eShave alum block lifespan

[Peter Mount]

Hi

My eShave alum block broke into 2 pieces today. I could already see cracks developing before it happened. I can still use the pieces OK.

How long do these these things normally last for? I use it just about every day. Are there other brands that don't develop cracks and break like this?

 

[alanbarnes]

Hi

My eShave alum block broke into 2 pieces today. I could already see cracks developing before it happened. I can still use the pieces OK.

How long do these these things normally last for? I use it just about every day. Are there other brands that don't develop cracks and break like this?

Alum is mined, not made. The only thing the "manufacturer" does is cut big blocks into little blocks and maybe smooth out the rough edges a little. Oh, and add expensive-looking packaging.

So if there are flaws in the crystalline structure of the rock, your shave block is going to break. Especially if you drop it or knock it around. You can still use the pieces, but watch out for sharp spots - if you scratch yourself it'll sting like crazy. At least the alum prevents the scratch from bleeding and gets the healing process off to a good start.

My solution is to buy cheap alum blocks and have a few extras around. They're $3 each from tulumba.com, with discounts if you purchase multiples. While you're there, toss some $1 Arko shave sticks into your shopping cart - another great item that's stupid cheap. The only problem is getting the total purchase up to $25 to qualify for free shipping - seriously, it'll take years to use that much alum and tallow soap.

 

[ferroburak]

Alum is mined, not made. The only thing the "manufacturer" does is cut big blocks into little blocks and maybe smooth out the rough edges a little. Oh, and add expensive-looking packaging.

So if there are flaws in the crystalline structure of the rock, your shave block is going to break. Especially if you drop it or knock it around. You can still use the pieces, but watch out for sharp spots - if you scratch yourself it'll sting like crazy. At least the alum prevents the scratch from bleeding and gets the healing process off to a good start.

My solution is to buy cheap alum blocks and have a few extras around. They're $3 each from tulumba.com, with discounts if you purchase multiples. While you're there, toss some $1 Arko shave sticks into your shopping cart - another great item that's stupid cheap. The only problem is getting the total purchase up to $25 to qualify for free shipping - seriously, it'll take years to use that much alum and tallow soap.

I didn't know it was mined.

 

[alanbarnes]

"Potassium alum crystal is found in Tennessee, Nevada and Arizona in the United States, and also, in South America, in the Andies between Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. The deposits are created into a quarry where the potassium alum is extracted in large blocks of crystal."

http://potassiumalum.com/potassium-alum-crystal-mines.html

There's also such a thing as a synthetic alum block, made from alum powder that had been produced in a lab and pressed into a solid chunk. But every shave block I've ever seen has been a translucent, veined chunk of rock, while the synthetic stuff is apparently opaque and crumbly.

 

[Sabre]

Hi

My eShave alum block broke into 2 pieces today. I could already see cracks developing before it happened. I can still use the pieces OK.

How long do these these things normally last for? I use it just about every day. Are there other brands that don't develop cracks and break like this?

I have no idea why the prices of Alum blocks vary as it is the same product, I pay €1.90 (Euro) - so can drop and break them as often as I like .