So, a few weeks ago after I shaved, I applied the Alum Block to my face. It did the trick, as always, but, just as I was about to put it back, it slipped from my fingers, hit the sink and shattered into 4-5 big pieces and a bunch of little ones. The little ones got flushed, I did salvage the bigger pieces. The problem is that they are too sharp to use. So, I have a "suitcase without a handle" dilemma. I don't want to throw out perfectly good pieces of Alum, but I can't really think of any use for it. I am open to suggestions! Thanks in advance!
What to do with a busted up Alum Block?
- Thread starter gtreyger
- Start date
You can make a solution or lotion out of the solids. Here is a recipe, though I have to admit it's a bit dated:
"For the Freckles which one getteth by the heat of the Sun: Take a little Allom beaten small, temper amonst it a well brayed white of an egg, put it on a milde fire, stirring it always about that it wax not hard, and when it casteth up the scum, then it is enough, wherewith anoint the Freckles the space of three dayes: if you will defend your self that you get no Freckles on the face, then anoint your face with the whites of eggs." Christopher Wirzung, General Practise of Physicke, 1654. From Wikipedia.
Just kidding, but I thought it was interesting.
"For the Freckles which one getteth by the heat of the Sun: Take a little Allom beaten small, temper amonst it a well brayed white of an egg, put it on a milde fire, stirring it always about that it wax not hard, and when it casteth up the scum, then it is enough, wherewith anoint the Freckles the space of three dayes: if you will defend your self that you get no Freckles on the face, then anoint your face with the whites of eggs." Christopher Wirzung, General Practise of Physicke, 1654. From Wikipedia.
Just kidding, but I thought it was interesting.
This is what I do:
1) Mortar and Pestle
2) Duct Tape
3) Electric Sander
4) ???
5) Face has been astringented.
1) Mortar and Pestle
2) Duct Tape
3) Electric Sander
4) ???
5) Face has been astringented.
This is what I do:
1) Mortar and Pestle
2) Duct Tape
3) Electric Sander
4) ???
5) Face has been astringented.
That's not a bad idea, but some of the newer guys might want to limit step 4 to only "??" instead if the full "???" until they get used to "?"
Seriously though, run some hot water over the sharp parts and rub against the palm of your hand and they will smooth out in no time.
Last edited:
sell it in little bags in a shady part of town you'll never visit again.
use profits to further support your acquisition disorders.
profit.
use profits to further support your acquisition disorders.
profit.
Instant styptic pencils.
use it to shim a wobbly table.
I had the same thing happen to me months ago. My alum block shattered into 8-10 pieces. Because I paid $5 for it I was not going to throw it away. I asked the same question you did on the forum and I did not get back any workable answers.
I had a small glass, wide mouth jar. I placed all of the broken pieces I could gather up and added some water. I shook it up and it sat overnight until the next days shave. After shaving I shook it up again and poured some of the liquid into the palm of my hand. I applied the liquid to my face like an aftershave. It work just fine. As a matter of fact the alum liquid went on quicker and worked just as well as the block. I am still using the alum liquid on my face. I just keep adding water and the crystals seem to last many months. I estimate I still have approx. 3-4 months of crystal left in the jar.
I have a Thai Crystal that I have tried and works well, waiting for the broken crystal to be used up.
I had a small glass, wide mouth jar. I placed all of the broken pieces I could gather up and added some water. I shook it up and it sat overnight until the next days shave. After shaving I shook it up again and poured some of the liquid into the palm of my hand. I applied the liquid to my face like an aftershave. It work just fine. As a matter of fact the alum liquid went on quicker and worked just as well as the block. I am still using the alum liquid on my face. I just keep adding water and the crystals seem to last many months. I estimate I still have approx. 3-4 months of crystal left in the jar.
I have a Thai Crystal that I have tried and works well, waiting for the broken crystal to be used up.
Last edited:
When mine shattered a few months back they were almost razor sharp... not in a good way though. I tried to salvage and use a few times but ended up getting another one.
Similar threads
