Is this a shaving soap?

[grautskaahl]

I found this in my grandfathers old shaving set and wondered if it could be a soap:





(Click for bigger pictures)

As far as I know, all the soaps I've seen are round, but this is probably something old (at least 20 years old). It's hard and actually smells a little bit "soapy".

 

[Austin]

It looks like an allum block. Have you tried to lather it?

 

[FiXXXer]

I'd say it's an alum block.

 

[heirkb]

Me too. That definitely looks like an alum block.

 

[grautskaahl]

On my next shave, I will try and lather it. And what's an al(l)um block?

 

[crocto]

alum block or quartz.

an alum block is used as an aftershave of sorts. it helps to stop redness and bleeding. just wet the block and rub it all over your face after a shave.

 

[Leche]

Ya, I think its an alum block.

And what's an al(l)um block?

Alum blocks are typically rubbed on the skin after a shave. It helps tone, soothe, and quickly stops any bleeding.

 

[grautskaahl]

Like, right after the last pass or after aftershave? And do I put some water on or just rub it dry? I'm gonna try this out.

 

[Austin]

Like, right after the last pass or after aftershave? And do I put some water on or just rub it dry? I'm gonna try this out.

Wet the stone.

 

[BroJohn]

Like, right after the last pass or after aftershave? And do I put some water on or just rub it dry? I'm gonna try this out.

Wet the stone and pass it over wet face right after the last pass. Alum can interfere with some aftershaves, so rinse face, pat dry and then use the aftershave. Pat the stone dry and put away.

-- JOhn Gehman

 

[grautskaahl]

Ok, thanks guys!

 

[henkverhaar]

alum block or quartz.

Not quartz. Quartz is a silicate mineral, extremely hard, and insoluble in water. Alum is quite soluble (otherwise it wouldn't work). It consists of aluminium (or aluminum in US parlance) sulfate.

an alum block is used as an aftershave of sorts.

Not of sorts. It is 'the' original aftershave. Alum denatures certain proteins in blood, helping it clot, thereby stopping the bleeding. It also helps the skin to tighten after the shave, it disinfects, and, although not particularly relevant for shaving, it acts as a anti-perspirant, like its chemical relative aluminium chloride. Homebrew anti-perspirant formulae often contain alum.

Alum is the only aftershave I've used over the last 30 years or so -- I hate perfumes on my face...

Henk