Just bought Pinaud's jumbo size the other day for $1.99. Stuck it in an empty glue stick tube to keep it intact. It should outlast me.
Another solid stick user. I like the stick, you can put it exactly where you need to with it. Not so much with the liquid. It gets smeared and goes all over the place, and suddenly it's 3:30p, you're in the bathroom at work, and notice that you've got a big chalky smear down your chin from using the gel this morning. Not for me.
I've used styptic pencils in the past. Anymore, if Witch Hazel doesn't stop the bleeding, that's what Band-Aids are for; and I haven't had to use a Band-Aid on my face in years. They do make those nifty styptic matchbooks now, so if I did use styptics now, that would be my choice.
If you're using it every day, you're right it won't last long. It also tells me you may have to refine your technique. I may have to use mine 4-5 times a year, and I shave every day, straight shave once a week.
In terms of function, I find that both work equally well and I end up buying whichever I can get my hands on at the local drug store. In terms of duration-of-possession, I have a slight preference for the liquid as I end up (eventually) using up the whole bottle. The sticks/solids, I usually end up dropping and throwing out before they're even close to used up.
