Thread: Lifetime Supply of Alum blocks -5$

Keep an eye out for big blocks of alum in the crystal holistic shops...
Some shops sell alum as a "natural" deodorant block as big as your fist.

As others noted there are multiple types of alum out there so if it burns
too much after shaving use as a deodorant.

Since a lot of ladies use these alum blocks and also shave under their
arms it is possible that it is what you want. The package label is always
worth a look.

Your drug store may also be able to order any type of alum you want in bulk.

It is commonly used to demonstrate how to grow crystals... (easier than salt or sugar).

Alum is also used in pickles so it can also be found in many markets.

As others noted there are multiple types of alum out there.....

I went to a hippy store yesterday, I haven't been in one for decades. Since I don't really need too many gluten free, free range, untested on animal beer or the sort. I needed some flax seed to make an old school poultice for my effed up ankle. Wow, hippy stores have changed, this place was awesome! The deli and salad bar were amazing. Their butcher shop, had the best meat I've seen in a long time, prices higher than a cats back, but where else can you get grass fed bison? Their "Wall of Beer" and cheese!! Anyway, near the washable feminine hygiene products, (yeah), I spotted something of interest to me. Alum. I had heard you could get blocks from other sources, but this was nuts. I bought a block. I've been using my Osma block for over a year, and, if I don't drop it, it will last for years. But I picked this one up just for the deal. 6 oz, 170g, for 4.06 dollars. Osma is around nine bucks for 75g, AOS wants 20 bucks for their 104g one. I think before I wait for something to grow on a string, I'll just break out the four bucks and get one of these. Pictures below of the new one with my slightly used Osma.

I was thinking how I might grow some alum once I get to scrap remains... if I get there. Thanks for the info.

People that pay big bux for Alum are wack,is one of the cheapest naturally occuring eliments on the planet.
Sorta like buying bottled water and treatments at air salons I guess

Who knows, maybe I'll make my own one day for fun. Yesterday, however, I ordered a couple extra small ones - one for my shoulders since they are prone to slight acne sometimes and one for my pits to compare to other deodorants. Since you only need a little block really I got these for $2.21 shipped each.

However you get it, this stuff - alum blocks - work in my experience. My skin always did best when I just kept a tidy full beard. However, when I started DE shaving my skin did so much better than shaving in the past. I attribute some of it to the lather, exfoliation, less blades, etc., and some to the alum. It's has antiseptic properties and it does something to make the skin feel taut.

I've never tried witch-hazel, so will check that out sometime just for the heck of it, to see how it compares.

With alum being fairly cheap and lasting so long, I'm way too lazy to do this. I started wetshaving about 2 years ago, and my alum block still looks the same size, just slightly rounded off from when it was new. I just use it to provide a better grip while straight shaving anyhow, does wonders for that.

I'll need to try this. I'm the chump that spent $18 on an alum block from Art of Shaving.

Originally Posted by Jonah

I'll need to try this. I'm the chump that spent $18 on an alum block from Art of Shaving.

Well, you can get a crystal deodorant stick Walgreens: Crystal Body Deodorant Stick $2.99 for much less and is basically the same thing. Making your own is an interesting thing but not worth it from my POV.

Bob