Alum Block = Awesome

[richmondesi]

Today, I had a terrific shave with my B&B Le Grelot, C&S Sandalwood soap, and Floris AS. However, my skin goes from normal to oily depending on the weather. Well, today was an oily day and I just didn't feel comfortable. Then, I had the idea to use the alum block, and it instantly improved the feeling. Now, my skin feels good again.

Just thought I'd share with you gents.

Regards,

Paul

 

[chainfire]

I'm bording on getting an alum block but can't find anything locally...what brand do you use?

 

[brummel]

I use a Trumpers one, seemed expensive at the time but get a feels good after and looks like will last for months !

 

[theinternot]

+1 alum block is the best.

 

[richmondesi]

I'm bording on getting an alum block but can't find anything locally...what brand do you use?

Not sure, I got it online for like $5 + shipping is all I know... I don't think it matters in the least the brand.

 

[whereisandy]

I'm bording on getting an alum block but can't find anything locally...what brand do you use?

If you are able to find an Indian grocery store they often have alum blocks cheap. I picked one up for under $2 and have been using it for the past 2 months.

 

[HeF]

Even if you don't find an alum block, as such, locally, odds are you should be able to find a traditional crystal deodorant. Some of them have exactly the same composition as an alum block. Just make sure you look for one containing Potassium Alum as the main mineral. I know the brand Naturally Fresh makes it with Aloe Vera added (a plus.) Good luck finding it!

 

[chainfire]

Thanks for the info. If Leon no longer sells the 444 allum blocks I'll probably have to look for the naturally fresh. Amazon and Drugstore seem to only sell eShave's $13 blocks or AoS $15+ blocks...I guess the blocs for shaving needs just aren't as popular as they used to be.

 

[jkh]

Tulumba carries barbers alum for $2.99. Of course, shipping will probably cost more than the alum block. They also carry a number Arko products, so you might be able to "beef up" your order to justify the shipping.

 

[dpmtherrien]

I'm bording on getting an alum block but can't find anything locally...what brand do you use?

Hey Chip:

You can get them from any of the suppliers, Classic Shaving, Best Grooming Tools, Etc., Etc. Check Them out.

 

[chainfire]

Hey Chip:

You can get them from any of the suppliers, Classic Shaving, Best Grooming Tools, Etc., Etc. Check Them out.

Thanks, Looking at these sites is what confuses me a bit about the brand mattering. They're prices are more reasonable than AoS for sure, but at ~$11 for a block as opposed to $3 at tulumba (thanks jkh!!) I'm not sure if I'm getting a bigger block? better ingredients? better marketing/packaging?

 

[jkh]

Thanks, Looking at these sites is what confuses me a bit about the brand mattering. They're prices are more reasonable than AoS for sure, but at ~$11 for a block as opposed to $3 at tulumba (thanks jkh!!) I'm not sure if I'm getting a bigger block? better ingredients? better marketing/packaging?

Basically you are paying for marketing and/or plastic soap dish. Potassium alum is potassium alum. The "more expensive" alum blocks typically come with a plastic soap dish, such as the one available at classicshaving, which is a 110-115 gram block. The alum block at tulumba is 80 grams and does not come with the plastic case.

As HeF pointed out, there are crystal rock deodorants that are just potassium alum, which would also be relatively inexpensive and somewhat locally available. You really should read the ingredient list to ensure the main ingredient is not ammonium alum, which from what I understand stings quite a bit more than potassium alum. I have searched my local stores for potassium alum deodorants and the only source I have found is GNC ... all others only carry the ammonium alum versions.

 

[ProphetNoir]

My alum block sat new, unused and forgotten for nearly two years before Paul suggested that I try using one after I mentioned a string of mildly irritating shaves had set me back. I have since incorporated it into my ritual and it is as indispensible as my DB brush scuttle now. It will sting you if your technique is off, but if you have shaved well you will barely notice anything more than slight tingle. It's refreshing in a way, and unless you drop it and it shatters you should expect decades of use. Good stuff

 

[auk1124]

Another possibility for those looking for a cheap alum block to try: luckyvitamin dot com has three-ounce "deoderant stones" which are nothing more than potassium alum on their site for $1.74 american. Same thing as a barber's alum block to my understanding.

They also have what look like decent prices on Kiss My Face and some other interesting looking shave creams.

Never ordered from them, no affiliation, don't know a thing about them so try them out at your own risk but it might be another option to look at.

 

[LagerLover]

For me the best choice was WestCoastShaving.com 115g/4oz for $8.00. I currently have a Naturally Fresh "Deodorant Crystal" made of Ammonium Alum in a push-up deodorant container that I use when I travel. The deodorant crystal does not seem as effective as the alum from WestCoast; which yes, does come with plastic dish.

Without a local Indian Grocery, the Westcoast shaving site was the cheapest I could find.

The Naturally Fresh I found at CVS on the bottom shelf of the deodorant section.

 

[David in Boston]

I'm bording on getting an alum block but can't find anything locally...what brand do you use?

I can get it easy for less than $2 in ethnic stores around here.

Would you like to trade for something?

If so PM

 

[rsp1202]

Shavex. More expensive than the two dollar spread, but good stuff nonetheless.

 

[appleuser]

do you use this in the place of after-shave or balm? i am curious.

 

[The Knize]

do you use this in the place of after-shave or balm? i am curious.

not as a replacement, no

I have never tried leaving it on without rinsing it off. some have and have said the residue shows, etc. I rinse off the lather, spread on the alum, let it sit on my skin while I brush my teeth, then rinse it off with bay rum or witch hazel, then apply AS or AB or whatever

 

[Wil Dorenbos]

+1 alum block is the best.

+ 2