So, Ive been DE shaving for nearly a month and have already amassed far too many bits and bobs. the only thing missinbg from my repetoire is Alum/styptic of any sort.
I do cut myself on occassion so its clearly necessary. Whats the difference between Alum and styptic and how quickly do they help the cut heal? ie, I cut myself shaving low nech area, apply alum - would I be able to put a white shirt on within 10 mins withour looking like Id been to sweeeny todd?
I think Alum and styptic are similar compounds but I suspect they're not quite identical. Styptic seems faster and harder acting, to me anyway, so if you cut yourself often and badly I think styptic works better.
Alum is a general astringent, it will tighten the skin all over and will also help to close tiny nicks.
I could probably do without but I usually have a block anyway (as a deo) so it does come in handy for the odd weeper, if and when they occur.
Alum is a styptic but a milder one than a styptic pencil/match/powder...
Alum in this case is potassium aluminium sulphate decahydrate - styptic pencils (and the like) are generally a low-hydrate content aluminium sulphate & talcum compressed into a stick. The fact of the lower water content and the talc means it is a stronger styptic action.
Alum, other than crisping pickles, was used in health care for centuries. It has astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and antibiotic effects. It's basically a 1st aid kit in stone.
As HM says, if you're cutting yourself, get a styptic pencil as nothing else will stop a gusher (i.e. something that will threaten the shirt collar). If you have the odd tiny spot nick, alum will look after it perfectly well, there won't even be a trace. Horses for courses, but I've not had anything yet that needed anything other than an alum block.
(I lie, I did once slice open my finger with a blade but only bandages were stopping that one).