South African looking for shaving supplies

[CommanderBigMac]

Hi Guys. I'm from South Africa, and hoping that some others on here are too. Im looking to get a list of shops that sell decent shaving supplies, just so that I know where I can turn to when I run out. Secifically, I'm looking for a shop where I can get an alum block, since I havent been able to find any as of yet.

I bought my starting kit from mantality.co.za, since they had everything I needed. Unfortunatelly they have removed the alum block from their inventory, so im still on the lookout.

 

[malocchio]

Welcome Commander...sorry ,I have no contacts in SA,but was wondering what your opinions are on the Lion razor blades ??

 

[inspiringK]

Not a lot of active South Africans at B&B of late. Have you had a look at Clicks, that name seams to come up in regards to tougher to find shaving gear in SA.

 

[Luc]

I think your best bet will be online as I don't recall hearing a lot of local supplies in South Africa. You don't have anything at your local pharmacy or grocery store?

 

[Jansman]

Hey CommanderBigMac!

Nice to see a fellow South Africa on B&B...there are not many of us...
Sharp Edge in Sandton City http://www.sharpedge.co.za/ stock Merkur Razors as well as a decent line of Omega Brushes and shaving soaps, I think they also have a few Col Cronk items...
All Dis-chem's stock the full Tabac range as well as Williams shave sticks (tallow based), you can also (sometimes) pick up Bic blades, they are great!
Crabtree and Evelyn in Sandton stocks alum blocks - but they are seriously expensive, your best bet is to wait until someone goes overseas much cheaper there!
The Old English Shaving Shop in CPT has everything you could want or need - including alum...but at a price! http://www.shavingshop.co.za/

Hope this helps!

Cheers,
Brendon

 

[mblakele]

Hey CommanderBigMac!

Nice to see a fellow South Africa on B&B...there are not many of us...
Sharp Edge in Sandton City http://www.sharpedge.co.za/ stock Merkur Razors as well as a decent line of Omega Brushes and shaving soaps, I think they also have a few Col Cronk items...
All Dis-chem's stock the full Tabac range as well as Williams shave sticks (tallow based), you can also (sometimes) pick up Bic blades, they are great!
Crabtree and Evelyn in Sandton stocks alum blocks - but they are seriously expensive, your best bet is to wait until someone goes overseas much cheaper there!
The Old English Shaving Shop in CPT has everything you could want or need - including alum...but at a price! http://www.shavingshop.co.za/

Hope this helps!

Cheers,
Brendon

Welcome to both of you, and you now have a wiki page for SA shopping: South Africa Shaving Supplies.

Have you looked in ethnic shops for alum? I understand SA has a substantial Indian population, and in the USA those shops often stock alum. They might have Godrej and other Indian shaving products, too.

Oh, and how do those Williams sticks compare with, say, Tabac soap?

 

[Jansman]

Mblakele,

Thanks for the message! Nope I have not tried one of the Indian shops but will take a look next time I am near one. Fortunately I do a fair amount of travel so I am usually pretty stocked with all sorts of goodies!

The local Williams soap is an awesome product! I put in on par with Arko in terms of performance BUT... it edges out Arko in that it has a great (mild) rose like scent. It's also relatively cheap, about $2.50 for 50g (R / $ exchange rate is around $1 = R~12) and is freely available, it makes for a lousy stick, I usually grate them down into a mug - happy days!


In terms of comparing with Tabac - I am bias but not much compares with Tabac

@Jsab - I am still looking for the guy who can get cheap Kruger Rand, when I find him, I will let you know!