shave without it.