Alum block pricing?

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08-07-2009, 01:35 PM
mbwhoosh

Alum block pricing?

Hey guys

I have never used a/s astringents moisturizers (or even lather) before I started wetshaving. Since then I have tried witch hazel and am loving the effects and plan on adding a alum block and a/s to the mix.

My question is this, I have seen alum blocks priced anywhere from $4 to $24. Is there any difference in them or am I just paying for the brand? Are there any brands to avoid or certain ingredients (besides alum-har har) to look for?

thanks guys!

Also anyone know where I can get some osage rub in southern california?
08-07-2009, 02:10 PM
MARKHOLLADAY

OSAGE RUB

HELLO
I have never used an alum block , but I know they sell Osage rub at most of the Sally's Beauty Supply stores.
08-07-2009, 02:12 PM
freebird

I'm not an alum expert, but you can pick one up at your local barber supply, and as far as I know one brand is as good as the other. I bought mine at a barber supply in Tulsa, but I've had my block for so long I've forgotten exactly how much I did pay.I believe it was around 4 or 5 dollars. Hope this helps,I'm sure some of the others will offer their advice also.
08-07-2009, 02:14 PM
freebird

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARKHOLLADAY

HELLO
I have never used an alum block , but I know they sell Osage rub at most of the Sally's Beauty Supply stores.

What is Osage Rub? I've never heard of it lol If it's as good or better than alum, I might have to pick some up.
08-07-2009, 02:17 PM
kevbell

A couple weeks ago I picked up a block from a small eastern Indian grocery/general store. Cost me a couple bucks. No plastic container, nothing fancy.

Kevin
08-07-2009, 02:41 PM
freebird

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevbell

A couple weeks ago I picked up a block from a small eastern Indian grocery/general store. Cost me a couple bucks. No plastic container, nothing fancy.

Kevin

same here, mine was in shrink wrap, no name on it.
08-07-2009, 02:58 PM
singlewedge

Crystal Deodorant. A small travel size from the hippie stores, Whole Foods, Natures, etc. $.99. It will last for ever.

It is only alum.
08-07-2009, 03:41 PM
gugi

i think there are two basic types sodium and potassium alum, you want the potassium on your face.
08-07-2009, 03:46 PM
RazorPete

I am really happy that I incorporated alum block into my shaving routine, it really knocks out irritation after shaving. You can get eshave alum block for around 16$ at a number of places, google it! Classic Shaving makes their own alum block thats larger and more economical. Art of shaving alum block is $18 dollars. Osage rub is totally different from alum block.
08-07-2009, 04:12 PM
tcharah

Quote:

Originally Posted by gugi

i think there are two basic types sodium and potassium alum, you want the potassium on your face.

Hmmm.. thats interesting! Never thought that! But, sorry for the ignorance, why the potassium?
I will look at night at my 444 alum block to see what is made of!
08-07-2009, 09:42 PM
aroliver59

Got mine from Straight Razor Designs about a year ago.I think it was about 6 bucks.Came with a nice plastic box I still use to keep it in on my shave shelf.
08-07-2009, 11:35 PM
thebigspendur

The ammonium kind is not for facial use and will burn the dickens out of you.

You can order from Talumba and get like 10 blocks for like five bucks a piece or so. They are a Turkish vendor in Bklyn, N.Y
08-07-2009, 11:53 PM
singlewedge

Ingredients: Natural Mineral Salts, Ammonium Alum.http://www.thecrystal.com/productimages/22501.jpg

Sorry for the reiterate I just hate seeing people spend lots of money for something they can get cheap.:)
08-08-2009, 01:34 AM
Doc

+1 I get mine at GNC
08-08-2009, 02:31 AM
mbwhoosh

Thanks for the all the replys!

There seems to be a debate on which kind of alum is suitable for the face though.

sodium
potassium
ammonium :shrug::shrug::shrug:

Will have to do some research and see if which (if not all) are suitable for the face.
08-08-2009, 02:35 AM
vior

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

The ammonium kind is not for facial use and will burn the dickens out of you.

You can order from Talumba and get like 10 blocks for like five bucks a piece or so. They are a Turkish vendor in Bklyn, N.Y

+1

That's where I now purchase mine from. I can't tell the difference between these and the higher priced ones.
08-10-2009, 11:22 PM
Gunner777

I got mine on Amazon.com for $8 and it was a Taylors of Old Bond Street. Works well to. I like the feeling after you wash it off. It really tightens the skin but overly so.
08-11-2009, 11:07 PM
wheelz74401

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebird

I'm not an alum expert, but you can pick one up at your local barber supply, and as far as I know one brand is as good as the other. I bought mine at a barber supply in Tulsa, but I've had my block for so long I've forgotten exactly how much I did pay.I believe it was around 4 or 5 dollars. Hope this helps,I'm sure some of the others will offer their advice also.

where in tulsa I am up there almost every weekend I am in Muskogee