Alum Block Use & Storage

Even though we can use the alum block before shaving to make our hands sticky to hang onto our razors better, when trying to use it after a shave to apply it to your face it can be quite slippery.  I dropped my previous one multiple times due to it being so small.  Also, storage of the block is critical as you don't want it to sit in a pool of water otherwise it will disintegrate faster.  Below pictures are actually not my original ideas as I stole them from a vendor I was browsing.  But it made me think of doing this and it has helped me tremendously and thought I would share in case it may help you also.

The rubber band on the end makes the block much easier to hang onto.  The purple pad is very porous so after I pat the block dry I can set it on the pad to allow better air circulation for complete drying.  Bowl is just used to keep it all together as I store it in plastic cabinet so everything isn't scattered all around the sink.

Hope this helps some of you.

Thanks -They are slippery - I may have to try the rubber band trick, as I can't recall ever getting to the end of an alum block before dropping it in the sink or to the tiled floor (it never falls the short distance to the shave towel).  Here's my solution to drying out between uses ..

garyg, that works!!  

Ok, based on the recommendation of experts (Gary and Chappy), I got an Alum Block from Gentleman Jon.  Tried it out today.  After shaving, I got it wet and ran it around my face, feeling some owies I never knew were there.  Slight razor burn here and there, maybe?  Dull blade maybe?  I dunno.  Anyway, after I was done, it felt like I had a fine sand on my face from the alum block.  I rinsed it off.  Afterwards, my face felt kinda tight and uncomfortable.  About a half hour later, I used some Cella aftershave balm, and it seemed to be ok after that.  Was I using it wrong?
Thanks,
- Bax

Not sure about the Expert appellation, but I have used alum for maybe a dozen years.  One of the functions of an alum bar is to point out deficiencies in the shave .. nicks & burn etc. sting as the alum is applied.    Most guys rinse it off pretty soon after application, I have on occasion left it unrinsed & suffered no ill effects on my rough old hide.  

I apply like you did - I rinse the shave soap off, then run the alum over the area.  Next time rinse it with either water or maybe witch hazel after a couple minutes.

Ah, ok.  Thanks, Gary... I guess I'm sorta using it right, then! 
And as a bonus, I can tell how deficient my shaving is!
  (I'm kinda surprised it's not worse...)
  ;-)
- Bax

You are using it correctly.  After shaving I rinse with cold water to remove any residue shave soap, again use cold water to apply alum block, leave it about 1 minute (rinse out razor during this time), rinse alum block off, and while face is still damp apply Nivia sensitive skin shave balm.  Leaving the face damp helps to distribute the shave balm better so I don't have to use as much if face was dry.

Yes any stinging from the alum block are nicks, weepers, irritation, etc. from the shave.  Remember, alum is also a disinfectant.  If a weeper or nick insists on still bleeding rewet the alum block and hold on the weeper or nick for like 30 seconds or so to stop it.  The dryness you feel is because the alum will also help close your pores which is why I only leave it on about a minute and apply shave balm immediately after.  Nivea dries fully and after it dries then I apply aftershave or cologne depending on what I'm doing that day (about the time I finish cleaning everything up).

When I use alum I let it remain and dry until I’ve finished rinsing the brush clean. That takes perhaps up to a minute. Then as Gary recommends, a rinse with witch hazel and then cold water. Pat dry gently and then the aftershave splash. During the winter months as an added bonus, I apply a wee bit of organic, unrefined shea butter.

Who knew there could be so many steps and potions!?!? And to think for all those years I buzzed my face quickly with an electric razor and called it good! I was missing all the barber fun I guess?
:-)
- Bax

Alum is a salt. Please don't rub it on your ear of corn tho. It is the salt that was rubbed into a wound before antibiotics were discovered. Rinsing after a minute will tone the skin but consistent longer applications will be very drying to the skin. I never shave without having my alum block handy. I save the small chips for shaving while traveling. You can also get the alum in a tube much like shaving soap in a tube. I like the bar bare but I am intrigued with the rubber band hack.

I've never owned alum in my life.