Alum block?peices?

[gulfbravo]

After searching the internet I came to the conclusion I didn't want to pay 10 bucks for an alum block. I went to the local indian grocer and after a few minutes I was able to locate alum peices. I was sold a package that was way more than I was expecting for 2.50. It seems like a good deal. Has anyone else come across this type alum?. The grocer was super friendly and said to use the peices in hotwater for bruises and strains. All in all I was glad to find the alum and hopefully I will have better post shave results..cheers

 

[docfox]

How big are the pieces? I find that I really enjoy a big cool block of wet alum on my face after shaving. Pea gravel, probably not so much. By the way, you can find block alum in a nice little plastic container for $4.99 (got mine at Maggard's).

 

[NSmalls]

After searching the internet I came to the conclusion I didn't want to pay 10 bucks for an alum block. I went to the local indian grocer and after a few minutes I was able to locate alum peices. I was sold a package that was way more than I was expecting for 2.50. It seems like a good deal. Has anyone else come across this type alum?. The grocer was super friendly and said to use the peices in hotwater for bruises and strains. All in all I was glad to find the alum and hopefully I will have better post shave results..cheers

Alum blocks work great. They feel great as well and are also excellent indicators of quality of shave and technique. You can buy the Crystal deodorant for about $5 in your local grocery store and it is more or less the same thing, although not as mild as the alum designated for shaving.

 

[Slash McCoy]

You can dissolve the chips in boiling water until no more will dissolve, cover it, put it in a warm place where it will cool very slowly and not be shaken or otherwise disturbed, with a string hanging down but not touching the bottom, and crystals of alum will grow on it. Repeat over and over and you can grow some really big crystals. Rub the whole thing with a hot washcloth to round down the corners and you have an alum block. Or alum lump. Whatever.

BTW I think alum melts outright at something over 300 degrees. Not sure. If you melt it you could pour it into an improvised mold.

I buy Thai Crystal deodorant sticks at Whole Foods. Nice and easy and convenient, even if it isn't as cheap as the Indian grocery. A stick lasts for several years, even if you use it for both shaving and deodorant. Overseas I usually buy I think Janati brand alum blocks. Not sure about the brand but they are just rectangular blocks wrapped in cellophane with a paper label and they are about 50 cents in the Middle East, probably half that in India.

 

[Chadao]

Slash, wow! Thanks.

You can dissolve the chips in boiling water until no more will dissolve, cover it, put it in a warm place where it will cool very slowly and not be shaken or otherwise disturbed, with a string hanging down but not touching the bottom, and crystals of alum will grow on it. Repeat over and over and you can grow some really big crystals. Rub the whole thing with a hot washcloth to round down the corners and you have an alum block. Or alum lump. Whatever.

BTW I think alum melts outright at something over 300 degrees. Not sure. If you melt it you could pour it into an improvised mold.

I buy Thai Crystal deodorant sticks at Whole Foods. Nice and easy and convenient, even if it isn't as cheap as the Indian grocery. A stick lasts for several years, even if you use it for both shaving and deodorant. Overseas I usually buy I think Janati brand alum blocks. Not sure about the brand but they are just rectangular blocks wrapped in cellophane with a paper label and they are about 50 cents in the Middle East, probably half that in India.

 

[gulfbravo]

the peices of alum i got in the bag were actually pretty big. i took a peice which was about the size of 2 match boxes and shaped it into a block with my dremel... thanx slash mccoy for the info....i think ill grab the thai crystal next time im in whole foods....cheers

 

[Harry Snider]

I've used a "Hero Shaving" alum bar I found at a local Indian grocery store. I think it was $1.99. It worked very well and lasted for at least a year. It was hollow in the middle and eventually wore out. I have just received a couple of 6oz alum stones for the low price of about $3 each from iHerb (thanks to Verba Volant)! These things are a steal! Giant,clear stones!

 

[BarbaGnosa]

Thai Deodorant crystals are potassium alum, the same as shaving alum blocks. I find they feel and perform identically to my Osma alum block, yet their design and packaging make them easier to hold, control, use, and store. I use them both as after shave astringents and underarm deodorants.

The small size is great for travel, gym, and gifts -- they're part of my super cost effective DE shaving gift kit. The larger 4 oz size I find more comfortable and convenient to hold and covers more skin faster; I prefer it for everyday use.

At ~$3-4 shipped, they're the best deal in potassium alum personal products: after shaving astringent and deodorant. And, certainly compared to every other form of personal deodorant, they're WAY more cost-effective -- and probably healthier.

2.125 oz starts ~$3 shipped.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...V3W1Q1F8D&coliid=I1MB4BAPGCUR15&condition=new

4.25 oz starts ~$4 shipped.
https://www.google.com/search?safe=...crystal+4.25+oz&safe=off&tbm=shop&tbs=p_ord:p

 

[Toltepeceno]

The rocks are all I use here in mexico, from the local market, and cheap. A good size chunk for under 2.00. The blocks being sold started out that way.

This one was quite a bit bigger when I got it and it was under 1.00.