Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 7:47 pm
Great Job Rob
There is nothing bad that will happen to using a brush straight out of the box. Normal shaving use will break it in.fozzibear wrote: ↑Wed Feb 18, 2009 1:44 pmTo prep the brush before the first use, I should soak in hot water/white vinegar (9:1) mix, right? For how long? Should I just rinse the brush off afterwards? Is there anything else I should do to prep or "season" the brush prior to my first use? I'll be using KMF Lavender (mixed in a cappuccino mug) for my inaugural lathering.
The jury is still out on this.Also, the brush suggests I hang it (brush down) or leave it on its side to dry. I can't find a cheap stand (with cheap shipping) and want to add stuff gradually, anyway. What can I do for a make-shift brush-drying stand? Any thoughts on how to make one simply or how to convert something else into a brush stand?
What's yours experience with that stick, John? I got one exactly like that several years ago (in Toronto actually), and after about a month or so I had to give it up and stop using it as a deodorant applicator. I was allergic to it. Skin condition was a real problem. As soon as I stopped using it, change and back to normal was almost instant from one day to another. I've never figured out what was a problem. Later I used as deodorant sage by Veleda, excellent stuff, but now I will try again something else. (Just for fun.)John Rose wrote: ↑Thu Jan 23, 2020 4:39 pm Regarding alum blocks/sticks:
Typical sticks, like the Omega or RazoRock, are 60 g.
Blocks can be from 54 to 100 g or so, cost somewhat more, and are hard to hold (for some people).
For close to the price of a 60 g alum stick you can get a so-called "crystal deodorant" that is 120 g.
But beware - most crystal deodorant sticks are made of ammonium alum, not potassium alum, and they often do not say so on the packaging. Store staff don't know either. They do frantically let you know that there is no aluminum chlorohydrate. I'm surprised they don't also say "low carb" and "gluten-free".
You want potassium alum. As it happens, all of the deodorant sticks by Deodorant Stones of America, LLC are indeed potassium alum.
I found my stick of "Pure & Natural" at a local health food store. The drugstores only had the ammonium alum sticks.
They're 120 g (bigger than most alum blocks), and the handle is real easy to grip. Practically a doorknob.
It goes on really nicely.
I have no idea how effective they are as deodorants, and I don't care.
[edited to fix broken image link.]
I have never used it as a deodorant, only for post-shave.
Not a clue. I'm just yielding to peer pressure.Question I have - Allu block - is it actually good stuff to put on your face?
Good to know.Alum is used in pickling to promote crisp texture and is approved as a food additive by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Thanks John. I am by no means expert on such subjects, however as much as good things are said about Allu block, skin in addition needs probably some other stuff to sustain its elasticity and whatever else. I am also expecting sooner or later someone in corridors of power will tell me what I have been doing so far, that I got it all wrong.John Rose wrote: ↑Fri Jul 30, 2021 11:47 pmI have never used it as a deodorant, only for post-shave.
I'm still using that same stick almost two years after I got it. Not bad for something that costs way less than a smaller alum block intended for post-shave use.Not a clue. I'm just yielding to peer pressure.Question I have - Allu block - is it actually good stuff to put on your face?
It is said to have antibacterial and antiseptic properties, and they've been around for decades.
It's one more step in the shaving ritual (which I like) and it does give informative feedback. I must be learning something in my technique because it rarely stings as much as it used to, yet I'm getting closer shaves than before.
It only stays on for as long as it takes to rinse out the sink and lather bowl, then I rinse it off with a hand-held shower nozzle, towel dry, and apply and aftershave splash or balm.
Also, from wikipedia:Good to know.Alum is used in pickling to promote crisp texture and is approved as a food additive by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Do not worry. There is no "power" here. Just opinions and preferences.
I think I do agree with you John. I've never spend any time thinking about it, but now when you mentioned razor stability is important. I admit to insane spending on plastic and expensive razors for many years (one blade, then two, then three, then four...), then I said - enough!