Time for New Alum Block

[SparkyLB]

When I first started out, I bought the first alum block I found on Amazon. It was a 3.7 oz block of Gentleman Jack. It always worked satisfactorily and I have no complaints. I often thought next block would be something a bit larger. I'm looking on Amazon again and it seems what I first bought is the largest out there.

I have seen the Osma brand in my reading on this forum.

Is Osma better in quality? Should I stick with what I have?

Larger would be nice, but higher quality would be most important.

 

[Eben Stone]

Is Osma better in quality?

Yes. It's made from a solid piece of alum. Other brands use alum powder and compress it somehow to make a block. I've tried Osma, Omega, and GBS. Osma is the clear winner.

Should I stick with what I have?

Since you're asking, IMO, no. Go with Osma.

 

[Flanders]

I'll second Osma, but can also vouch for Capt Fawcett. It sounds odd, but I added it to an order well over a year ago from Gifts & Care and it's got nicely chamfered edges and ends. It seems to help it resist break offs, but mine has now lost most of it's chamfer.

 

[Kix]

I use an Osma block and it is a good quality alum.
Equal to it, IMO, is the Barbero alum block. I got one on Amazon. It's 100g, 3.52 oz. It's bigger than the Osma and is cheaper per ounce.
BTW, the Osma comes in a cardboard box, the Barbero comes in a clear plastic case.

My Omega alum block is pretty much toast. It's one of those compressed cheapies. It has a hole down the middle and it's a little crumbly. That kind of thing doesn't happen with the Osma or Barbero.

I think that drying the alum block after use prolongs its life.

 

[Phoenixkh]

I have been using the LEA deodorant alum tube for over 2 years now. I’m guessing my first one is about half used up.

It isn’t readily available in the States but a few of the razor specialty stores have it off and on. It’s worth seeking out, at least, for me.

 

[SparkyLB]

Thanks for the great responses, guys. I'll be getting an Osma. My existing block is slightly torn up on the inside. It's about as thick as a bar of hotel soap right now, and I can't really say it has a smooth face anymore.

 

[SparkyLB]

I received and am using my new Osma block. I see the difference in quality. Thanks again everyone.

 

[Jayboz]

I didnt think it made a difference until I got the Osma. Night and day. The others seemed to crumble after use whereas the Osma is still smooth as day one. Even dropped the Osma twice and it didnt shatter. Trying not to make it a third.

 

[NorthernSoul]

Osma blocks are actually cut from a larger solid block of alum using machine tools. They will last longer than most others, so IMHO worth the extra cost.

Blocks made using compressed alum dust tend to fail when 1) water gets inside the block through a small cavity and erodes the block so it falls apart, 2) the block is dropped, then shatters or cracks. You will probably drop your alum blocks from time to time.