Thread: stretching problem

I'm kind of out of practice (I've been using a DE for the last year) but this old problem has never gotten any better.

Skin stretching is really hard for me. My skin is slippery after my pass,even with dry fingers, and its hard to get a good grip on my skin so the shave is not quite as good as I'd like. Anybody have any good tips or tricks on how to get a good grip?

Alum Block its not just for post shave!

I set mine out and put a couple drops of water on it rub my fingers on it, its like stick-um for stretching cuts through most of the lather and give a firm grip.

The ability to grip while shaving was easily as big a plus as what the alum can tell you about your shave afterwards (rubbing it on your face little to no burn with clean shave = good job).
Not to mention it great for the face.

Originally Posted by TeMpTiN

Alum Block its not just for post shave!

I set mine out and put a couple drops of water on it rub my fingers on it, its like stick-um for stretching cuts through most of the lather and give a firm grip.

The ability to grip while shaving was easily as big a plus as what the alum can tell you about your shave afterwards (rubbing it on your face little to no burn with clean shave = good job).
Not to mention it great for the face.

Good idea. Question about it being sticky....
I used a styptic pencil to seal a cut and then re lathered....the styptic make my skin sticky and the lather wouldn't even stay on the little spot where I had the cut. I didn't even use a lot, just dabbed it. Is that how the alum feels?

Hello, Salazch:

I rarely have a problem stretching because of slippery conditions. When that problem does occur, though, I use the alum block the way our good friend TeMpTin has described. It works.

Regards,

Obie

The alum block doesn't leave a residue that prevents lather from staying on, in my experience. I've also noticed that doing a good job of drying my "free" hand and after a good pass leaves me able to stretch easily. I never use the alum block any more during my shaves because stretching isn't a problem anymore. However, alum does help.

Sometimes aluminum sometimes a small piece of tissue or toilet paper. Either one helps.

I've had the same issue with styptics, but the alum block doesn't have the same concentration. I used to have the same problem until a buddy sent me an alum block - holy cow. Not only is it a great thing before the aftershave, if you wet your fingers and just touch it, it allows you to hold your skin without leaving any residue. YMMV, but it works great for me!

My understanding from other threads is that the Alum in block form (usually potassium alum) is different from most styptic pencils (aluminium sulfate, titanium dioxide, or sometimes potassium alum).

My block acts differently than my styptic pencil if I try to do the same things. The block does not stop nicks as well as styptic.

After you apply Alum post shave you face will tingle or perhaps have an itchy sensation for a couple of minutes while the Alum does its thing.
Make sure you rinse well after, Like many others here I use a bit of Witch Hazel after to make sure everything is clear weather i use Alum or not.

I have a towel rack on my immediate left so I can always reach over if my stretching hand gets wet. Alternatively do as the old barbers did and throw a small towel over your shoulder to keep your stretching hand dry. Works well to wipe lather off of the blade if you don't rinse under the faucet too.

I always have a microfiber towel in my pocket when I shave (and I always wear pants when I shave, so if the razor falls, it can't hit anything important)

The towel is good for wiping lather off the blade, wiping lather off my face, drying my hands, and putting a corner of it over a finger allows me to stretch lathered skin really well.