How often do you use a styptic pencil?

kalle · Post by **kalle** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:33 am

I am interested in how often you use a styptic pencil.

When I shaved with cartridges, I used my styptic pencil once or twice a year, but in my first month of DE shaving I have not had to use it so far (touch wood).

offshoot · Post by **offshoot** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:35 am

Where is option "I don't use" ?

Vesa

offshoot · Post by **offshoot** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:36 am

A-ha!

Vesa

kalle · Post by **kalle** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:50 am

I should say that I have been shaving rather carefully, in the evenings when I don't have to run somewhere. When I start shaving in the mornings I might have to use the styptic pencil a bit more...

Aztecface · Post by **Aztecface** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:17 am

Since i started using an Alum-block i never use my styptic. I don't even know what it's for any more.

jww · Post by **jww** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:23 am

I still have days when I rush my shave that I find I need a styptic pencil. I want to get an alum block though and see what difference there is.

Leisureguy · Post by **Leisureguy** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:24 am

I never liked the styptic pencil. I use My Nik Is Sealed, which I like a lot: liquid styptic in a little roll-on container. Works like a charm. I have occasion to use it once a fortnight or so.

mparker762 · Post by **mparker762** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:30 am

About once a month. It seems to be the rule that any new straight razor will nick me at least once during its first shave. Their way of saying hello I guess. But as long as I stay away from Classic and ebay I don't get nicked.

Cigar Dan · Post by **Cigar Dan** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:53 am

I said once a month, but it is probably more like every couple of months.

I use an alum block, but for purposes of the poll, I went with that.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 9:00 am

I nick myself once or twice a year. I use an alum block when it happens.

Slant-Fan · Post by **Slant-Fan** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 9:06 am

Leisureguy wrote:I never liked the styptic pencil. I use My Nik Is Sealed, which I like a lot: liquid styptic in a little roll-on container. Works like a charm. I have occasion to use it once a fortnight or so.

Thanks for posting this Michael. I didn't know that it existed and I am going to order some. Currently I don't have anything to control bleeding from nicks. Fortunately I rarely get them.

jslfl · Post by **jslfl** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 2:01 pm

I did use one once when I clipped the dogs nail a little close. Dad always used toilet paper to stop the bleeding, seemed to work!

jAk440 · Post by **jAk440** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:36 pm

I find I use a styptic pencil more often to reduce and eliminate the occasional blemish than I do to stanch a shaving mishap. Those are rare to be sure.

TorzJohnson · Post by **TorzJohnson** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 5:00 pm

When I was a Trac-II / Barbasol guy, I used toilet paper flakes to soak up the blood, then washed them off before I left the house. I got a bleeder once a week or so, and of course razor burn even more often.

I bought a Clubman Nick-Relief tube when I first bought my DE gear back in March. I read up on all the good info on this forum and have only had to use it twice in 3 months.

2clfrwrds · Post by **2clfrwrds** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 8:51 pm

I don't even own anything alum. Occasionally, when I'm not focused on the shave, I "land" the razor wrong, and the blade bites a little -- twice a year. I sometimes get a drop of blood, but not enough that I'd want to have a specialized tool cluttering a bathroom already cluttered with shave gear.

I believe (can't prove it) that if you need a way to control blood loss, you may be shaving too quickly. Take it easy, mon; enjoy your shave!

--Glenn

CMur12 · Post by **CMur12** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 9:46 pm

I returned to wetshaving around Dec 2006. Since that time, I have used a styptic pencil once or twice. This is more characteristic of when I am trying out new equipment or supplies. When I'm using familiar tools, it is very rare.

- Murray

notthesharpest · Post by **notthesharpest** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 9:55 pm

I have had one real razor accident, and for that a styptic pencil was not enough. Other than that I have never used it.

2clfrwrds · Post by **2clfrwrds** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 10:53 pm

(I doubt this is a smart idea, but...)

notthesharpest wrote:I have had one real razor accident, and for that a styptic pencil was not enough.

That sounds like an interesting story -- if you don't mind, we'd all like to hear it. Really.

--Glenn

notthesharpest · Post by **notthesharpest** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 11:11 pm

2clfrwrds wrote:(I doubt this is a smart idea, but...)

notthesharpest wrote:I have had one real razor accident, and for that a styptic pencil was not enough.
That sounds like an interesting story -- if you don't mind, we'd all like to hear it. Really.

Not much of a story. Relative newbie, been shaving just long enough to get cocky, sinks a Feather blade into the corner of his chin.

It made a sound like a dart hitting a dart board.

By the way - don't try that at home.

Post by **ichabod** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 11:35 am

I found a styptic pencil in my, erm, dopp kit (I somehow feel compelled not to use that term, no idea why). It must have been in there for ages, because I haven't used one in a long long time. I tried a pencil and liquid in my early days as a wetshaver, and was completely nonplussed.
I almost never draw blood when I shave these days. In the unlikely event of a bloodletting, I have never felt any benefit from putting styptic anything anywhere near a nick.