The Ultimate Skincare Essential: Taylor of Old Bond Street Alum Block Review

I bought this product for personal use. Great alum block! Ideal to finish off a traditional shave. I've had it for 3 years now and still have plenty to use!

Excellent product. As a newbie to wet shaving I wasn't sure about the need for this little bar but after my first shave I was convinced of its value. It stings a little when applied, but it's more of a refreshing sensation than a pain. It does an excellent job of stopping irritation and bleeding from cuts from the shave itself. This is a must have for anyone who uses a razor. Does not dry out the skin and leaves no odor. I would buy again and recommend to everyone!

Huge block of alum. Ideal for stopping bleeding from cuts you sustain while shaving. Perfectly tightens the skin after shaving.

Works great on irritated skin, the block lasted me 6 months and will last much longer. It soothes, although it leaves a small film. Although it is not visible, it remains. Effective on nicks and cuts. UPDATE (4/2011): I still have the block. Since I continued to wet shave, I had to use it less often. However, the block began to crumble around the edges. I believe it will be useful for another 2 years.

Works as described I use mine after every wet shave. I tend to have cuts around my Adam's apple and that stops them quickly. Very happy with the product.

This product will make your pores more beautiful after a week of use. I shave with a mechanical safety razor (ie single blade) and it works wonders. I apply hot water, apply Aveda Composition Pure-formance Oil to shaved area, apply shaving cream, shave, rinse with warm water and wet block with warm water, rub all over my face and both sides of my neck . (wet as needed), brush your teeth and allow the water to cool, then rinse with ice water. Finish with L'Occitane Cade Light After Shave Balm…

This is an alum block like many other alum blocks. It's small; I would say the physical size is around 2.5 x 1.5 x 1 inches. If you've never used an alum block as an aftershave or even as a deodorant, this is a fantastic product. You will not regret this purchase.

Cools and soothes after the shave (also has good anti-slip properties if you run your fingers through the razor's metal handle like my Merkur Progress does). It also has very good astringent properties. This prevents bleeding from minor cuts/scratches, but a full cut still requires a hemostatic, but I feel this is within the scope of the product so it works a little better than expected for Alum versus a hemostatic . Good product; If I could I would rate 6/5!

If you've never shaved with a safety razor or straight razor, get a block of alum to mend any cuts you have doubts about to shave your face. Even after you've gone through the cutting phase, nothing seems to soothe your freshly shaved skin like a damp block of alum. I've had a block of Taylor of Old Bond Street alum for a few months now and it's a lovely part of my shaving ritual. One block is enough for a very, very long time. Highly recommended.