I like the clever design of this. Being enclosed in a protective screw tight case makes it very handy for travel in a variety of ways. I prefer my Osma block at home (I love the ‘ice cube’ like feel of it) but I really love traveling with this Omega alum because of the case. I do use it at home too. It sits well on the shelf or by the sink. It is certainly smooth enough new to be irritation free. Alum blocks are not very costly. I recommend getting this and the Osma block so you can compare. Both are very fine products and either would likely last you nearly for life.

Every now and again, there is the eventual "nick". Only had to use it once, and it did the job without a problem.

I’m new to wet shaving so I have a few cuts from time to time. The alum stick seals the cuts. The stick makes it easy to use. Since it’s small, I can use it for travel too. The price was very reasonable.

This alum seems to sting less than a styptic pencil and doesn't taste as bad when it gets in my mouth. I don't recommend tasting it on purpose as its still horrible. However it does stop the nicks from bleeding. Still nick myself sometimes on the 2nd pass. Great product that i wish i had bought when i just started wet shaving.