The Alum Test: does anyone ever pass?

donnie_arko said:
Likewise.

However, I sometimes use one in the really hot and humid days of the summer to wipe all over my face as an attempt (or token gesture) in trying to make my face less sweaty.
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That i will have to try...Working in a pipe mill next to a blast oven for 8-12 hours my back permanently feels like a swimming pool most of the time.
 
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Be careful what you mix together in case there is some weird chemical reaction.

I'm not even sure how safe alum is on its own. Although it seems to be OK for shaving use the advice I've had is to rinse it off your face after the stinging dies down and use it only every other day, not daily.

On the other hand lots of people do seem to use it as an antiperspirant where it's on the skin all day.
 
mcgruff said:
Be careful what you mix together in case there is some weird chemical reaction.

I'm not even sure how safe alum is on its own. Although it seems to be OK for shaving use the advice I've had is to rinse it off your face after the stinging dies down and use it only every other day, not daily.

On the other hand lots of people do seem to use it as an antiperspirant where it's on the skin all day.
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Just mix it with some powdered lead, a little asbestos, and some radium, all in a gasoline base, you'll be good to go. :poop:
 
Interesting question, which necessitated some research. My normal routine is a two pass, with and against, DFS, sometimes DFS+. Three gets BBS. The block often produces a mild sting unless I try to go to bare metal on a tough spot, then it gets serious. By the way, daily shaver after shower.

Methodology: After each pass, rinse the residual lather and apply the alum, evaluate, then wash face with soap and rinse well.

First trial, a blade with two shaves on it (Usually get 3-4).
First pass (WTG) - No stinging whatsoever, but the alum block was scratched pretty heavily.
Second pass (ATG) - Very slight sensation, not quite stinging, no scratches appearant on block.
Third Pass (XTG) - Very slight stinging in some places, block smooth.
(Not the standard order, but it works for me.)

Second trial, new blade.
First pass (WTG) - No stinging whatsoever.
Second pass (ATG) - No stinging.
Third Pass (XTG) - Very slight sensation.

I had expected a greater amount of sensation/stinging than I encountered, and the shaves were very smooth.

Could the effect of using the alum, even though washed and rinsed well between passes, have "tightened" my skin leading to a closer shave?

Been using the crystal alum sticks as a deodorant for years with good results. However, they do not prevent perspiration, that's aluminum chlorohydrate I believe.
 
I am using coconut oil before applying the soap; it's the only thing that works.
If I don't use it, after two or three days of shaving... I start scratching or cutting skin.
 
It's strange to look back on this. Three months ago I was learning to shave with my first DE razor: a mild Merkur open-comb although it didn't feel mild at the time (mind you Bics were probably not the best choice for a blade to learn with...).

Now I couldn't cut myself if I tried.
 
I was reading this thread thinking "What's all this stinging you're talking about? (I get a nice smooth shave with my DE 37C with occasional stinging if I use an alum block)." Well yeah, tried it after shaving with my new SR (where my approach at the moment is to keep going with the shaving passes until it feels like I've cut myself enough).
Yeah okay, stings a bit ;)
I managed to take a few too many layers of skin off from under my nose on Sunday. I'll be avoiding that area for a couple of days.
 
I always use an alum block, tbh even if I shave my hair off or get the barbers to shave it off it always stings a bit here or there...

In my experience ive noticed a lot of Asians/arab barbers and some Asians/arabs in general seem to use alum blocks,
I got an alum block from eBay UK for like £1.99 delivered but yesterday when I was at local grocery store it was 89p same size too

I also noticed they had like broken up alum pieces in a plastic sealed container for sale, not sure what that is exactly, any ideas anyone?
 
Sorry to ask a dumb question. I have used an alum block for years, is it an either or thing with witch hazel or should I try both? I get only a very mild sting from the alum block. I guess it may increase when I start the DE routine
 
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