Thread: Another stupid ??? Alum vs Styptic

So Ive been using a styptic pencil for my little knicks but I've also adapted it as a post shave process just like the Alum block is used. I'm sorry if this has been covered before but does the Alum block burn as much as the styptic pencil? I know its a slightly different composition thats why I ask...

No, it does not
Try using an Alum instead.
Using the styptic pencil is a tad much as a regular stringent imho

Scottie,,, they work differently & for different reasons. I use both,, styptic for cuts & alum to clean post shave minor bacteria that might somehow collect on my freshly shaved face, tiny abrasive patches that I might not see or feel till later. Alum is more a "preventive measure" for me. I do notice that since using it for the past 5 years, it helps with acne. After the alum is applied heavy & wet,,, I dab it off with a cold wet towel, about 5 minutes later.

I'm no doctor, but I believe the amount of "burn" with the styptic will be consistant with the size of the cut you are treating.

Yea the reason I'm asking is that I use a styptice pencil for cuts but just for S's & G's I've tried using a styptic across my whole face and it burns everywhere, regardless of the amount of blood drawn. I let it sit for a minute or so then rinse with cold water and then aftershave balm...

I'll get myself an alum block and see how it feels

A search in the Wiki often helps: Alum - Straight Razor Place Library vs. Styptic Pencil - Straight Razor Place Library.

Shop around I found that it was pretty cheap on ebay. However I haven't used it for ages as I really don't like it. Try without and see how you go.

Originally Posted by RobinK

A search in the Wiki often helps: Alum - Straight Razor Place Library vs. Styptic Pencil - Straight Razor Place Library.

lol fail... I should have looked there my bad