Thread: Alum blocks

I have a Thiers-Issard Alum block, I use it for every shave, just love the stuff, does wonders for my skin and the feeling is fantastic. After a year, it's just starting to get noticeably thinner, which means in about another year or two, this one should be done.

When this one goes, I have an Osma Alum Block ready to go. The two friends of mine I got into shaving with a DE, the alum block is their favorite thing, and the one thing I notice they all bring up if shaving with, "an old fashioned cartridge" type razor comes up.

I have always kept a block of Alum in the shave den but if you are fond of astringents, try Peach flavored Witch Hazel and also Witch Hazel with Aloe. Both are Thayers products. Good stuff.

Click here:
Peach Witch Hazel - Skin Care - Lucky Vitamin

I have had mine, my first block for over a year now. I havent dropped it (knock on wood) and the only noticeable usage is the rounding of the corners. Although I must say, I dont run the whole thing under water before using (nor can i fathom why one would); after splashing all the rest lather off, i just apply while my face is still wet. And at this rate, I can see the thing lasting several years.

Would't/could't be without alum.
On occasion i have neglected to rince off before applying balm.
I have purchased 3 different brands in order to make a comparison.
I read someplace that the most transluscent alum is best so of the three purchased, one very transluscent, one less transluscent and the other very white my verdict is,.............
that they all offer the same great feel to the face, the only difference is price.
With these three blocks i doubt i'll be buying more alum in my lifetime.

Gentlemen,
The alum bloc is a way of life. It's one of those quiet elements in the art of traditional shaving that carries big power. We go back together for years.

I used my Bloc Osma for a couple years before it dissolved/cracked and was rendered unusable.
I loved the stuff back then, but seems I'm getting by just fine without it nowadays.
Perhaps I should get one again some day...

I'm the same way. I use mine on occasion for traction but, most times it just sits. But like Obie states, it is sort of a quiet tool in the arsenal of wet shaving. Good to have just in case.

Much prefer potassium alum, I have a deodorant shaped one, main use is as a deodorant, secondary use is for traction, thirdly for weepers and such. Currently have one as deodorant and one for the rest, as my previous one got to the size it slipped and shattered, so I got a new one, but the old one is still fine just for finger rubbing for traction...

I enjoy using an alum block but my problem was they eventually melt away sooner if you don't dry them so I keep mine on a soap
tray. How do you guys that use one store it after use?

Originally Posted by Tony A

I enjoy using an alum block but my problem was they eventually melt away sooner if you don't dry them so I keep mine on a soap
tray. How do you guys that use one store it after use?

I have the exact same tray, minus the blue underlayment. Seems to work pretty well, accumulated alum drippings rinse off easily. Much handier than storing in the plastic box for me.