So annoyed right now...

[Chreees]

I ordered a $5 alum block off of Amazon after reading rave reviews on them. Received mine today and it was broken into tons of pieces. Fortunately Amazon refunded the full price and I reordered a "Razorock" one off of eBay, as it seemed to be better quality for only $3 more. Let's see how this one goes... I guess it's not a total loss on the $5 one, as there are still some usable pieces. But they do have some rather sharp edges, that I'd want to avoid having near my face. I think I'll wait until I receive my new one.

How often is it that you guys receive a broken alum block?

[Bushdoctor]

Usually, with the water and fingers, you can round the edged sides.

[ratbag]

Alum is great for giving grip to the fingers you use to stretch your skin while shaving also.
Just wet your fingers and touch the Alum.

~Paul

[Marcelitegti]

I never had luck with alum and stretching, always seems the "Alum" drips down my face and makes the blade also stick!

And I just ordered a monster block from I forgot what vender, but it came with extra popcorn padding and not a single chip off

Nice looking too, and most likely last forever unless I drop it

[CaliforniaCajun]

Part of gaining experience is learning what stuff you really need and what you don't. The fact that somebody needs it doesn't always mean that you need it.

You start by doing what's recommended and then develop your own style.

I had an alum block and it kept sitting there because I forgot to use it.
I found that hot water isn't necessary. In fact, cold water is really better.
I don't prep my face with anything but lather.
I don't finish my shave with anything but aftershave.
I used to do more, primarily because I was a slow learner, but now I do less.

[JimmyHAD]

Part of gaining experience is learning what stuff you really need and what you don't. The fact that somebody needs it doesn't always mean that you need it.

You start by doing what's recommended and then develop your own style.

I had an alum block and it kept sitting there because I forgot to use it.
I found that hot water isn't necessary. In fact, cold water is really better.
I don't prep my face with anything but lather.
I don't finish my shave with anything but aftershave.
I used to do more, primarily because I was a slow learner, but now I do less.

+1 on all bold quoted text. I've never owned an alum block. I'm sure they are great but I just never got around to it. I keep my fingers dry so stretching isn't a problem. Best of luck with your ebay alum block though, I know a lot of guys like 'em.

[Chreees]

Yeah, I've already figured out a lot of things that work best for me, such as using cold water instead of hot. I just wanted to try out the alum block, and was annoyed that it came broken. The Razorock one from eBay will hopefully be better.

[Castel33]

I haven't ever got one that was broken but I can see how it could very easily happen even if well packed. So I would say you just got unlucky.

The razor rock alum is nice and should last at least a year of everyday use.

As has been pointed out you can smooth out any broken pieces that are large enough to use. Just wet your hand and roll the piece around in your hand till smooth.

[unit]

+1 on all bold quoted text. I've never owned an alum block. I'm sure they are great but I just never got around to it. I keep my fingers dry so stretching isn't a problem. Best of luck with your ebay alum block though, I know a lot of guys like 'em.

Once in a while I think I'll try alum again, so I do. It always seems nice, but the next day I always end up with razor burn after my next shave.

Sometimes less is best. I'm not sure ill ever give up using lather, but I could do without anything else. Heck, the only reason I use after shave is because I like the smell

[thebigspendur]

I usually order them in bulk, well not usually because my last order was years ago and I still have several. I got probably 10 or so from Talumba. I think a couple were broken but you can easily smooth them over and even if they break in half they can still be used. Only if they shatter then you have to toss the pieces.