Thread: Bloc Osma Alum Block

Or any Alum Block really:

I understand they do a great job of closing the pours and relieving razor burn, so I thought I would give it a shot for those days when I haven’t been as gentle to myself as I should. It's only ten bucks after all. The question is, do you use it and then apply aftershave, or is it meant to replace an aftershave altogether?

Thanks for your help!

I rinse my face after shaving, then wet the alum block and apply all over my wet face and neck. It burns, but I suppose that's because I'm not good enough yet. I let it sit for 30 seconds to a minute while I clean up around the sink a bit. Then I rinse it off, pat my face dry with a towel, and put on aftershave.

I use it after I shave, leave it on whilst I dry the razor, rinse my brush etc, then I rinse it off, dry my face and apply aftershave. But I guess it's probably one or the other more most people.

Pores doesn't open or close. I use it just as the two posters above me. It doesn't replace aftershave, just a step in the post shave process. Also I use it throughout the shave to provide grip.

I use the Shavex brand after every shave, let it stay on as I clean and strop the razor for the next session. I then use the hot towel that I removed the creme with to "tap" a little off my face. Then it is witch hazel all over the face; let the hazel dry as I finish dressing; then apply aftershave.

Originally Posted by str8fan

Or any Alum Block really:

I understand they do a great job of closing the pours and relieving razor burn, so I thought I would give it a shot for those days when I haven’t been as gentle to myself as I should. It's only ten bucks after all. The question is, do you use it and then apply aftershave, or is it meant to replace an aftershave altogether?

Thanks for your help!

Hello, Str8fan: Alum is a superb astringent. My shave is never without it. Here is my routine: after the shave, I rinse with tepid water, run the alum under cold water and apply it all over my Hollywood face, pat the alum dry and put it away, rinse my face with cold water, apply Thayer's Super Medicated Witch Hazel with Alow Vera (I like witch hazel), apply aftershave balm (mostly Trumper's Coral Skin Food), and, after putting the razor and brush away, then I apply aftershave of the day.

Or, if you want, you can rinse off the alum with cold water, pat your face dry, and you're done.

Alum is in a class by itself shave wise. It's not an aftershave strictly speaking even though you apply it after shaving. You know how they sell this product "Skin Bracer"? Well Alum will really brace your skin especially if your technique isn't really good. Like Obie said it's an astringent. I usually apply it after shaving and then clean up the gear and by then rinse it by applying witch hazel.

By the way check out this Turkish site in NYC whose name escapes me now (I'm sure one of the guys will know it). They sell alum dirt cheap.

Gentlemen: The Turkish site is Tulumba, where I buy my alum in large quantities. Here is the link:

Turkish Music, Turkish Food, Evil Eye Jewelry, Movies, Grocery Shopping & Books - Tulumba.com

Wow, thanks for all the help guys! This place really is a resource. I'll give it a shot and report back on the reviews!

Originally Posted by Obie

Gentlemen: The Turkish site is Tulumba, where I buy my alum in large quantities. Here is the link:

Turkish Music, Turkish Food, Evil Eye Jewelry, Movies, Grocery Shopping & Books - Tulumba.com

Evil Eye jewelry eh? No wonder Obie loves that site-har har.