Does anyone use alum blocks? If so, what is your favorite and why?
Printable View
Does anyone use alum blocks? If so, what is your favorite and why?
I like the Osma Alum Block. Several different vendors sell them.
Does it leave any white chalky residue after using?
Have always used Osma. They are polished well, consistent, pure and never get gritty.
I have never used one. I have always used a styptic pen but would like to try and use one and have always read good things about Osma. I'm going to have to get one and try it.
Your face should be wet as well as the Alum block. Rub gently across your face and beneath your jawline. Wait a minute and rinse it off. Apply your favorite aftershave and finish it off with an aftershave balm. This will add moisture back into your skin. You just completed a great manly shave. Your Looking Good and Feeling Good.
Grip it tight and don't drop it. They shatter like glass. Don't ask me how I know this to be true
As SRP member Smyth suggested. Alum Blocks work best with cold water.
Alum blocks are good. I recommend with cold water on your face. Also, as an alternative I recommend a good splash of Witch Hazel as a refreshing astringent.
Alum blocks are not as effective at stopping bleeding from cuts as styptic pens are. Alum blocks may stop weepers though.Quote:
Originally Posted by BuffaloBoy
The main use of alum blocks is for a post shave skin toner and mild anti bacterial.
Bob
All of the above. I bought a Shavex block about four years ago and it's running out. I will buy a new one soon, maybe OSMA. I leave it on for some minutes, usually during my after shave stropping, and then rinse it off. I've used aftershave with alcohol after the alum and it left a powdery residue. I don't really need anything else after the alum, if its been a rough shave, maybe witchhazel.
BuffaloBoy,
+1 on the Osma :) I have used them for the last six (6) years :)
I have never got to the end of an alum block - when wet, they are as slippery as a greased eel, and I always end up by dropping the block onto the sink, where they shatter into a zillion pieces :(
Have fun :)
Best regards
Russ
The alum block will leave a white film on your face if you don't rinse it off. I have not found a benefit to using alum... A good aftershave balm is much more effective for me.
I use alum after shaving. I allow it to work for one minute or two before I rinse off with cold water and splash with aftershave. I buy my alum at the bay, very satisfied with the brand Royal which comes crazycheap from India :)
I have used Razor Rock alum for a very long time. Comes in a nice container that opens and closes, is easy to handle and lasts forever.
Pete <:-}
I use the Shavex block sold by SRD.
I used to use it but don't anymore. It's really a skin toner. You apply it after shaving while your face is still wet and then rinse it off after a couple minutes.
I've used several brands and they all seem to be the same. You can order from this Turkish Mall site Tolumba and get a bunch dirt cheap.
Besides soothing the irritation, I use it to tell be how well I did at shaving. The more irritation, the more it stings! :)
I rub it on, while my face is wet, and I wet he block. I don't rinse it off, but I dry my face and apply aftershave. Never noticed any white residue. I don't know what brand I have, but I bought it from Amazon.com for $5 or so.
I use them and after shaving and wetting my face I rinse the alum block under the water and rub against my face. Then let it sit for a moments then re-rinse with cold water splash on my face. I then get maximum pore closure for a smooth feel.
Just found the Tulumba site spender suggested ,, 2.29 a block. , got 5 blocks with shipping for not much more than a block of Shavex, I don't use it much on my post shave routine , I use it for grip while stretching , and sometimes I drop it So I bought extras. But this is as cheap for a nice size block 2 1/2"X1 1/4x1". I understand Pixelfixed knew a place you could get a whole pound for around 2 bucks , al I've been able to find was alum granules in pound bags , but I guess you could also make a block out of it too. Tc
I bought a broken one from maggards. it arrived with the smallest chip off the corner. Works great. They also have great variety of samples.
Cracked/Broken Case Alum Blocks | Maggard Razors - Straight Razor Restoration, Custom Scales and Wet Shaving Products
I have been using the same block for almost two years. I put it on right after my cold water rinse, let it sit for a minute, then dry my face. I don't rinse it off specificly, but I do follow up with Witch Hazel splash, dry that, then put on my aftershave. Its probably overkill, but seems to work well for my face. Never had any residue of any kind. My alum is from Maggards.
I have been using Shavex for about 2 years. That block is great and takes forever to wear down. I used it to close the weepers. I would wet my face, gently rub the block along my face, let it dry for a minute or so, then splash on some witch hazel as an aftershave. I didn't have to wet the block for it to work well. And, I never got any chalky residue.
However, I stopped using alum all together over a month ago. I worked on my shaving techniques and preps and did not feel the need for alum.
One of the most common mistakes is leaving the alum block on to long. Apply to wet face and wash off with cold water after about 1 minute. If you leave it on to long it will irritate your face.
Mother-in-law bought me a block from Art of Shaving. Used it last night for the first time. Interesting, but I will not be replacing it when the time comes. Prefer Witch Hazel. YMMV.
My skin favours alum.
The main difference between alums is density, the cheaper brands have tiny suspended air pockets that can be course on the skin as they wear. The more air in the alum the more cloudy they appear so you will find the more expensive alums tend to be clear.
For me personally I couldn't remove alum from my shave ritual.
Alum block is part of my shaving regimen as well. Purchased recently a 125g block from Shavex which comes with a nice plastic container. Seems like it will last for a couple of years!!
I use a De Vergulde Hand block, i got it mainly because of the holder it comes in
Attachment 206342
really find it a great post shave treatment. never tryed Osma but that was the one i was gonna get before i saw the De Vergulde Hand.
I usually use the alum block then dry my razor off with some tissue then rinse the alum off, i find that gives me about the right amount of skin contact time.
You can buy the same stuff at large asian grocery stores for $1.29/Lb in the spice section,will last for yrs.
Alum is alum for sure. Simply; for me it is a visual and tactual thing. :p A nice machined solid block of alum has some visual aesthetics to add to shaving experience. Nice ones with just a couple flaws/fractures looking like a large block of diamond sitting next to that $traight razor and other $tuff.
Attachment 206350
Attachment 206351
Just make sure the block you get for shaving is Potassium Alum not Ammonium Alum which is used as a "natural" deodorant block or crystal as they call it.
Yes, I hear that mentioned quite a bit. Been using using the ammonium alum deodorant crystal post shave for a couple of years now with no apparent ill effect. I was told by a pharmacist that it would sting a little more was the only difference.Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
Bob
Where did you get the nice clear one? I agree that they just look great sitting next to everything!Quote:
Originally Posted by jmercer
There are lots of sources for Taylor of Old Bond Street Alum Blocks. I'm not sure how clear they all will be. Your results may vary. It was the clearest of eight or so different brands I tried and the only one that had the clear look to it. I only have the one so not totally sure of clearness, maybe I got lucky. ;)
I'll also add that it was not shiny clear surface out of box. After a couple uses the surface went clear.
If you do one let us know if you got a clear one.
Attachment 207315
I use razor rock alum. I rince my face then apply alum. ThenI shave my head, rince head, and face. Pat dry, then apply Thayers witch hazel alchol free. It work great for me!!
Until I read this thread, I've never rinsed off the alum...never saw any instructions saying to do so. I will start rinsing tomorrow!
That's OK it takes a few years of doing that before the alum eats into your skin and you begin to look like the "Hideous Sun Demon".
Osma works well for me.
