[Seraphim]

Okay, so how does the alum block feel to you after a BBS shave?

[gssixgun]

We did a similar poll sometime back, about whether you used a Alum bar before or after the cold water rinse...
Myself I use the Alum as a judgement of how smooth my shave really was, so I use it before the cold water....
On a normal shave, the only sting that I ever feel is on either side of my adam's apple on my neck and usually very slight...

[fpessanha]

I never experienced a full BBS shave, but I've had some great shaves, almost perfect shaves. When a razor is at it's peak and my face is rested I get virtualy no stinging from the alum-block. But if my skin is a bit sensitive and the razor is below par I might get some nice wake-me-up-stinging... But stops right away. But the first time I used an alum block... wooo! It stung like Hell! No more DE shaves for me, thanks!

[Seraphim]

So far it it matches my results....

although one time I did have a pain free post BBS shave alum application. It has not been duplicated since.

[ben.mid]

I've tried alum when i haven't shaved just to see if it still stings. It does on my skin! I knew my shaves were fine! It stings, but it stings good!

[Ditch Doc]

Why do you use an alum block?

[Seraphim]

Originally Posted by ben.mid

I've tried alum when i haven't shaved just to see if it still stings. It does on my skin! I knew my shaves were fine! It stings, but it stings good!

Interesting experiment. Thanks, I'll try that sometime myself...

[BFMC AJ]

Well...some mornings it takes a minute to put my eyes back in their sockets.

[CloseShave]

I use alum time to time because:

• It's bracing
• It's antiseptic
• It gives my skin a smooth glow

[Seraphim]

Originally Posted by Ditch Doc

Why do you use an alum block?

It gives us all the same look you have in your avatar, and then some!

It is an antiseptic, and it tightens up your pores after shaving.

[Bart]

I always use the alum block, after the cold water rinse.
I doesn't sting, except at shaving blemishes, if they occur.

Sure, I can feel a mild astringent effect, but it's more a titillating sensation than something painful.

[thebigspendur]

I didn't vote but it varies. Sometimes it stings a little and sometimes it doesn't and sometimes it depends on different areas of the face. Its one of the ways I know when a razor is getting close to needing a touchup honing.

[wopmanfixit]

I use after the rinse. I like the feel of my skin after using it. Sometimes it stings, sometimes it doesn't. I'll have to start paying more attention, I never thought about it being an indication of blade sharpness.

[Spike J]

I use alum to stop the bleeding I will try it all over tomorrow, which I have not done in a while, in order to see if it still smarts as much as alcohol on fresh shaved skin

[majurey]

Like Glen, I use the alum primarily to judge my shave. Those bits that sting tell me that I've been too heavy with the touch. It has got to the stage where I pretty much know exactly where it's going to sting before I use it. When I do achieve BBS and zero sting, that's an indication of a GREAT shave .

Happens about once every three shaves. The first time I used alum I thought I was going to die, it hurt that much. So it's a great way to improve your technique.

[RichZ]

I use it every now and again to get the face to tighten...It is a great feel.

[SteveS]

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I didn't vote but it varies. Sometimes it stings a little and sometimes it doesn't and sometimes it depends on different areas of the face.

Exactly my experience. I'd vote between no sting and bracing if that were an option.