Flash Poll: What are you storing your alum block in?

[karzbi]

Good Sunday afternoon to you all, gentlemen.

I spent some time yesterday wracking my brain trying to think up a good solution to my alum block storage dilemma and came up completely empty-handed.

I had thought that a travel soap container could provide a cost-effective solution that's a bit more hygenic than simply tossing the block into my bathroom drawer when I'm done with it. I couldn't find a container that would fit though -- my block measure approx 3.75" x 2.75".

So I turn to you for ideas -- what are you storing your alum blocks in?

Best
Karl

 

[LagerLover]

Mine came with a plastic case, similar to a travel soap container. I just dry it on a towel and put it in.

 

[Axel_]

I would suggest you to make your own box by taking a cardboard sheet (or at least a little thicker paper) and make it to a small box with exactly the right dimentions. You will probably find a guide to see how to cut/wrap(?) the cardboard on Google, search fore something like "how to make a cardboard box" or something like that.

//Axel

 

[JerimiahC]

I leave mine on the counter in a soap dish, but I'd like to get something similar to this:

http://www.polly-online.co.uk/images/products/108_1_large.jpg

 

[Bruce]

I don't have an alum block. Do I need one? For what would I use it were I to have one?

 

[withoutink]

Its an astringent, antiseptic and nick healer all in one. If you have an Indian (as in India) grcery store / market nearby you can pick one up for $1 - $2 if not you can buy one online for a few $.

One should last you a really l-o-n-g time.

 

[withoutink]

Here is a link to one at WCS: http://westcoastshaving.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=68 $8
Heres another: http://www.tulumba.com/storeitem.asp?ic=BB547960UD875 $3

 

[BobS]

Mine came with a plastic case, similar to a travel soap container. I just dry it on a towel and put it in.

+1 for me on that.

 

[ScotchDave]

Why not use a small tupperware container?

 

[jpkunst]

See below ... not stored in anything. Make sure it's dry or it will dissolve.

 

[SpyvSpy]

I don't have an alum block but just throwing it out there, why not store it in a small rubbermaid container?

 

[withoutink]

I have mine open in the cabinet. But I want to get a small container for it. I was even thinking a glass sugar packet holder - like you find at a restaurant.

 

[SiBurning]

Just checked the material safety data sheets for this. At least one of the forms, aluminum potassium sulfate, can form hydrochloric acid when wet or damp. Yes, this is the mineral form. It can also give off gaseous HCl, so be careful not to sniff at it when opening a sealed container. The gas can corrode nearby metal. Seems like the best thing is to dry it off completely and store it in a cool dry place, in an airtight plastic or glass container, not much larger than the stuff itself. Not too worried about it, but I sure won't be leaving it wet or damp near anything metal.

 

[Tom Ford]

Originally I had mine stored in the container it came in, however that was quite flimsy and broke. Now I have it stored in a very small tupperware container.

During the transition of replacing the old and new container, I found leaving it out seemed to rust everything around it, like tweezers, and nail cutters??

 

[dpmtherrien]

I don't have a lot of room on my sink, so I just put my block back in the plastic case it came in and leave it open to dry. I usually shave every other day so its dry when I need it again.

 

[SiBurning]

Originally I had mine stored in the container it came in, however that was quite flimsy and broke. Now I have it stored in a very small tupperware container.

During the transition of replacing the old and new container, I found leaving it out seemed to rust everything around it, like tweezers, and nail cutters??

HCl will do that. It only takes a few hours. Keep your alum block and styptic pencil away from metal, especially if wet or if the room is humid.

 

[mdunn]

i dont even have an alum! (though if I did it would live in a little plastic container)

 

[Big Red Dog]

I got mine from West Coast Shaving with its own container. Great item to have in your shave den. I'm glad I bought it!

 

[karzbi]

Just checked the material safety data sheets for this. At least one of the forms, aluminum potassium sulfate, can form hydrochloric acid when wet or damp.

Wow! Now this is the true power of the Internet and why I like to post -- even the most obvious sounding questions turn up the most amazing responses!

Thanks to all who replied to my post (custom cardbox box = most unexpected and practical; tupperware = most realistic, however, most likely to take up way more room than it needs to in my drawer).

While I keep my eyes peeled for the ideal sized travel container, my alum will sit in a soap dish on my counter, away from metal objects.

Again, thanks to all who replied!

Karl

 

[Henrique]

Mine is 444. Like Leon sells. The original card box , retro style, is holding out well. But now that you get me thinking, I see the allure of having a plastic or even glass container...