Alum Block - Worth Using?

RazorRamone · Post by **RazorRamone** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 12:00 am

I had ordered some Arko from Tulumba and they mistakenly sent me several alum blocks. (Great service. Gave the alum blocks to me and quickly re-shipped my order.)

I thought these were for treating nicks/cuts like a styptic pencil. Apparently, these alum blocks should be rubbed on the face after shaving.

Does anyone regularly use an alum block? What is its main purpose?

Thanks,

RR

Crhis · Post by **Crhis** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 12:07 am

An alum block will seal a nick/cut, more so than aftershave but not to the extent of a syptic pencil. You can also use alum block as a deodorant I believe. Either way make sure to wet it a little with cold water first.

I bought one and used it for a while but I rarely cut myself and find I prefer aftershaves to using an alum block and so have no use for it.

Even if you do fall in love with it it is unlikely that you will run out of several (!) alum blocks for many years. I'd say you could offload them on the trading forum but I don't know of many gents here who regularly use alum though, as always, I may be mistaken.

Squire · Post by **Squire** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 12:18 am

I have one but have never used it, some shavers use it post shave and they my chime in, it's cheap and useful in the event you ever find a use.

Occam · Post by **Occam** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 12:45 am

I use one after every shave.

It's an aluminium salt and acts primarily as an astringent and antiperspirant. It eliminates sweat burn and I have not had red spots or rashes on my neck since using it.

The astrongency also IMO improves the appearance of quick shaves and makes more fussy shaves look superlative.

I love it and the slight sting it gives. Will show up poor technique too.

mattbramanti · Post by **mattbramanti** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 1:38 am

Ramone, if you're looking to get rid of a block, I'll be glad to take it off your hands for a fair price. Just send me a PM.

Boyextraordinare · Post by **Boyextraordinare** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 10:05 am

Stick to aftershave and a pencil.

goose · Post by **goose** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 10:56 am

You can usually find these at Indian grocery stores for around a dollar. I bought one used it for a week and then pitched it. They aren't very compatible with balms, and I have found that both alum blocks and styptic pencils irritate my skin. I still keep a pencil around in case I get a cut, but otherwise I don't see the purpose in using either one.

Clint

ChemErik · Post by **ChemErik** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 11:13 am

I use one after every shave and love it. I have very oily skin and the alum really keeps the oil and shine down. I haven't heard from anyone without oily skin who like alum, so if your skin isn't oily, it's not likely for you. Of course, you could be the exception, so at least try one and if you don't like it, unload the others.

george · Post by **george** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 11:19 am

If you are going to liquidate, I might be interested in a block...

jww · Post by **jww** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 12:25 pm

Occam wrote:I use one after every shave.

It's an aluminium salt and acts primarily as an astringent and antiperspirant. It eliminates sweat burn and I have not had red spots or rashes on my neck since using it.

The astrongency also IMO improves the appearance of quick shaves and makes more fussy shaves look superlative.

I love it and the slight sting it gives. Will show up poor technique too.

There have been quite a few threads on this in the past -- unfortunately, I can't get the search function to work at the moment, so I can't provide links. Perhaps some time later.

Personally, I have been using an alum block after every shave for some time now. I do supplement with My Nik is Sealed or Clubman's Nick Relief.

It was free so go ahead and use it for a week or so, and see what results are for you.

BTW -- fwiw, alum blocks don't leave those tell-tale white patches on your face after using them. Neither does My Nik is Sealed, for that matter.

drumana · Post by **drumana** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 2:37 pm

I tried an alum block for a short while, but it seemed to irritate my skin... I haven't used one in over a year.

RazorRamone · Post by **RazorRamone** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 3:05 pm

I would gladly off-load a couple of these but the cost of shipping would be more than the actual cost of a block.

RR

notthesharpest · Post by **notthesharpest** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 3:08 pm

I normally like jww's advice, and I heartily endorse his soap recommendation;

but I think his alum advice is backwards.

My version: Try not using it for a while, and see if you consistently have any of the problems that an alum block is supposed to be good for. I'm convinced that, in the majority of cases, alum is a solution in search of a problem. My evidence is in the fact that there isn't even general agreement on a short specific list of what it is good for. Whenever this question comes up, there are a few differing and non-specific reasons given for the use of alum after shaving, and a general and non-specific exhortation to try it.

I'm sure it's good for something. I'm also pretty sure that what it's good for doesn't involve shaving.

Occam · Post by **Occam** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 3:09 pm

The key is using them properly.

After my final pass I'll leave my face wet after a warm rinse.

Then I'll pass the block over my wet face. I don't wet the block itself.

I put the alum block face up on the side I used it into a small cardboard box (old soap box that I change every time a new soap is used). Next time I use it I hold it so the unused side (bottom) goes on my face and then ends face up etc...

I then go about washing out my brush with the alum film on my face. Keep your mouth shut during this as you don't want to ingest it.

After the brush is shaken dry - maybe 30 secs has elapsed.

I then wash my face off with cold water and dry with a towel. Then I use an alcohol/witch hazel blend I made up.

About 5 minutes later... after I dress and my face is dried I'll put on some coral skin food. Works beautifully.

PS: An alum block is not for nicks or cuts, though its astringency helps with those. I can't remember the last time I got a nick, cut or even weeper its been that long; but the alum still does its trick of antiperspirant action. I know that if I don't use it I'll get a stinging sensation on my face as soon as I step out into the subtropical climate here and perspire

ChemErik · Post by **ChemErik** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:44 pm

I agree totally with Occam on how to use the alum. Ok, I keep mine on a plastic dish, not in a box, but that's so minor I'm not sure it counts. I also think it's only for oily skin or heavy perspiration.

DEF · Post by **DEF** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:56 pm

I have noticed that using an alum block improves my skin tone. I don't know why; perhaps it stimulates circulation. I use an underarm deodorant that is essentially the same stuff -- a big crystal of mineral salt. I have been very impressed with its performance, too. I concur that alum has mild styptic properties, but only for minor "weepers."

Boyextraordinare · Post by **Boyextraordinare** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 12:59 am

I like keeping my face protected but not with something that dries.

I use baby oil.

Seals in moisture, gives me shine (blot it off my face just enough) and creates a barrier between body and the environment.

If you want to take things a step further, upgrade to baby oil's big brother, P. Jelly.

This is the best underarm solution, IMO.

It doesn't keep you dry at all - in fact it keeps you moist - but you won't sweat, because you're coated.

Neither mineral oil nor petroleum jelly clogs the pores. In fact, they're the mildest, simplest, least expensive and most effective moisturizers one can use. (P. Jelly is the most effective moisturizer/water retainer, while Baby Oil is either second or third, the last ingredient in the equation being lanolin oil, which, I believe, can clog pores.)

Nevertheless use either product on your wet skin immediately after a shower, blot excess off with a towel, and you're done for the day. Moist as one can be - and odor free.

Occam · Post by **Occam** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 3:31 am

Boyextraordinare wrote: If you want to take things a step further, upgrade to baby oil's big brother, P. Jelly.

This is the best underarm solution, IMO.

To be fair I haven't tried this, and nor do I think I would since it sounds like a recipe for tinea

giammi · Post by **giammi** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 4:23 am

Occam wrote:I use one after every shave.

It's an aluminium salt and acts primarily as an astringent and antiperspirant. It eliminates sweat burn and I have not had red spots or rashes on my neck since using it.

The astrongency also IMO improves the appearance of quick shaves and makes more fussy shaves look superlative.

I love it and the slight sting it gives. Will show up poor technique too.

+1

I use it everyday too and can recommend it.

Occam · Post by **Occam** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 4:43 am

Squire wrote:I have one but have never used it, some shavers use it post shave and they my chime in, it's cheap and useful in the event you ever find a use.

Squire, its ironic that the thing that originally made me go for a block of alum was finding it on a legal regalia supplies website that I happened on when I started wetshaving...

Ludlows - Barrister's wigs, gowns, collars, tunics and Geo F Trumper
Block of Alum. The orginal antiseptic aftershave. Slightly astringent and very refreshing. $38.50 · Body Scrub. Fragranced with Extract of Limes. ...
www.ludlows.com.au/ludlows/spitfire.jsp?c_id=10004 - Similar pages

The barristers know their stuff obviously.