In praise of Alum

I started using this "crystal deodorant stone" (potassium alum) for post-shave daily in early January 2020. 
By November 9, 2023 it looked like this:



So, I cut the stub out of the handle and I'm still using it daily.



Most crystal deodorants are made from ammonium alum, or else they don't say at all, but this brand (and all others by Deodorant Stones of America) is indeed potassium alum. The best part is that you get twice the product by weight (120 g) for almost the same price as the smaller ones intended for post-shave, like the 60 g Omega alum stick.
The wider diameter gives much faster coverage too.

Does it also work as a deodorant? I don't know and I don't care.

I had a different brand, but same idea. Just like a stick deodorant. I like the rounded top for applying to the face. It lasts forever and it is cheap. I originally had it for deodorant than started using it for shaving though I don't use it much right now. They are great multitaskers for most folks.

It does last forever - I actually converted my shave alum to antiperspirant.

I started using this "crystal deodorant stone" (potassium alum) for post-shave daily in early January 2020. 
By November 9, 2023 it looked like this:



So, I cut the stub out of the handle and I'm still using it daily.



Most crystal deodorants are made from ammonium alum, or else they don't say at all, but this brand (and all others by Deodorant Stones of America) is indeed potassium alum. The best part is that you get twice the product by weight (120 g) for almost the same price as the smaller ones intended for post-shave, like the 60 g Omega alum stick.
The wider diameter gives much faster coverage too.

Does it also work as a deodorant? I don't know and I don't care.

I had a different brand, but same idea. Just like a stick deodorant. I like the rounded top for applying to the face. It lasts forever and it is cheap. I originally had it for deodorant than started using it for shaving though I don't use it much right now. They are great multitaskers for most folks.

It does last forever - I actually converted my shave alum to antiperspirant.

Mine started as deodorant and became shave alum!!!

Can somebody help me understand the purpose of Alum block in the modern world? I understand in the ancient world where distillation of fermented liquids did not exits that salts provided some antiseptic properties, and thus was useful for after shaving and wound management. But, with modern aftershaves, Witchazel and other products far more effective in sanitizing the face after a shave (and more comfortable, smell better, less drying, etc.) why use this old method?

Also, I would like to echo someone up thread-if you are getting razor burn from any sort of single edge shaving device you are doing something wrong.....too much pressure for sure. Other things possible too.

Can somebody help me understand the purpose of Alum block in the modern world? I understand in the ancient world where distillation of fermented liquids did not exits that salts provided some antiseptic properties, and thus was useful for after shaving and wound management. But, with modern aftershaves, Witchazel and other products far more effective in sanitizing the face after a shave (and more comfortable, smell better, less drying, etc.) why use this old method?

Also, I would like to echo someone up thread-if you are getting razor burn from any sort of single edge shaving device you are doing something wrong.....too much pressure for sure. Other things possible too.

I like how it feels, simple as that.

I once read a beautiful haiku that perfectly sums up my thoughts about rubbing salt onto freshly shaved skin:

Do I need alum?

No no no no no no no

No no no no no

So moving, arigato to the original poet

I once read a beautiful haiku that perfectly sums up my thoughts about rubbing salt onto freshly shaved skin:

Do I need alum?

No no no no no no no

No no no no no

So moving, arigato to the original poet

Ha! Disagree but hilarious

I guess it closes pores (tried it yesterday because I have a few sticks around that are new).  I do prefer witch hazel for this but I get it if it works for you.

I have an embarrassing question guys. Can I use the shards of my shattered alum block on my face? They’re not smooth unlike the surface of the block, nevertheless the chemical benefit seem like they would still apply.

They'll eventually smooth off again as you use it. They are cheap enough to just replace if it's too uncomfortable until it smooths out. That's my thoughts anyway.

I like how it feels, simple as that.

Yup. It extends the whole rewarding ritual of shaving.
And — it prepares you for the sting of the aftershave splash.