Yup. The "women's" I have states potassium alum. That was the only reason I purchased it. I have a RazoRock alum block and before purchasing the crystal deodorant stick I checked to verify the type of alum - potassium.

Do you use one for "finger grip"?

Initially in my foray into the SR realm, I tried the fingertip alum application in order to make skin stretching easier. But I found after a number of shaves, it (the extra step with alum) wasn't really necessary.

+1 for technique trumping tools!

The feedback is why I recommend Alum to newbies. Pain is a powerful teacher, it's immediate, and it's not subjective. My skin is more oily than dry, so Alum remains my front line astringent, in lieu of witch hazel.

I use the block occasionally but have had really good luck with finely powdered alum mixed into my bottle of witch hazel. Just gotta give it a good shake first.

That's the one universal constant of wetshaving. It even trumps YMMV.

The stinging sensation is great feedback. One of the reason I recommend an alum block to all beginners... and it's cheap as hell to boot! I still use it after every shave as I find it helps a lot with keeping my sin clear of the remaining bits of acne I never got rid of from my teenage years.

I use prayer to clear my sin.
So glad He's patient.

That's what i get writing in a hurry

Amen.

I just picked up my first Alum block. I've been wet shaving 5+ years and have yet to try one out. I do love my Witch Hazel, but I want to see how this will preform.

And from this thread, it looks like Alum does have a long-life for many shaves.

The few times I've needed it, the combo of a heavy spray of WH immediately followed up by the dry block rubbed on the WH has had an excellent effect.

Alum will let you know how you performed as well. I experiment with different blades or types of razors so my results vary. The past month has been mostly Gillette Fat Boy shaves. I can tell when a blade doesn't agree with my skin by the heat from the alum. Considering it's your first time, use a razor that you know well. The report from alum will be spectacular if your technique is off.

I too am an alum block user. Apparently they are sold at Indian grocery stores. I have one a few miles away. So when my current block gives up the ghost, I'll check it out.

Unless someone drops it.

I'm still using alum. I put a thick rubber band around it and it does make holding it easier.

That's a neat tip! Gonna have to try that.

I was only using one side of my block. The other side developed sharp edges and got kind of crystallize. A little running water and rubbing with my thumb smoothed it out. Now I use both sides after every shave.