Alum block question

[The Shaver]

Firstly, I'm not sure if this belongs in the aftershave forum, but I really don't know

Anyway, are there any stores that sell these? I would get a block, but my order would then be just 9 cents over the 50 dollar mark! I looked at Walgreens and everything with Potassium Alum (deodorant wise) was all sold only online (shopping online is very limited for me due to no credit card). I checked CVS and they had much more in-stores (I think, it doesn't say online exclusive for most of them) and I found this one. Would this one work as an "alum block?" I saw some people using the deodorant as a block instead.

 

[jesseix]

Where are you located? Some people in your area might be able to offer suggestions... I don't have any of these close to me, but several people have posted that they've found alum blocks for very cheap at Indian spice/food stores

 

[mblakele]

I am not sure about the CVS crystal roll-on, but it does say potassium on the ingredients tab. You might look for Indian markets or middle-eastern markets in your area: sometimes they will sell alum blocks. Also try barber supply stores.

But you should be able to get one shipped for a few bucks, if you can work out payment. Try http://www.google.com/cse?cx=012484...=UTF-8&q=alum#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=alum&gsc.page=1 for some options. For example, West Coast Shaving will ship their $8 4-oz block for $3, and they accept paypal.

 

[sychodelix]

Walgreens, CVS, or Rite Aid might sell a big fat styptic pen or once in a while you see a block, but the cheapest and easiest way is to go to one of those or even Walmart and get a Crystal or Thai deodorant crystal. It's exactly the same thing generally, and much cheaper.

 

[drocu]

I'm in no way affiliated with Paypal, but why not link your bank account with Paypal and use that for online shopping? A lot of shaving gear is best found online, I'm afraid.

I've heard that some ethnic grocery stores will have alum blocks so you could try those too.

 

[Mike_P]

If you do pick up a pen, just be warned that once it dries on your skin it sometimes leaves a white residue behind.

I personally have a styptic pen AND an osum alum block. I use the block all over and if there's something that is still not sealed all the way, I'll sometimes touch up with the pen. But I make sure to let it dry real quick and get rid of the residue before applying my aftershave balm.

 

[sychodelix]

Yeah, a pen and a block is best because the block is pure crystal and works well for all over face conditioning and micro cuts. The pen is powder based more highly concentrated and works very well to quickly seal up weepers.

 

[Amzimbo]

Whole Foods carries Thai Crystal as a deodorant stick and it works great as an alum block. Plastic shell to protect, handle to...well, handle it.

 

[soulska]

there are 2 types of alum (ammonium and potassium). one is used for deodorant and one for shaving. although they both work the potassium alum is milder (alum block). i know and have heard that the deodorant sticks do work, but its ammonium and will sting more. its up to you what you want to use.

 

[KipNoxzema]

West Coast Shaving will ship their $8 4-oz block for $3, and they accept paypal.

That's your best bet. That's what I did and you won't be disappointed. It'll last years, too.

 

[Texas]

Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal is a roll-on deodorant that states that potassium alum is among the ingredients. It also states it is hypoallergenic and paraben free. it is not my preference for alum block, but I have used it in a pinch. Works fine. YMMV.

 

[Renato1]

If you use Potassium Alum in a deodorant stick - it's alum, same as an alum block.
If you use Ammonium Alum in a deodorant stick - it stings a tiny bit more than regular alum, but works fine too.

I found a chap on Ebay in Turkey who sold me six 70 gram alum blocks for $15 including postage (called Ali Biyikli on the packaging) and they work fine too, same as my Trumper's Alum block.
Regards,
Renato

 

[Mandina]

Ali Biyik costs $2.50 or so (+ shipping) on Bestshave.net, but if you combine a few of these alum blocks with the site's excellent prices for various blades, Arko, etc., for $50 or more, then the shipping is free. (It takes 2-3 weeks from Turkey, but the site's service is excellent.) Connaught's "Doctor Plus" or "SAL 120g" are terrific deals (even with the currency exchange rate)--you can purchase several of each for a really cheap, discounted price--and Connaught's shipping charge is minimal. Otherwise, +1 on finding a local Indian grocer, if available near you. I've found such a store in South Florida, where I can purchase 125g alum blocks for $2.50.

 

[kosby]

Firstly, I'm not sure if this belongs in the aftershave forum, but I really don't know

Anyway, are there any stores that sell these? I would get a block, but my order would then be just 9 cents over the 50 dollar mark! I looked at Walgreens and everything with Potassium Alum (deodorant wise) was all sold only online (shopping online is very limited for me due to no credit card). I checked CVS and they had much more in-stores (I think, it doesn't say online exclusive for most of them) and I found this one. Would this one work as an "alum block?" I saw some people using the deodorant as a block instead.

Yes, the Crystal will work as good as any I've tried and it is available in a solid stick vs roll on liquid. These are shelf items at Rite-Aide pharmacies in the deodorant section and while Walgreens shows them available locally, I've not checked to see. I wrote a post on this awhile back comparing this to razorock's stick which is also an excellent product but the crystal is a much larger stick in comparison for around or even less cost than the razorock. Now, it needs to be said that the crystal stick is ammonium alum whereas the razorock is potassium alum. Is there a difference? I can't tell any, even a sting factor, and the crystal works as well as any potssium alum that I've used and for the local price of $6 is what I will continue to use.

 

[kosby]

If you want potassium alum, here's where I'd recommend buying it: http://www.desistores.net/catalog/index.php. It's very inexpensive. They also carry Indian Gillettes.

 

[The Shaver]

So I know this thread is a little old, but I went to a local indian store today and found some. I saw that it was 1.29 for a 100g block...so I bought 3 of them! AD right there!

 

[Mandina]

At $1.29, that's the best possible AD!

 

[KingGordon]

I found a block at my local Indian grocery. It was $4 but still better than paying shipping. I tried it today and I liked it very much. The sting was a little intense but faded quickly and I like the way it makes the skin feel.

 

[intotheforge]

I bought one from Eshave a couple months ago. It works great.

 

[Shave_Rat]

I was thinking about getting an alum block. I'm glad I found this thread, I am already using the Crystal deodorant, and those are easy to find in my area. Excellent!