When do use the Alum block during a shave?

fcohio1 · Jul 31, 2006

Hello,
I was wondering at what point in your shave do you use An Alum Block?
Also is the alum the same as the deodorant crystals and are they interchangeable.
TIA
Fcohio1

NMMB · Jul 31, 2006

fcohio1 said:
Hello,
I was wondering at what point in your shave do you use An Alum Block?
Also is the alum the same as the deodorant crystals and are they interchangeable.
TIA
Fcohio1

Like many others here, I use my alum block as a part of my aftershave routine... I use it after a cold water rinse but before I apply WH (if I use WH - and I usually do)...

I don't know if it is the same as the deoderant crystals, but I've heard some people suggest that it is. Perhaps somebody else can help more...

ada8356 · Jul 31, 2006

This thread has lots of alum block info. :001_smile

JasonS · Jul 31, 2006

The "crystal" deodorants I've seen are ammonium alum, which i *think* is identical to the "Alum" blocks available for shaving. I have both and they appear identical except for the shape.

Leisureguy · Jul 31, 2006

Same as NMMB: after cold water rinse (with face still wet) and before the aftershave. Great way to finish up a shave, and I learned about it here.

NMMB · Jul 31, 2006

One thing that I've noticed with alum blocks that I don't think I've heard mentioned here is that (in my experience) it is important to apply the alum with the grain. We've all heard of somebody that will gripe about how much alum stings (and it does sting, a little), but I learned very quickly that it doesn't sting much (if at all) when applied with the grain (after a good shave, of course - after a bad shave it will certainly sting a little more).

Now, I don't expect that this will start a with-the-grain vs against-the-grain debate as it does for shaving (where some swear by against the grain passes and some would swear that against the grain passes are only for fools and masochists)... but you never know what people will think... any thoughts, gentlement?

ada8356 · Jul 31, 2006

NMMB said:
One thing that I've noticed with alum blocks that I don't think I've heard mentioned here is that (in my experience) it is important to apply the alum with the grain. We've all heard of somebody that will gripe about how much alum stings (and it does sting, a little), but I learned very quickly that it doesn't sting much (if at all) when applied with the grain (after a good shave, of course - after a bad shave it will certainly sting a little more).

Now, I don't expect that this will start a with-the-grain vs against-the-grain debate as it does for shaving (where some swear by against the grain passes and some would swear that against the grain passes are only for fools and masochists)... but you never know what people will think... any thoughts, gentlement?

I rub it all over in multiple directions and even in circles... to be honest, I'm not too particular about the way that I apply it.

TraderJoe · Jul 31, 2006

fcohio1 said:
Hello,
I was wondering at what point in your shave do you use An Alum Block?
Also is the alum the same as the deodorant crystals and are they interchangeable.
TIA
Fcohio1

You can use an Alum block at any time during your shave, if you notice some irritation after a pass, or make a cut, apply the alum. I rarely have these problems when shaving, but if I use the alum right away its usually 90%+ cleared up by the time I'm done with the shave.

randomtw · Jul 31, 2006

does it matter where you purcahse your alum block from? they should all be the same thing correct?

Leisureguy · Jul 31, 2006

I think they're all the same. I use this one. $10, and it seems likely to last a lifetime---has anyone here ever used one up?

Tinzien · Aug 7, 2006

I'm not loosing any of the effect of the block if I rinse my face off after using it am I? I got mine on Saturday and was not sure if leaving the stuff on would inhibit the skin food in any way.

Leisureguy · Aug 7, 2006

I rub the alum block around on my freshly rinsed shaved face in every direction. Then putter around, emptying out the Moss Scuttle, washing my brush out, etc. At that point I dry my face (not rinsing it again, but I suppose it wouldn't matter) and apply aftershave. Works for me, YMMV

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When do use the Alum block during a shave?

fcohio1

NMMB

ada8356

JasonS

Leisureguy

NMMB

ada8356

TraderJoe

randomtw

Leisureguy

Tinzien

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