I am new to using an alum block. I picked up a no name alum block from an international market a few weeks ago. I paid less than $2 for a block about 1.5 inches square by about .75" thick. This weekend I was in a store that sells e-shave products and had an e-shave alum block for $20. It was probably about 2x the size of mine but it makes me wonder: Do all alum blocks have the same ingredients? Are some better than others?
All alum blocks created equal?
- Thread starter Porchswing
- Start date
The only difference is whether the block is potassium alum or ammonium alum. Potassium alum is less harsh on the face and is (usually) the preferred type. Thats it!
Good to know, thanks Ed! I have just bought Alum shaving sites, so I never really even had to think about it.
I would suspect that the difference would be in where it was mined. I do not think it is refined and purified, so alum cut from solid natural deposits from different locations most probably have different impurities contained within.
As far as I know any potassium alum is as good as any other potassium alum. I also have heard the ammonia alums are harsher so I'd stay away from those.
I got my alum block with its case..a looong time ago from WCS..I tried rubbing it on my face..well.."curiosity" bug bit me..burned like the dickins it did..now I'm wondering what "type" of alum I have exactly?...
The AoS alum blocks are carefully mined from an undisclosed site using proprietary P+G methods ... thus warranting the premium price charged ... just kidding!
As stated by others, potassium alum should be the same regardless of brand.
As stated by others, potassium alum should be the same regardless of brand.
I love the one I got from West Coast Shaving. It is like a small bar of soap and it leaves no residue. I love it and will use it for a long time.
I got my alum block with its case..a looong time ago from WCS..I tried rubbing it on my face..well.."curiosity" bug bit me..burned like the dickins it did..now I'm wondering what "type" of alum I have exactly?...
Sounds like the right type!
Alum is the best task-master of shave technique there is. If you can shave without the alum burning it's like grabbing the pebble out of the Kung-fu master's hand!
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