Okay, haven't been shaving this way too long, but I think it's obvious that we all need a styptic pencil at one time or another. I wasn't a big fan of how unsanitary they usually are, though (putting it on your open cuts time after time), so I just bought THIS on eBay. Basically they're little 'matchbooks' with 20 mini DISPOSABLE styptic pencils in each - from Turkey. Plus, they're a pretty good deal - I got 12 books (240 sticks) for about $10.50 US. Anyone tried these before? I'm looking forward to trying them out (and not at the same time).
They'll work, I have a styptic pencil that I use for minor cuts. I think I've used it once on my face, it'll last a lifetime.
Yeah, that's pretty much how long I expect these to last... As I get better I hope I'll never cut myself, but as it is I can't help cutting myself at least once every week or two (some worse than others).
Last time I loaded up on styptic pencils from wal-mart was the last time I needed one. I have four or five of the large clubmans in a drawer in used.
I have a worn thumb-sized chunk of alum that, judging by the primitive box, may be from the 1920s. It works but I hardly ever cut meself anymore.
Unless you plan on sharing it with someone else, there's nothing unsanitary about re-using a styptic pencil. Any germs would be dead within 24 hours, and they're your germs anyway. The nice thing about DE shaving is that everything lasts forever -- soap, blades (if you buy in bulk) alum and styptic pencils too. It's very environmentally sound in that sense. Only reason to buy 12 styptic pencils is to share with 11 of your friends
I bought my styptic pencil(Clubman), when I first began "traditional" shaving, about 3 years ago and have only used it 3-4 times. I think buying a bunch of styptic pencils and giving them to friends is a "GREAT" idea, it not only would be a nice, useful gift, but would also be a good way to promote "traditional" shaving to your friends.!!
Yes they work. I had a vendor through in 2 books with an order some a few years back. Gave one to my neighbor and kept one. I only used about three of them so they will last you a while.
I had a book of alum matches come free with some blades when I bought my first Muhle de. I used them a couple of times and they were fine. However. I soon purchased a full osma alum bloc that I use on the whole face religiously. Even tho I've never cut myself in 4 months. But using a bloc does do more than just closing a small nick with a pencil/ match. I had some friends stating with us overvchristmas, and he was keen to try a safety razor as I was giving him both barrels about using fusions. I loaded up a blade into my weishi, and gave him all the gear. He absolutely loved it. But did cut himself two real good nicks on his lip. He said he always cuts himself there. I gave him an alum match and to be fair we were both surprised how well it worked.
