The Joy of Alum

**Renato1** · 06-14-2012, 12:22 AM

I can't believe it is only 5 weeks since I posted the topic below on how much my Alum block was annoying me.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...ght=alum+block

Fast forward 5 weeks and more often than not I am applying the alum block, walking away to let it dry, and forgetting completely to put any aftershave balm on for the rest of the day. My face feels comfortable and fine. I hardly reach for the witch hazel anymore, which is really all that I need when I've had a nickless shave. Till now, I've been putting aftershave balm on my face every single day for decades - even when I didn't shave.

If I hadn't tried so many razors - and especially shavettes - that left me in desperate need of the Alum block, I don't think I would have gotten to this stage.

Has anybody else done a similar U-turn on the use of the Alum block?
Regards,
Renato

**Mike'sWorld** · 06-14-2012, 07:04 AM

For me the opposite. I used an alum deodorant stick on my face for about a year after every shave, rinsed it off and applied aftershave. Even though I liked the way it made my skin feel and rinsed it off after using it, I couldn't get over the feeling that there was a residue remaining. I quit a few months ago in an attempt to simplify my shave routine.

**Renato1** · 06-14-2012, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by Mike'sWorld

For me the opposite. I used an alum deodorant stick on my face for about a year after every shave, rinsed it off and applied aftershave. Even though I liked the way it made my skin feel and rinsed it off after using it, I couldn't get over the feeling that there was a residue remaining. I quit a few months ago in an attempt to simplify my shave routine.

I've used an ammonium alum deodorant stick too - it stings very marginally more than the regular alum block, but I didn't think it significant.

I have to agree with you, washing off the alum block residue doesn't seem to work for me unless I use a lot of soap. Water alone doesn't do a good job. That said, I no longer bother try washing it off.
Regards,
Renato

**SEnSE** · 06-14-2012, 09:32 AM

I'm glad the alum works well for you. It gives me a rash. At least your post shave is very quick and easy now. Enjoy.

**Renato1** · 06-14-2012, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by SEnSE

I'm glad the alum works well for you. It gives me a rash. At least your post shave is very quick and easy now. Enjoy.

That rash would be annoying. Is that a common or relatively uncommon occurrence around here?
Regards,
Renato

**Theprofessor** · 06-15-2012, 12:09 AM

Alum works for me.
I rub an alum block on my face after a shave, clean the razor, rinse the bursh, dry the brush (or as mantic59 calls it :"Police up the area"). Do a quick rinse and apply the Aftershave.

**BrookR1** · 06-15-2012, 07:42 AM

So I walked into my local Indian grocery store yesterday, and what did I find? An alum block for $1.49. I tried it out this morning and it worked every bit as good as the $18 alum block I purchased from AoS.

Click image for larger version.

Name: alum.JPG
Views: 385
Size: 168.5 KB
ID: 251175

**Renato1** · 06-15-2012, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by Theprofessor

Alum works for me.
I rub an alum block on my face after a shave, clean the razor, rinse the bursh, dry the brush (or as mantic59 calls it :"Police up the area"). Do a quick rinse and apply the Aftershave.

Have you tried not doing the quick rinse and the Aftershave?
I can't believe how smooth my face always feels.
I know that before my alum block days, my face would go dry without aftershave, but it's not doing that with the alum block.
Cheers,
Renato

**Renato1** · 06-15-2012, 10:11 AM

Originally Posted by BrookR1

So I walked into my local Indian grocery store yesterday, and what did I find? An alum block for $1.49. I tried it out this morning and it worked every bit as good as the $18 alum block I purchased from AoS.

That is called a BARGAIN!!

I've only ever had Trumpers Alum blocks which I paid $10 each for in a closeout sale. I had thought that was the standard size for an Alum block, but now that I've been looking around, I keep seeing them being sold for around $18 for blocks that are half the size of mine.
Regards,
Renato

**Gingerbread** · 06-15-2012, 10:20 AM

I bought a potassium alum chunk for $2. It doesn't get much use unless I really chew my face up.

**Renato1** · 06-15-2012, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by Gingerbread

I bought a potassium alum chunk for $2. It doesn't get much use unless I really chew my face up.

Actually, I found its regular use instructive. I had plenty of shaves that were visually nickless, but which an alum block provided lots of little stings - that really did show a difference either between razors, or between soaps and creams when used with the same razor.
Regards,
Renato

**LouBarraza** · 06-15-2012, 12:07 PM

I myself started using Alum. It works awesome and the sting isn't as bad as the sting from an alcohol splash and much milder than a bay rum sting for sure. :)made my face feel great and toned followed by a balm.i didn't even feel the need for a splash afterward.

**Gingerbread** · 06-15-2012, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by Renato1

Actually, I found its regular use instructive. I had plenty of shaves that were visually nickless, but which an alum block provided lots of little stings - that really did show a difference either between razors, or between soaps and creams when used with the same razor.
Regards,
Renato

That's true. Sometimes you think it's a really good shave until you hit your face with the alum!

**Scottyb06** · 06-15-2012, 02:00 PM

I paid $18 for my TOBS alum and later found Razorock for $6 (recognizing that the TOBS block is somewhat larger). They work 100% the same to me and I like Razorock's dispenser - keeps things neat and tidy :)

**Renato1** · 06-15-2012, 07:04 PM

Originally Posted by LouBarraza

I myself started using Alum. It works awesome and the sting isn't as bad as the sting from an alcohol splash and much milder than a bay rum sting for sure. :)made my face feel great and toned followed by a balm.i didn't even feel the need for a splash afterward.

Did you realise this straight away, or did it take a while of constant use like I did before you realised how interesting it was?
Cheers,
Renato

**LouBarraza** · 06-16-2012, 01:50 PM

I realized it the first time I used it.I was bracing for the fiery pits of hell burn, but it wasn't bad at all.LOL

**Ski-Patroller** · 06-16-2012, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by Renato1

Actually, I found its regular use instructive. I had plenty of shaves that were visually nickless, but which an alum block provided lots of little stings - that really did show a difference either between razors, or between soaps and creams when used with the same razor.
Regards,
Renato

I do the same thing. I seldom get cuts or weepers but Alum (Bloc Osma) tells me how smooth it was. It is one way to compare the irritation between different blades and razors.

**Colinallcarz** · 06-16-2012, 07:26 PM

Alum can be my best friend or worst enemy....it all depends on how well I shaved.

**Renato1** · 06-17-2012, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by Ski-Patroller

I do the same thing. I seldom get cuts or weepers but Alum (Bloc Osma) tells me how smooth it was. It is one way to compare the irritation between different blades and razors.

Yes, it's sort of the equivalent of having an amplification device which gives one instant feedback on how well the shave went.
Regards,
Renato

**Renato1** · 06-17-2012, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by Colinallcarz

Alum can be my best friend or worst enemy....it all depends on how well I shaved.

I think it's always a best friend.
Great shave means no stings - all the alum does is give you a micro face lift as it still tightens everything up, which is friendly.
Lousy shave means lots of stings - as the alum stops the flow of blood and seals up the wounds, which is really friendly.
Cheers,
Renato