Proper way to store a styptic pencil

What is the proper way to store a styptic pencil? I placed mine in a small shot glass and the result looks like this. It has developed these hard spikes and is no longer useful. 

I have one of those small, skinny Pinaud styptic pencils that come in it's own thin plastic sleeve with a cover.  There are holes to allow moisture to escape so it prevents those sharp spikes from forming.    I just keep mine in it's case in the medicine cabinet standing up.  Fortunately I don't find myself using it all that much but on that rare occassion it's there and does what it's supposed to do.

I keep one in my GoBag in the little hard plastic sleeve it came in. So far I've not had to actually use it...

I use Shavex alum block. It comes in a plastic case.

I think a styptic pencil is just powdered alum and a binder.

(07-19-2020, 09:22 AM)MntnMan62 Wrote: I have one of those small, skinny Pinaud styptic pencils that come in it's own thin plastic sleeve with a cover.  There are holes to allow moisture to escape so it prevents those sharp spikes from forming.    I just keep mine in it's case in the medicine cabinet standing up.  Fortunately I don't find myself using it all that much but on that rare occassion it's there and does what it's supposed to do.

+1

I just keep mine in the drawer for the occasions that I need it.  No tube, no sleeve.

Yours can be salvaged.  Sand the spikey parts off the business end using an emery board.  Or even wipe the spikey parts  back and forth on a wet wash cloth until they're gone.
Store it where it can dry.

(07-19-2020, 05:40 PM)David Wrote: I use Shavex alum block.  It comes in a plastic case.

I think a styptic pencil is just powdered alum and a binder.

I think you're correct.  But I have found the need for a binder after an especially bad shave when alum wasn't able to stop the bleeding.  That is rare mind you.  But it's happened.

Try these from Phil at BGS https://bullgooseshaving.com/products/sal-styptic-matches-pocket-size?_pos=3&_sid=36a0ad2a9&_ss=r

I use the Proraso styptic gel. feels like diluted crazy glue. Washes off easily after completing the task. The last time I used it was a cooking nick on one knuckle that wouldn't stop bleeding. Worked like a charm. For more serious cuts I use a chinese herb called Yunnan Baiyao. I pour the powdered herb on the cut, scrape etc apply a bandage and the bleeding stops quickly.

I go months and months without the need of one but what I do use is one that's sort of a liquid with a roller ball applicator and a twist off cap, like some underarm deodorants. Very convenient and smart. It's about the size of chapstick.

I don't use a styptic very often - I have a fat one one that dates back to the late 60's or early 70's .. it has lived well all these grisly years in the original plastic tube as supplied .. just one crack ..

I also have a travel Pinaud in the skinny plastic tube, but when I get more than a weeper I usually reach for the powdered stuff I got from my barber - Nick Relief works better than the styptic or the liquids I've tried

I'd say the proper way to store a styptic pencil is in the trash can!
I haven't used a styptic pencil in years! In fact, the last time I used it was to stop the bleeding when I trimmed my dog's nails too short.
Honestly, you're better off with an alum block instead.