There has been discussion about Alum Block. I was wondering there so many different brands of Alum Block is one brand better then others? I currently use witch hazel after each shave, does Alum Block replace the witch hazel or would one use both?
My Dad use to add a little Alum powder to his Witch-Hazel and shake it before he splashed....When he was 80 he still didn't have a wrinkle on his neck....Stingraysrock was doing that for a while...check with him and see if he's still doing it...
I do not use alum as an aftershave but it sure does make a good deodorant. It is also great for adding a little grip to your hands if you are using a potentially slippery razor such as the PILS (no knurling).
Im using Osma bloc (its very good) after saying that Ive only used that so maybe there is better out there , cant say much about witch-hazel as ive never used it
I just use the cheapest. Excellent aftershave and an incredible deoderant: http://connaughtshaving.com/alumblocks.html
If I feel like I need a little extra assurance against a post shave needle point blood spot, or I have nicked myself or gotten a little irritation, I rub my face or just the area of concern with the no-name $2 alum block after a hot rinse. Then after tidying up the sink, I'll give a cold water rinse and follow with Thayer's witch hazel and then my balm or aftershave splash. Works great for me. Life without Thayer's witch hazel is a terrible prospect in my book. I LOVE the stuff!
I use Alum every shave. I have been using the block from Appleton's Barber Supply. It was a gift from Stingraysrock.
Brad, I use both alum and WH. I see alum as more of an antiseptic and healer of fresh-shaven skin and WH as cleanser and an astringent to close off or tighten the skin. By definition, pure WH contains 14% alcohol because of the distilling process. Here's my routine: Shave Warm water rinse Alum bloc rub rinsed in cold water (let sit for 1 minute) Cold water rinse Witch Hazel splash liberally (let sit for 1 minute) AS/ASB Hope that helps.
I use the Razo Rock alum stick because it's easier for my clumsy old hands to hang onto. I'm just guessing but as far as I know an alum block is an alum block.
I just recently started using an alum block that I purchased from our own TSD store and I use it exactly like Randy does, including the witch hazel after.
The alum does tighten the skin aswell....So use both....as you get older it will help your chin and neck skin defy gravity...
No hard fast rules with this one, and several ways to apply it. Some like to rub the block on their wet skin after their final rinse, while others get the block wet and the rub it on their skin. After that it can be left to dry for a couple of minutes and then rinsed off before applying balm/aftershave, or have balm/aftershave applied over the top without rinsing. Whatever you find works best for you.
Yup. I'm one who rubs a wet block all over my wet face, let it set a minute or two, rinse, pat the face try, apply aftershave or cologne just to smell good for my wife.
Unless you use alcohol-free Thayer's proprietary brand which isn't distilled, and that leaves a lot of tannins (any of you wine connoisseurs know what I'm talking about) which I find leave sort of a sticky feeling for a few minutes. When it's dried out, I apply a balm or a good moisturizer. Otherwise, I do exactly what you do.
My routine is like this: 1. Shave 2. Cold water rinse 3. Alum block rinsed in cold water (let sit 30 seconds to a minute" 4. Cold water rinse 5. Tend Skin or Baxter's of California Herbal Mint Toner 6. Proraso Post Shave or Grooming Lounge Aftershave
